Mount Holyoke College Archives and Special Collections

Archival Inventory

2 folders

Historical Sketch:
The Asian Studies program was officially organized in May, 1979. Since its creation it has relied on a close cooperation among the Five Colleges. Asian Studies is an interdisciplinary program which provides students with a knowledge of Asian history, culture, and language. Courses are spread throughout a wide range of departments including Art, Geography, History, International Relations, Politics, Religion, Sociology and Anthropology, and Women's Studies.

Description of Records:
The Asian Studies Program records contain articles, posters, a sponsorship request, and annual reports. The various articles contain information on topics such as computerized Chinese language lessons at Mount Holyoke, the first Pioneer Valley Chinese Festival, and a Mount Holyoke News feature titled "Focus on Asian Studies". There is a pamphlet/poster for a film series highlighting the women of India called "Images of Indian Women." Also included in the records is a sponsorship request for a lecture by Professor John Paul on Dr. Ida Scudder, a pioneer in medicine and women's health in India, and a poster advertising the lecture. The annual reports, from the years 1979-1993, contain information on staffing, evaluations of all the faculty members in the program, enrollment, and government funding of the Asian Studies Program. Information on the Asian Studies curriculum includes discussions on course development, descriptions of various courses such as Asian Art, History, and Religion, and information on lecture series. Also included is information about Elliot House, the Japanese Tea Ceremony, and the Japanese Meditation Garden. There are lists of awards presented to majors and future plans of graduating seniors in the program are laid out.

Cite as: Asian Studies Records, Mount Holyoke College, Archives and Special Collections, South Hadley, MA.

Access Restrictions: Records are restricted to use by the office/department of origin for 25 years from date of record creation.