East Asian Studies
Why pursue an East Asian studies degree at North Central College?
East Asia is a vibrant region and hosts one of the largest economies and longest lasting civilizations in the world. East Asian studies helps students to develop the knowledge and language skills needed to work and explore abroad. Understanding East Asia requires appreciation of cultural orientation, tradition and social forces.
At North Central College, you’ll be supported by committed faculty, a well-established language curriculum and a wide range of study abroad opportunities. During your program you’ll choose a track: China, Japan or General studies. In this experience-oriented program, you’ll be prepared for career choices in journalism, international business, government, teaching or any job that involves an East Asian economy.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN
- Working in East Asian countries like China and Japan
- Understanding and analyzing the human experience in East Asia
- Promoting a humanistic understanding of East Asia’s past and present
then a degree in EAST ASIAN STUDIES might be for you.
Why study East Asian Studies at North Central College?
In the Classroom
Coursework topics:
- Asian Theatre
- Buddhism
- East Asian Economic Development
- East Asian Film
- East Asian Literature in Translation
- East Asian Thought
- Japanese Culture and Society
- Japanese History
- Oriental Brush Painting
- Religions of China
- Religions of Japan
- Traditional and Modern Chinese History
Beyond the Classroom
As an East Asian Studies major, you can:
- Apply for internships and jobs through robust faculty and alumni networks or the Center for Career and Professional Development.
- Attend social outings with the Japan Club, ASK (Asian Student Konnection) and International Club.
- Take advantage of extensive library resources on East Asia.
- Enjoy easy access to cultural destinations like Chicago’s Chinatown.
- Participate in a May Term trip to Japan or China or the College’s unique China/Japan program.
- Pursue intensive study abroad programs in Japan, Taiwan, Korea or China.
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.
The East Asian Studies- General major consists of a minimum of thirty-six credits, which must include the following:
Required Courses
-
EAST 165 - Introduction to East Asia
EAST 165 - Introduction to East Asia
4.00 credit hours
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.
-
EAST 499 - Independent Study (Capstone)
EAST 499 - Independent Study (Capstone)
1.00-12.00 credit hours
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.
Elective Courses
One of the following:
-
ARTH 100 - World Art Histories I
ARTH 100 - World Art Histories I
4.00 credit hours
Art history survey of visual art and architecture until 1400 CE. Geographic regions considered include the Mediterranean, Near East, Europe, Asia and Africa, emphasizing interactions between cultures.
-
ARTH 102 - World Art Histories II
ARTH 102 - World Art Histories II
4.00 credit hours
Art history survey of visual art and architecture from 1400 CE through today. Geographic regions considered include the Americas, Europe, Asia and Africa, emphasizing interactions between cultures.
-
BUSN 201 - Global Business, Ethics and Politics
BUSN 201 - Global Business, Ethics and Politics
4.00 credit hours
Explores the dynamics of global business operations within the context of power structures, geopolitics and ethics. An overview of international business operations, ethical theories and how to apply them internationally, global power structures (i.e. WTO, EU) and their influence on global business. It explores the impact of moral concerns on the norms, institutions and practices of international business. It analyzes the relationship between business and power with a particular emphasis on income inequality and environmental impact. It explores how economic wealth and power affects people around the world.
-
HIST 150 - Global History and Geography
HIST 150 - Global History and Geography
4.00 credit hours
An exploration of themes in World History and Geography through the study of maps and their evolution through the pre-modern and modern eras. Topics include the role of maps in representing religious, political, and ethnic identities, patterns of pilgrimage and trade, and the increasing power of science in reshaping forms of knowledge and global political and cultural relations.
-
HIST 155 - Going Global: World History
HIST 155 - Going Global: World History
4.00 credit hours
An exploration of the making of the modern world through commerce, empire, and war, considering in particular the rise and impact of capitalism, nationalism, and industrialization as global forces.
-
IDEA 100 - Authority and Freedom
IDEA 100 - Authority and Freedom
4.00 credit hours
This gateway course to the History of Ideas program exposes students to some of the most influential texts in world history. Students explore fundamental questions about the human experience by highlighting the various ways that the ancients contemplated the relationship between submission to authority and the pursuit of freedom. Students develop critical thinking and writing skills by engaging in the "close reading" of primary source texts, student-centered class discussions, and writing exercises that help students develop their own perspectives on the relationship between authority and freedom.
-
IDEA 210 - Cultures in Contact
IDEA 210 - Cultures in Contact
4.00 credit hours
An exploration of the expanding networks of cultural, commercial and religious exchanges that mark the millennium between 500 and 1500 CE. This is a period in which major events and trends confronted people with the problem of negotiating cultural difference and led to the development of new social and cultural forms. This course examines how such encounters were experienced and interpreted during some of this era's major historical turning points.
