Investigation of the history and theory of Western engagement with Asian cultures. Following from Edward Said's influential book Orientalism, we examine the alleged imperialism inherent in the study of the Orient, also considering some opponents of Said's thesis. Special attention is paid to the history of interpretation of Asian philosophies in the West, and of Asian postcolonial responses to such portrayals. We conclude by exploring the possibilities for post-orientalist approaches to the study of Asia. This course is offered as both AAS 473 and PHI 473.