East Asian Area Studies Major

The East Asian Area Studies (EAAS) major offers an interdisciplinary approach to learning about East Asia, combining language study with history, social sciences and the humanities. EAAS is a complementary double major; students have successfully combined their study of East Asia with majors in biology, business, communication, film, international relations, and more. The EAAS major also provides a strong foundation for students pursuing additional training in graduate or professional programs as well as those seeking careers in public service, journalism, international business and law, government, and the private sector. For details and degree requirements click here.

East Asian Area Studies Minor

A minor in East Asian Area Studies is a great complementary focus for students in professional schools or liberal arts. Students who have minored in EAAS have majored in a range of disciplines, including economics, religion, business, neuroscience, and public policy. For details and degree requirements click here.

Korean Studies Minor

The Korean Studies (KRNS) minor is intended for students who are interested in the political, economic, social and cultural changes of the area, and draws upon courses from departments across the social sciences, humanities, and professional schools. For details and degree requirements click here.

    • Knowledge of and ability to apply methods of critical and social analysis from anthropology, sociology, international relations, political science, economics, literature, arts, and/or history to the study of East Asia.
    • Ability to apply interdisciplinary methods to the analysis of East Asian cultures, politics, and societies.
    • Ability to analyze both primary and secondary source readings by identifying the main argument or thought, placing it in context, and interpreting it critically based on the logic and evidence presented.
    • Ability to analyze the interplay between human action and institutions and organizations in East Asia, either historically or in the contemporary world.
    • Knowledge of the key facets of East Asia’s place in our globalized world and the ability to analyze the influence of globalization in East Asia.
    • Ability to identify strategies and choices East Asian countries have made in pursuing economic, political, and social development.
    • Fourth semester or better competence in Chinese, Japanese, or Korean language.
  • Many students wonder about the difference between East Asian Area Studies and East Asian Languages and Cultures. EAAS requires fewer language courses for the major and no language requirement for the minor. EAAS also has more diverse upper division course offerings from a wide variety of departments and schools. For students mostly interested in language, literature and culture, the EALC major may be a good fit. Those interested in the historical or contemporary political, economic, social and cultural changes in East Asia, however, should strongly consider EAAS.

Contact Details

Advising

Kaitlin Lam
CAS 101B

Courses