-
IDEA 220 - Power and Statecraft
IDEA 220 - Power and Statecraft
4.00 credit hours
An examination of influential accounts and critiques of the relationship between power and statecraft in various cultural traditions, both Western and non-Western, from 1500 to 1800. Particular emphasis is given to the development of Western imperialism as the dominant global force during this period.
-
IDEA 230 - Revolutions
IDEA 230 - Revolutions
4.00 credit hours
An exploration of the revolutionary ideas that transform politics, economics and aesthetics from 1800 to the present in the context of a globally connected but deeply unequal world, marked by divisions of race, class, gender and sexuality.
-
PHIL 363 - Science and Religion: Conflict or Dialogue?
PHIL 363 - Science and Religion: Conflict or Dialogue?
4.00 credit hours
An examination of the contemporary dialogue between science and religion in relation to different Western and Asian religious traditions. The course considers the implications of recent scientific theories for understanding and assessing the belief systems of various theistic and non-theistic religions.
-
PSYC 310 - Cultural Psychology
PSYC 310 - Cultural Psychology
4.00 credit hours
An examination of how definitions of culture shape knowledge about topics in psychology, such as human development, self-concept, and mental illness. The focus is on psychological and anthropological approaches to studying culture.
-
RELG 227 - Jesus and Buddha in Dialogue
RELG 227 - Jesus and Buddha in Dialogue
4.00 credit hours
A comparison of Christianity and Buddhism with a particular focus on their respective contemplative traditions.
-
SBEN 100 - Globalization and Society
SBEN 100 - Globalization and Society
4.00 credit hours
An introductory course identifying the role of the business institution in our society, how business behavior is shaped and influenced by its stakeholders-managers, consumers, employees, government and community members. Key topics include: business systems, corporate governance, the business and society relationship, business and public issues, ethical dilemmas in business, corporate social responsibilities in relation to stakeholders, globalization, ecological and sustainability issues and the influence of technology on business and society.
- Other courses with approval from EAST program coordinator
Language Courses
Three semesters of Chinese or Japanese language
History Courses
Two courses from the following, at least one at the 300-level or above:
-
HIST 230 - East Asian Thought
HIST 230 - East Asian Thought
4.00 credit hours
This course examines the evolution of the East Asian intellectual tradition with a particular focus on the development of sociopolitical ideals during two periods of fundamental transformation: the establishment of "Imperial China" in 221 BCE and East Asia's encounter with the West in the nineteenth century. Each focal point will be explored through a role-playing game in which students take on the roles of historical figures and debate the issues that shaped East Asian civilization.
-
HIST 260 - Chinese History
HIST 260 - Chinese History
4.00 credit hours
An examination of China's transformation from the "traditional" society of the dynastic period (c. 2000 BCE to 1911) into the "modern" nation that has emerged in the twenty-first century.
-
HIST 265 - Japanese History
HIST 265 - Japanese History
4.00 credit hours
An examination of the political and cultural evolution of Japanese civilization from prehistory to the present. Topics explored include the emergence of Japanese traditions within an East Asian context, the rise of samurai power, and Japan's development as a modern industrial power.
-
HIST 267 - Twentieth-Century East Asia: Industry, Empire and War
HIST 267 - Twentieth-Century East Asia: Industry, Empire and War
4.00 credit hours
This course explores how the forces of industry, empire and war have shaped modern East Asia, and how Cold War politics realigned diplomatic, economic and cultural relations in late 20th century Japan, Korea and China.
-
HIST 370 - Asia's Rapid Industrialization
HIST 370 - Asia's Rapid Industrialization
4.00 credit hours
This research seminar examines the phenomenon of rapid industrialization as it has been experienced by East Asian societies, with a special focus on Japan, Korea and China. The course considers the roots and consequences of Japan's modern economic growth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and the ways in which both Korea and China have more recently emerged as important global economic powers in their own right. Each student designs, researches and writes a historical essay related to major course themes.
Religion, Culture and Society Courses
Four credits from one of the following:
-
EAST 397 - Internship
EAST 397 - Internship
0.00-12.00 credit hours
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.
-
EAST 399 - Independent Study
EAST 399 - Independent Study
1.00-12.00 credit hours
Working under the direction of an East Asian Studies faculty member, students complete a work of original research on an East Asian Studies topic.
-
JPST 280 - Japanese Pop Culture
JPST 280 - Japanese Pop Culture
4.00 credit hours
An introduction to the academic study of Japanese popular culture. Through careful attention to forms of Japanese popular culture such as anime, manga, films, TV dramas, short stories, and popular music/video, students develop a deeper understanding of contemporary Japan. Historical background and traditional values are also examined to critically analyze the different manifestations of Japanese popular culture. Taught in English.
-
JPST 240 - Japanese Culture and Society
JPST 240 - Japanese Culture and Society
4.00 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. Taught in English.
