Each year, graduating seniors in the Asian studies major must write a thesis. This past spring, the Center for Asian Studies organized a dinner where each thesis writer was given an opportunity to present his/her work. Given the intellectual success of the event, the Center has decided to launch the Colorado Journal of Asian Studies. Included in this journal are some of the outstanding theses. In the inaugural issue are four articles. The first is an honors thesis by Patricia Helfenbein, the first ever to be done in the Asian Studies Program. Her thesis examines the discourse among Chinese and Indian intellectuals over the place of the nation (i.e., China and India) on an international level (i.e., Asia). The second article is Jay Hendren's thesis. Jay's thesis examines the practice of gongfu cha and its spread beyond China. The third thesis, by Kevin Peter, looks at the escalating tensions between the Han Chinese and the Uyghur Muslims in Xingjiang. And finally, the last article is by Dan Ryan, which focuses on the extent of anti-Amerianism in Korean films. In addition to their academic quality, these four article share another commonality: thematic emphasis. Each year, the Center for Asian Studies highlights one or two themes in its sponsored programs. In 2011-2012, the themes were "Visualizing Asia" and "Asia on Edge." It is fitting that all four theses in this inaugural issue address these two topics.

To View the latest edition of the Colorado Journal of Asian Studies, click here.