East Asian Studies

Are you fascinated by East Asia? Our program will engage you in an intensive study of Chinese and Japanese language, history, religion, and culture, providing you with the essential foundation for a career that focuses on this region of the world.

Choose a specialization in China or Japan, study one or both languages, and even travel to East Asia on one of our study abroad  programs. Classroom language study in Chinese and Japanese is further supported by Chinese and Japanese “language tables” (informal gatherings where you meet with teachers to practice conversational Chinese or Japanese). You can also participate in campus organizations such as the Japan Club, the Anime Club and the International Club.

Graduates of our program are prepared for graduate study, life and work in East Asia, or careers in fields like business or international relations. You’ll not only learn to appreciate the distinctive cultural patterns of the Chinese and Japanese people, but to explore the diversity of human experience more generally!

East Asian Studies, China Track, B.A.

East Asian Studies emphasizes a broad interdisciplinary understanding of East Asia at both the regional and national level. The program allows students to select either a general or country-specific emphasis, and provides opportunities for study-abroad in Japan, China and/or South Korea. Graduates of our program are well-positioned to work in East Asia-related fields, and can pursue graduate study in East Asian Studies or other connected programs/disciplines (i.e. History, International Relations, etc).

For additional information and courses in this program, see East Asian Studies.

A minimum of 36 credits, including:

Core Courses

Language

Four semesters of Chinese language

History, Religion, Culture and Society

Two courses from the following, at least one at the 300-level or above:

Electives

Four credits from the following list:

Note:

Courses taken on approved study-abroad programs can substitute for program requirements at the 200-level or below with EAST program coordinator approval.

Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the B.A. Degree Requirements within the Academic Regulations section of this catalog.

East Asian Studies, General Track, B.A.

East Asian Studies emphasizes a broad interdisciplinary understanding of East Asia at both the regional and national level. The program allows students to select either a general or country-specific emphasis, and provides opportunities for study-abroad in Japan, China and/or South Korea. Graduates of our program are well-positioned to work in East Asia-related fields, and can pursue graduate study in East Asian Studies or other connected programs/disciplines (i.e. History, International Relations, etc).

For additional information and courses in this program, see East Asian Studies.

A minimum of 36 credits, including:

Core Courses

Language

Three semesters of Chinese or Japanese language

History, Religion, Culture and Society

Three courses from one of the following list with at least one at the 300-level:

Electives

Four credits from the following list:

Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the B.A. Degree Requirements within the Academic Regulations section of this catalog.

East Asian Studies, Japan Track, B.A.

East Asian Studies emphasizes a broad interdisciplinary understanding of East Asia at both the regional and national level. The program allows students to select either a general or country-specific emphasis, and provides opportunities for study-abroad in Japan, China and/or South Korea. Graduates of our program are well-positioned to work in East Asia-related fields, and can pursue graduate study in East Asian Studies or other connected programs/disciplines (i.e. History, International Relations, etc).

For additional information and courses in this program, see East Asian Studies.

A minimum of 36 credits, including:

Core Courses

Language

Four semesters of Japanese language

History, Religion, Culture and Society

Two courses from the following, at least one at the 300-level or above:

Electives

Four credits from the following list:

Note:

Courses taken on approved study-abroad programs can substitute for program requirements at the 200-level or below with EAST program coordinator approval.

Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the B.A. Degree Requirements within the Academic Regulations section of this catalog.

East Asian Studies Minor

For additional information and courses in this program, see East Asian Studies.

A minimum of 24 credit hours, including:

Core Course

Language

Two semesters of Chinese or Japanese language

History, Religion, Culture and Society

Two courses from the following, with at least one at the 300-level:

Electives

Four credits from the following list:

NOTE: This page contains all of the regular course descriptions for this discipline or program. Academic credit for each course is noted in parenthesis after the course title. Prerequisites (if any) and the General Education Requirement(s) which each course fulfills (if any) are noted following each course description. Current course offerings are available in Merlin.

EAST 165 Introduction to East Asia (4.00)
(Same as: HIST 165.) A broad survey of East Asian civilization that highlights important cultural developments during representative eras of Chinese, Japanese and Korean history. These snapshots provide a basic foundation for understanding contemporary East Asia and serve as an ideal gateway to the East Asian Studies majors and minors. Cardinal Directions Designation(s): Humanities, Global Understanding. iCon(s): Thinking Globally.

EAST 397 Internship (0.00-12.00)
Working under the direction of an East Asian Studies faculty member, students arrange and complete an internship with an approved organization. Students are expected to reflect upon their experiences in a report using academic sources. Prerequisite(s): One 200-level East Asian Studies course.

EAST 399 Independent Study (1.00-12.00)
Working under the direction of an East Asian Studies faculty member, students complete a work of original research on an East Asian Studies topic. Prerequisite(s): One 200-level East Asian Studies course.

EAST 490 Independent Study (1.00-12.00)
This course serves as the Capstone experience for East Asian Studies majors. Working under the direction of an East Asian Studies faculty member, students complete a work of original research on an East Asian Studies topic. Prerequisite(s): One 300-level East Asian Studies course. Cardinal Directions Designation(s): Writing Intensive.

Extra-curricular and professional activities that will enrich your East Asian studies education.

One of the most exciting features of our East Asian Studies program is that it incorporates many opportunities to develop the kind of practical experience that will help you succeed in careers that involve a focus on this region of the world.

Our Chinese and Japanese language programs, broad range of courses on East Asia, and study abroad programs throughout the region will give you the language skills and cultural understanding to build a solid foundation for your future.

Language study is further supported by

  • NCC-in-China/Japan
  • weekly language tables, where faculty and students meet to practice conversational Chinese and Japanese in informal settings
  • student organizations, such as the Japan Club, Asian Student Konnection, the Anime Club, and the International Club
  • the opportunity to start your own organization
  • field trips to places like the Mitsuwa Shopping Mall in Arlington Heights, the Art Institute of Chicago, or Chicago’s Chinatown (for Chinese New Years festivities)
  • Richter Independent Study Fellowships, which provides qualified North Central College students with grants of up to $5000 to fund individualized research projects, including the cost of overseas travel and living expenses

Wherever your interests lie, we’ll help you get there!