-
RELG 215 - The Global Buddha: Permeating Space-Time
RELG 215 - The Global Buddha: Permeating Space-Time
4.00 credit hours
A study of the global transformations of Buddhism from its initial development in India to its various formulations in Southeast, Central, and East Asia as well as its more recent manifestations in the West.
-
RELG 255 - Spiritual Liberation in India
RELG 255 - Spiritual Liberation in India
4.00 credit hours
An exploration of spiritual liberation in the religions of India with a particular focus on overcoming the problems of karma, suffering, and rebirth in Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism.
-
RELG 260 - Religious Harmony in China
RELG 260 - Religious Harmony in China
4.00 credit hours
A survey of the major religions of China with a particular focus on self-cultivation as the key to establishing social harmony (Confucianism), living in harmony with the forces of nature (Daoism), and harmonizing with the totality of space and time (Buddhism).
-
RELG 265 - Religious Pluralism in Japan
RELG 265 - Religious Pluralism in Japan
4.00 credit hours
An examination of the major religious traditions of Japan (Shinto, Buddhism and the so-called "New Religions") with a particular focus on the harmonious co-existence of diverse religious beliefs and practices from ancient times to the contemporary period.
- Study Abroad in China or Japan
Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the
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.
The East Asian Studies- China major consists of a minimum of thirty-six credits, which must include the following:
Required Courses
-
EAST 165 - Introduction to East Asia
EAST 165 - Introduction to East Asia
4.00 credit hours
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.
-
EAST 499 - Independent Study (Capstone)
EAST 499 - Independent Study (Capstone)
1.00-12.00 credit hours
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.
Elective Courses
One of the folowing:
-
ARTH 100 - World Art Histories I
ARTH 100 - World Art Histories I
4.00 credit hours
Art history survey of visual art and architecture until 1400 CE. Geographic regions considered include the Mediterranean, Near East, Europe, Asia and Africa, emphasizing interactions between cultures.
-
ARTH 102 - World Art Histories II
ARTH 102 - World Art Histories II
4.00 credit hours
Art history survey of visual art and architecture from 1400 CE through today. Geographic regions considered include the Americas, Europe, Asia and Africa, emphasizing interactions between cultures.
-
BUSN 201 - Global Business, Ethics and Politics
BUSN 201 - Global Business, Ethics and Politics
4.00 credit hours
Explores the dynamics of global business operations within the context of power structures, geopolitics and ethics. An overview of international business operations, ethical theories and how to apply them internationally, global power structures (i.e. WTO, EU) and their influence on global business. It explores the impact of moral concerns on the norms, institutions and practices of international business. It analyzes the relationship between business and power with a particular emphasis on income inequality and environmental impact. It explores how economic wealth and power affects people around the world.
-
HIST 150 - Global History and Geography
HIST 150 - Global History and Geography
4.00 credit hours
An exploration of themes in World History and Geography through the study of maps and their evolution through the pre-modern and modern eras. Topics include the role of maps in representing religious, political, and ethnic identities, patterns of pilgrimage and trade, and the increasing power of science in reshaping forms of knowledge and global political and cultural relations.
-
HIST 155 - Going Global: World History
HIST 155 - Going Global: World History
4.00 credit hours
An exploration of the making of the modern world through commerce, empire, and war, considering in particular the rise and impact of capitalism, nationalism, and industrialization as global forces.
-
IDEA 100 - Authority and Freedom
IDEA 100 - Authority and Freedom
4.00 credit hours
This gateway course to the History of Ideas program exposes students to some of the most influential texts in world history. Students explore fundamental questions about the human experience by highlighting the various ways that the ancients contemplated the relationship between submission to authority and the pursuit of freedom. Students develop critical thinking and writing skills by engaging in the "close reading" of primary source texts, student-centered class discussions, and writing exercises that help students develop their own perspectives on the relationship between authority and freedom.
-
IDEA 210 - Cultures in Contact
IDEA 210 - Cultures in Contact
4.00 credit hours
An exploration of the expanding networks of cultural, commercial and religious exchanges that mark the millennium between 500 and 1500 CE. This is a period in which major events and trends confronted people with the problem of negotiating cultural difference and led to the development of new social and cultural forms. This course examines how such encounters were experienced and interpreted during some of this era's major historical turning points.
-
IDEA 220 - Power and Statecraft
IDEA 220 - Power and Statecraft
4.00 credit hours
An examination of influential accounts and critiques of the relationship between power and statecraft in various cultural traditions, both Western and non-Western, from 1500 to 1800. Particular emphasis is given to the development of Western imperialism as the dominant global force during this period.
-
IDEA 230 - Revolutions
IDEA 230 - Revolutions
4.00 credit hours
An exploration of the revolutionary ideas that transform politics, economics and aesthetics from 1800 to the present in the context of a globally connected but deeply unequal world, marked by divisions of race, class, gender and sexuality.
