Elms College adds Asian studies minor to offerings

Date: 6/2/2009

By Amanda Lemon

Staff Intern



CHICOPEE -- Elms College has recently added an Asian studies minor to their offerings of undergraduate programs. Given the success of the college's 10-year exchange program with Kochi Women's University in Kochi, Japan, the announcement of the new minor is an extension of the college's focus on the Asian culture.

According to Russell Powell of the Elms College Marketing Department, the decision to add the Asian studies minor was based on "the way in which the world is changing. From a domestic stand point, more and more people are coming to this country from that area of the world."

The minor will provide knowledge of various aspects of the Asian lifestyle including language, culture, history, and religion. In turn, student's will have a strong foundation to begin to delve into such areas as global politics, business, and education.

The ultimate goal of the college is for students who pursue the minor to gain perspective on the world, while at the same time learning to appreciate other cultures.

Powell also cited the prospect of growing employment opportunities within Asia's business market as a good reason to integrate the minor into the college's program of studies.

Some of the courses students will have to choose from include China and the Chinese People, Japanese People and Culture, World Religion, and Asian History. There will also be both Chinese and Japanese language classes available.

For more information or to fill out an application, visit www.elms.edu.