Program in East Asian Studies

Faculty:

Alister Inglis, Director, Professor of Modern Languages and Literatures

Denise M. Horn, Associate Professor of Political Science and International Relations and Women’s and Gender Studies

Zhigang Liu, Associate Professor of History and Modern Languages and Literatures

Shirong Luo, Associate professor of Philosophy

Niloufer Sohrabji, Associate Professor of Economics

Overview:

The major in East Asian Studies (EAS) is designed to provide students with knowledge and understanding of East Asia, a region that has become increasingly significant in the post-Cold War era. Students acquire this knowledge by studying an East Asian language as well as courses in other disciplines that may include art history, economics, film studies, history, literature, philosophy, political science, religion, and sociology. The major prepares students for further growth beyond college along a variety of paths, such as graduate study, careers in education, employment abroad or in business and institutions specializing in East Asia, and service within and to the Asian American community.

A minor in East Asian studies allows students to enhance their major academic program with an understanding of the history, politics, and culture of East Asia. A minor may consist of, but does not require, language courses.

Learning Outcomes:

At the successful completion of the major in East Asian Studies, students will:

  • Form a deeper understanding of the history, politics, and culture of East and Southeast Asia
  • Gain experience in East and Southeast Asia through language training and Study Abroad experiences
  • Understand the impact of global politics in the region

Departmental Honors:

Honors in East Asian Studies requires a minimum GPA of 3.67 for EAS courses in addition to a grade of A or A- for the senior term-paper; i.e., the paper produced as part of the course work for either EAS 390 or EAS 350.

The number of credits transferred from study abroad or other institutions and applied to the major shall not exceed 16 (four courses).