Asia-Related Courses offered in Spring 2027
ASIA 2000 Gateway to Modern Asia
T/Th 11:00am-12:15pm
Lauren Collins (collinlk@colorado.edu)
Introduces main themes, intellectual approaches used in Asian Studies through a transdisciplinary perspective that focuses on interactions and links between geographic regions and national boundaries. Presents Asia as a concept, a powerful imaginary geography, and historically dynamic construct that has shaped / been shaped by global patterns of economic development, nation building, war and diplomacy, colonialism and aspirations for better lives.
Lauren Collins (collinlk@colorado.edu)
Introduces main themes, intellectual approaches used in Asian Studies through a transdisciplinary perspective that focuses on interactions and links between geographic regions and national boundaries. Presents Asia as a concept, a powerful imaginary geography, and historically dynamic construct that has shaped / been shaped by global patterns of economic development, nation building, war and diplomacy, colonialism and aspirations for better lives.
ASIA 4100 China's Space Dream
T/Th 2:00-3:15
Lauren Collins (collinlk@colorado.edu)
This class will explore the history of China's interest in and development of space technology from the Mao era through today. China became the third country ever to launch a human into space in 2003 and has been expanding its space program ever since.
Lauren Collins (collinlk@colorado.edu)
This class will explore the history of China's interest in and development of space technology from the Mao era through today. China became the third country ever to launch a human into space in 2003 and has been expanding its space program ever since.
ASIA 4650 Art and Science of Meditation
T/Th 2-3:15
Dan Hirshberg (Dan.Hirshberg@colorado.edu)
Broadly interdisciplinary and skill-based, this course offers an in-depth theoretical, practical, and experiential exploration of meditation informed by scientific studies. Students read traditional contemplative masterworks in translation, survey current neuroscientific and psychological research on meditation, and employ critical subjectivity in the application of evidence-based contemplative techniques. That is, students train in secularized meditation that is proven to develop three specific skillsets: relaxation and stress reduction; attentional focus and distraction reduction; and compassion and emotional resilience.
Dan Hirshberg (Dan.Hirshberg@colorado.edu)
Broadly interdisciplinary and skill-based, this course offers an in-depth theoretical, practical, and experiential exploration of meditation informed by scientific studies. Students read traditional contemplative masterworks in translation, survey current neuroscientific and psychological research on meditation, and employ critical subjectivity in the application of evidence-based contemplative techniques. That is, students train in secularized meditation that is proven to develop three specific skillsets: relaxation and stress reduction; attentional focus and distraction reduction; and compassion and emotional resilience.
MAYMESTER CLASS: ASIA 4660 Global Seminar: Zen and the Art of Meditation
Maymester
Dan Hirshberg (Dan.Hirshberg@colorado.edu)
Focuses on the contemplative arts of Zen Buddhism, which not only exemplify awakening but, in their execution, may also serve as paths to its attainment. These include garden design, bonsai tree cultivation, sumi-ink painting and calligraphy, and the tea ceremony, among others. Students train in evidence-based contemplative techniques over 3 weeks in Japan.
Dan Hirshberg (Dan.Hirshberg@colorado.edu)
Focuses on the contemplative arts of Zen Buddhism, which not only exemplify awakening but, in their execution, may also serve as paths to its attainment. These include garden design, bonsai tree cultivation, sumi-ink painting and calligraphy, and the tea ceremony, among others. Students train in evidence-based contemplative techniques over 3 weeks in Japan.
CHIN 1020 Beginning Chinese 2
CHIN 2120 Intermediate Chinese 2
CHIN 3120 Advanced Chinese 2
meeting pattern varies by section
CHIN 3361 Women and the Supernatural in Chinese Literature
T/TH 11am-12:15pm
Antje Richter (richtea@colorado.edu)
From ancient ghost stories to modern tales of transformation, this course delves into the rich and complex relationship be-tween women and the supernatural as they are represented in Chinese literature and culture. We examine how gender, power, and the unknown intertwine in classical and vernacular fiction, religious texts, and poetry—tracing evolving depictions of a wide range of female protagonists, from ghost lovers, animal spirits, celestial wives, filial daughters, a mother in hell, fox fairies, superwomen, and cross-dressers.
Antje Richter (richtea@colorado.edu)
From ancient ghost stories to modern tales of transformation, this course delves into the rich and complex relationship be-tween women and the supernatural as they are represented in Chinese literature and culture. We examine how gender, power, and the unknown intertwine in classical and vernacular fiction, religious texts, and poetry—tracing evolving depictions of a wide range of female protagonists, from ghost lovers, animal spirits, celestial wives, filial daughters, a mother in hell, fox fairies, superwomen, and cross-dressers.
GEOG 3822 Geography of China
T/Th 5:00 - 6:15
Tim Oakes (oakes@colorado.edu)
An introduction to China’s diverse human and environmental geographies, with a focus on China's cultural diversity, the spatial dimensions of China's economic development, the ecological costs of China's rapid rise to prosperity, and the role of state policies in both producing and mitigating those costs.
Tim Oakes (oakes@colorado.edu)
An introduction to China’s diverse human and environmental geographies, with a focus on China's cultural diversity, the spatial dimensions of China's economic development, the ecological costs of China's rapid rise to prosperity, and the role of state policies in both producing and mitigating those costs.
