The East Asian region is home to some of the world's oldest cultures, and yet the area is also deeply relevant to the modern world. East Asia is sure to have a profound influence on world trade, politics, and culture in the twenty-first century. The East Asian Studies Department contributes a new dimension to the traditional liberal arts curriculum by offering courses with a focus on this region. Students considering a major in East Asian Studies are strongly urged to take the department's introductory course East Asian Studies 150.
Language study is an important component of the major.
The department houses the Chinese and Japanese language programs, and through these programs offers four years of instruction in either language. In addition to gaining a solid grounding in language and literature, East Asia majors may choose from a variety of courses offered by affiliated faculty in such areas as art history, anthropology, government, history, music, and religion to complete their course requirements.