The Department of Pacific and Asian Studies offers BA and MA programs that address the increasing cultural, political, and economic importance of the Asia-Pacific for Canada and the need for Canadians to learn more about this critical region. Recognising Victoria’s location on the Pacific Rim, the Department provides a cross-regional, multidisciplinary and multi-cultural approach to the study of the Asia-Pacific, with courses in three languages (Chinese, Japanese, and Indonesian-Malay), four regions (China, Japan, Southeast Asia and Oceania), and a wide range of academic disciplines including history, linguistics, literature, theatre, film, cultural and religious studies.

The Department offers the following programs leading to the degree of Bachelor of Arts:

• Major Program
• Honours Program
• General and Minor Program

An undergraduate degree is designed for both general education and professional purposes. Students who graduate with a BA in Pacific and Asian Studies will achieve the following:

• A working knowledge of one Asian language;
• A general knowledge of the history, society and culture of the Asia-Pacific region, with specific emphasis on modern and contemporary issues, seen from an appropriate, Asian perspective yet sensitive to their global context;
• A more specific knowledge of one country or region covered by the department;
• A grasp of the concepts and ideas essential to understanding of the region; training in appropriate critical and analytical skills; and training in the foundational skills of academic research, rhetoric, and writing;
• An appreciation and sensitivity for the cultures of Asia and the world conceived of on their own terms.

Such general skills and specialised knowledge, especially when combined with the expertise offered by programs such as Education, Law, Business, Public Administration or Environmental Studies, should enhance the opportunities of students seeking careers related to the Asia-Pacific region.

Major Program

The Major Program includes core courses required for all students, as well as courses of both an integrative and specialised nature, from which students may choose. The requirements provide for both breadth and specialisation in terms of geographical or linguistic interest.

• PAAS 100 (1.5)
• PAAS 200 (1.5)
• One of PAAS 300, 301, or 302 (1.5)
• PAAS 400 (1.5)
• 12 units of PAAS courses numbered 300 or higher
• 9 units of Chinese or Japanese language; or 6 units of study in Indonesian/Malay language plus 3 units of lower-level courses related to Southeast Asia chosen from 170, 171, 205, 295.

Total: 27 units.

Note: We strongly advise that students complete the required core courses in sequential order.

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Honours Program

Students interested in the Honours Program should consult with the Pacific and Asian Studies Honours Advisor. Program requirements are the same as for the Major, with the addition of:

• 1.5 units of PAAS courses numbered 300 or higher;
• PAAS 499 (1.5)

Total: 30 Units

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General and Minor Program

Pacific and Asian Studies

• PAAS 100 (1.5)
• PAAS 200 (1.5)
• 4.5 units of 100-200 level PAAS courses
• 9 units of PAAS courses numbered 300 or higher chosen from 303, 307, 308, 364, 365, 401, 403, 405, 406, 409, 464, 465, 466

Total: 16.5 units

Chinese Studies

• PAAS 100 (1.5)
• 9 units of PAAS courses numbered 300 or higher chosen from 350-359, 450-459

Language Requirement for Native Speakers of Chinese:

• 6 units of Chinese language chosen from PAAS 212, 312, 313, 410, 459, 497

Language Requirement for non-Native Speakers of Chinese:

• 6 units of Chinese language chosen from PAAS 110, 111, 210, 211, 310, 311

Total: 16.5 units

Japanese Studies

• PAAS 100 (1.5)
• 9 units of PAAS courses numbered 300 or higher chosen from 380-399, 480-488
• 6 units of Japanese language courses chosen from 130, 131, 230, 330, 331, 332, 333, 334 (Native speakers may substitute other Japan-related courses chosen in consultation with the program advisor.)

Total: 16.5 units

Southeast Asian Studies

• PAAS 100 (1.5)
• 9 units of PAAS courses numbered 300 or higher chosen from 364-373, 464-468
• 6 units of Indonesian/Malay language courses chosen from 120, 121, 220, 221 (Native speakers may substitute other Southeast-Asia-related courses chosen in consultation with the program advisor.)

Total: 16.5 units

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