JPNS 4120 Advanced Readings in Modern Japanese 2
KREN 1020 Beginning Korean 2M-Th 10:10–11:00 a.m. Yoonyung Huh (yoonyung.huh@colorado.edu) KREN 1020 is designed to develop your basic communication skills in various everyday topics through an integrated practice of listening, speaking, reading, writing, and presentation. Additionally, you will engage in free unlimited 1:1 conversation practice online (AnytimeKorean.com) with native Korean speakers as your language partners to enhance your pronunciation and conversation skills through real-time interaction. |
KREN 2120 Intermediate Korean 2M-TH 10:10–11:00 a.m. Yoonyung Huh (yoonyung.huh@colorado.edu) This course emphasizes the development of four language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) in various socio-cultural contexts. Additionally, you will engage in free unlimited 1:1 conversation practice online (AnytimeKorean.com) with native Korean speakers as your language partners to enhance your pronunciation and conversation skills through real-time interaction. |
KREN 3120 Advanced Korean 2M-TH 11:15 am–12:05 pm Sangbok Kim (Sangbok.Kim@colorado.edu) This course focuses on mastering formal writing, presentations, speaking/discussions, and exploring socio-cultural topics through the textbook. |
RLST 2810 Islamic Spain: Land of Three Religions
T/Th 9:30-10:45am
Brian Catlos (Brian.Catlos@colorado.edu)
For almost a thousand years Muslim Spain – al-Andalus – was the home to communities of Christians, Muslims and Jews, who laid the foundations for the European Renaissance and Scientific revolution and of modern Jewish culture. Using his Kingdoms of Faith: A New History of Islamic Spain and contemporary sources, Prof. Brian A. Catlos will take you through a cinematic history of poetry, art, political intrigue and war, illuminating a cosmopolitan society and a gripping history that carries important lessons for the world of today.
Brian Catlos (Brian.Catlos@colorado.edu)
For almost a thousand years Muslim Spain – al-Andalus – was the home to communities of Christians, Muslims and Jews, who laid the foundations for the European Renaissance and Scientific revolution and of modern Jewish culture. Using his Kingdoms of Faith: A New History of Islamic Spain and contemporary sources, Prof. Brian A. Catlos will take you through a cinematic history of poetry, art, political intrigue and war, illuminating a cosmopolitan society and a gripping history that carries important lessons for the world of today.
RLST 3200 Yoga, Castes and Magic: Hindu Society and Spirituality
T/Th 2pm-3:15pm
Loriliai Biernacki (Loriliai.Biernacki@colorado.edu)
This course addresses the practices of yoga in the context of spirituality and power in Hinduism in India from ancient times through the modern period. This course will also probe the ideas and practices contributing to yoga and its seeming magical powers, particularly as they reference practices for strengthening the mind and body through different forms of yoga.
Loriliai Biernacki (Loriliai.Biernacki@colorado.edu)
This course addresses the practices of yoga in the context of spirituality and power in Hinduism in India from ancient times through the modern period. This course will also probe the ideas and practices contributing to yoga and its seeming magical powers, particularly as they reference practices for strengthening the mind and body through different forms of yoga.
RLST 3550 Tibetan Buddhism
T/Th 11am-12:15pm
Dan Hirshberg (Dan.Hirshberg@colorado.edu)
Explores Tibetan Buddhist theories and practices of dying and death to survey its diverse contemplative techniques, philosophical principles, and ultimate objective of total liberation from suffering, especially within the so-called Tibetan Book of the Dead. Includes discussions of serially reincarnated teachers, "sky burial", and signs of liberation at the time of death.
Dan Hirshberg (Dan.Hirshberg@colorado.edu)
Explores Tibetan Buddhist theories and practices of dying and death to survey its diverse contemplative techniques, philosophical principles, and ultimate objective of total liberation from suffering, especially within the so-called Tibetan Book of the Dead. Includes discussions of serially reincarnated teachers, "sky burial", and signs of liberation at the time of death.
RLST 3801 Muslims, Christians, Jews & the Mediterranean Origins of the West
T /Th 12:30-1:45pm
Brian Catlos (Brian.Catlos@colorado.edu)
This course provides a historical foundation for the study of western Modernity, including the Anglo-European and Islamic worlds. It focuses on the Mediterranean region in the long Middle Ages (650-1650), emphasizing the role of Christian, Muslim and Jewish peoples and cultures, in Europe, Africa and West Asia in both conflict and collaboration. The approach is interdisciplinary incorporating social, economic, cultural, literary and art history, combining lectures with discussions based around readings of contemporary documents and the analysis of contemporary artifacts.
Brian Catlos (Brian.Catlos@colorado.edu)
This course provides a historical foundation for the study of western Modernity, including the Anglo-European and Islamic worlds. It focuses on the Mediterranean region in the long Middle Ages (650-1650), emphasizing the role of Christian, Muslim and Jewish peoples and cultures, in Europe, Africa and West Asia in both conflict and collaboration. The approach is interdisciplinary incorporating social, economic, cultural, literary and art history, combining lectures with discussions based around readings of contemporary documents and the analysis of contemporary artifacts.
RLST 4200 Yoga and Goddesses
Tuesday or Thursday 3:30pm -6pm (2 sections)
Loriliai Biernacki (Loriliai.Biernacki@colorado.edu)
This course addresses the roles that goddesses play in the practice of yoga.
Loriliai Biernacki (Loriliai.Biernacki@colorado.edu)
This course addresses the roles that goddesses play in the practice of yoga.