Interdisciplinary Programs
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, B.A.
For additional information and courses in this program, see
Major Requirements
The major is divided into a "Japan Track" and a "China Track." All students must finish two years (18 credit hours) in the language of their chosen region. They must complete an additional 21 credit hours focusing on various aspects of East Asian civilization.
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EAS 165 - Introduction to East Asia
EAS 165 - Introduction to East Asia
3.00 credit hours
An introduction to major themes in the cultural history of China and Japan. Foundational texts of East Asian philosophy, religion and literature are read and discussed in their historical context. Important works of East Asian art and film are viewed and analyzed. The goal is to develop a basic familiarity with the evolution of Chinese and Japanese civilizations from their ancient foundations to their modern manifestations.
Cardinal Directions Designation(s)
Humanities or Social Science.iCon(s)
S2 908N
Track Requirements
Each student must complete one of the following tracks:
Japan Track
In addition to 18 credit hours in Japanese language, one of the following:
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EAS 292 - Japanese Culture and Society
EAS 292 - Japanese Culture and Society
3.00 credit hours
A study of the cultural and social structures that have historically defined Japanese civilization and continue to shape the contemporary Japanese experience with regard to areas such as family, education, ritual, art, politics and economics.
Cardinal Directions Designation(s)
Humanities or Social Science. -
HST 263 - Japanese History
HST 263 - Japanese History
3.00 credit hours
An examination of the political and cultural evolution of Japanese civilization from prehistory to the present. Some of the themes explored are Japan's traditional pattern of adapting Chinese political and cultural forms according to contemporary needs, the role of the samurai in Japanese history and the modernization of Japan from 1868 to the present.
Prerequisite(s)
One humanities or social science course.
Cardinal Directions Designation(s)
Humanities or Social Science.
China Track
In addition to 18 credit hours in Chinese language, one of the following:
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HST 261 - Traditional China
HST 261 - Traditional China
3.00 credit hours
A survey of the political and cultural development of Chinese civilization from prehistory through to the Ming dynasty (17th century).
Prerequisite(s)
One humanities or social science course.
Cardinal Directions Designation(s)
Humanities or Social Science. -
HST 265 - Modern China
HST 265 - Modern China
3.00 credit hours
An examination of China's transition from the "traditional" civilization of the dynastic period (up to 1911) to the "modern" nation that has emerged in the 21st century.
Prerequisite(s)
One humanities or social science course.
Cardinal Directions Designation(s)
Humanities or Social Science.
At least one of the following courses:
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HST 330 - East Asian Thought
HST 330 - East Asian Thought
3.00 credit hours
An historical survey of the East Asian intellectual tradition based on the reading of primary sources in translation and focusing on the cross-fertilization of ideas between the three major intellectual traditions of Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism.
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REL 260 - The Religions of China
REL 260 - The Religions of China
3.00 credit hours
An examination of the history, theory and practice of the major religious traditions of China: Confucianism, Daoism, Buddhism and the folk traditions that blend all three. The course focuses on the evolution of Chinese religion through a process of mutual influence within a general atmosphere of religious tolerance for sectarian differences.
Cardinal Directions Designation(s)
Humanities. -
REL 265 - The Religions of Japan
REL 265 - The Religions of Japan
3.00 credit hours
A survey of the major religious traditions of Japan, including Shinto, Buddhism (Tendai, Shingon, Zen, Pure Land and Nichiren) and the various "New Religions" that have come to prominence in the post-war period (such as Soka Gakkai and Tenrikyo). The theory and practices of specific religions are examined in their historical context, beginning with the early roots of Shinto and concluding with the dramatic changes that have transformed the Japanese religious landscape from the nineteenth century to the present.
Cardinal Directions Designation(s)
Humanities. -
REL 315 - Buddhism
REL 315 - Buddhism
3.00 credit hours
A detailed exploration of the historical evolution of Buddhism from its initial formulation in India to its various incarnations in Southeast, Central and East Asia, as well as its more recent manifestation in North America. Particular attention is given to the distinctions between the three major branches of the religion (Theravada, Mahayana and Tantrayana), as well as to the theory and practice of individual sects such as Zen and Pure Land.
At least one additional elective, from the following:
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- A second course from
- A second course from
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ART 140 - Oriental Brush Painting
ART 140 - Oriental Brush Painting
3.00 credit hours
An introduction to Chinese watercolor painting through practice in the use of oriental brushes and ink in both calligraphy and painting and study of seventeenth-century Chinese painter's manual and techniques.
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ART 264 - Global Art Survey
ART 264 - Global Art Survey
3.00 credit hours
A survey of art from major world cultures with art traditions distinct from the West including the Americas, Asia, Africa and Near East. Thematic discussions of social, religious and political values that are visually expressed in art will be approached from a global perspective.
Cardinal Directions Designation(s)
Humanities. -
ECN 324 - International Political Economy
(same as
ECN 324 - International Political Economy
3.00 credit hours
Analyses of the problems and prospects challenging the global community at a time of political and economic change through the study of the roles of industrialized countries, former socialist bloc states and the Third World. Attention is given to the interplay of political and economic power as components of planetary well-being.
Prerequisite(s)
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GLS 365 - Topics in Global Studies
*
GLS 365 - Topics in Global Studies
3.00 credit hours
Intensive study of a selected international topic from a variety of disciplinary perspectives, including those of the humanities and social sciences.
Prerequisite(s)
Junior standing.
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REL 255 - The Religions of India
REL 255 - The Religions of India
3.00 credit hours
An exploration of the major indigenous religions of South Asia with particular emphasis on shared concepts such as karma, the cycle of rebirth (samsara) and the transcendence of rebirth (nirvana/moksha). The course traces the evolution of Indian religion from its roots in the Vedas and Upanishads through the development of Buddhism, Jainism, Hinduism and Sikhism, and concludes with an examination of "inclusivistic" and "exclusivistic" approaches to religious pluralism in contemporary Indian thought.
Cardinal Directions Designation(s)
Humanities. -
THE 363 - Classical Asian Theatre
THE 363 - Classical Asian Theatre
3.00 credit hours
A survey of classical Asian theatre traditions, including the Noh, Kabuki and Bunraku theatres of Japan; Beijing Opera and Yuan drama of China; Sanskrit and Kathakali dance dramas of India; Korean p'ansori dramas and mask dances; and the Balinese Dancers of Indonesia. The course explores the ways in which these performance traditions reflect each country's heritage, religion and culture.
Prerequisite(s)
Sophomore standing.
Note:
* When topic is approved by the East Asian Studies faculty.
Study Abroad
Six credit hours in an approved program of study abroad in East Asia. Students may study at NCC's programs in Japan, Republic of China, People's Republic of China or South Korea. Students are strongly urged to continue their language training upon return from Asia.
Independent Research Project
Students finish their program with
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!