This seminar introduces theories and concepts that help us to understand what defines Asia and how they have formed scholarships in Asian Studies.  The seminar is based on, but not limited to, interdisciplinary perspectives of anthropology, sociology, geography, and history.  Discussions focus on understanding of Asia and its historical and contemporary relationships with Western societies—how Asia has been defined by others and self through history.  We will study the concepts of nations, nationalism, ethnicity, colonial power, modernity, and traditions to have better understandings of Asian societies, people and cultures.  We will also read case studies on multiculturalism, globalization, self-orientalism, and national and ethnic politics to examine how the people in and from Asia shape their identities and cultures and how the West (not) understand them.  The aim of this seminar is to develop critical thinking, a core skill of graduate students.