-
PSYC 310 - Cultural Psychology
PSYC 310 - Cultural Psychology
4.00 credit hours
An examination of how definitions of culture shape knowledge about topics in psychology, such as human development, self-concept, and mental illness. The focus is on psychological and anthropological approaches to studying culture.
-
PHIL 363 - Science and Religion: Conflict or Dialogue?
PHIL 363 - Science and Religion: Conflict or Dialogue?
4.00 credit hours
An examination of the contemporary dialogue between science and religion in relation to different Western and Asian religious traditions. The course considers the implications of recent scientific theories for understanding and assessing the belief systems of various theistic and non-theistic religions.
-
RELG 227 - Jesus and Buddha in Dialogue
RELG 227 - Jesus and Buddha in Dialogue
4.00 credit hours
A comparison of Christianity and Buddhism with a particular focus on their respective contemplative traditions.
-
SBEN 100 - Globalization and Society
SBEN 100 - Globalization and Society
4.00 credit hours
An introductory course identifying the role of the business institution in our society, how business behavior is shaped and influenced by its stakeholders-managers, consumers, employees, government and community members. Key topics include: business systems, corporate governance, the business and society relationship, business and public issues, ethical dilemmas in business, corporate social responsibilities in relation to stakeholders, globalization, ecological and sustainability issues and the influence of technology on business and society.
- Other courses with approval of EAST program coordinator
Language Courses
Four semesters of Chinese language
History, Culture and Society
Two courses from the following, at least one at the 300-level or above:
-
CHNS 105 - China Today
CHNS 105 - China Today
4.00 credit hours
An introduction to the profound socioeconomic transformation that China is currently undergoing and how these changes are impacting the Chinese people. It also explores China's role in international affairs, global economy and politics. In addition, a variety of topics regarding contemporary China such as technology, pop culture, social media and education are covered. Taught in English.
-
CHNS 205 - Understanding China
CHNS 205 - Understanding China
4.00 credit hours
An Introduction to key concepts and frameworks integral to the analysis of Chinese culture and society. It highlights not only macro-level processes of social change and continuity but also the everyday experiences of individuals involved in these processes. Taught in English.
-
HIST 230 - East Asian Thought
HIST 230 - East Asian Thought
4.00 credit hours
This course examines the evolution of the East Asian intellectual tradition with a particular focus on the development of sociopolitical ideals during two periods of fundamental transformation: the establishment of "Imperial China" in 221 BCE and East Asia's encounter with the West in the nineteenth century. Each focal point will be explored through a role-playing game in which students take on the roles of historical figures and debate the issues that shaped East Asian civilization.
-
HIST 260 - Chinese History
HIST 260 - Chinese History
4.00 credit hours
An examination of China's transformation from the "traditional" society of the dynastic period (c. 2000 BCE to 1911) into the "modern" nation that has emerged in the twenty-first century.
-
HIST 267 - Twentieth-Century East Asia: Industry, Empire and War
HIST 267 - Twentieth-Century East Asia: Industry, Empire and War
4.00 credit hours
This course explores how the forces of industry, empire and war have shaped modern East Asia, and how Cold War politics realigned diplomatic, economic and cultural relations in late 20th century Japan, Korea and China.
-
HIST 370 - Asia's Rapid Industrialization
HIST 370 - Asia's Rapid Industrialization
4.00 credit hours
This research seminar examines the phenomenon of rapid industrialization as it has been experienced by East Asian societies, with a special focus on Japan, Korea and China. The course considers the roots and consequences of Japan's modern economic growth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and the ways in which both Korea and China have more recently emerged as important global economic powers in their own right. Each student designs, researches and writes a historical essay related to major course themes.
-
RELG 215 - The Global Buddha: Permeating Space-Time
RELG 215 - The Global Buddha: Permeating Space-Time
4.00 credit hours
A study of the global transformations of Buddhism from its initial development in India to its various formulations in Southeast, Central, and East Asia as well as its more recent manifestations in the West.
-
RELG 255 - Spiritual Liberation in India
RELG 255 - Spiritual Liberation in India
4.00 credit hours
An exploration of spiritual liberation in the religions of India with a particular focus on overcoming the problems of karma, suffering, and rebirth in Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism.
-
RELG 260 - Religious Harmony in China
RELG 260 - Religious Harmony in China
4.00 credit hours
A survey of the major religions of China with a particular focus on self-cultivation as the key to establishing social harmony (Confucianism), living in harmony with the forces of nature (Daoism), and harmonizing with the totality of space and time (Buddhism).
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
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.
The East Asian Studies- Japan major consists of a minimum of thirty-six credits, which must include the following:
Required Courses
-
EAST 165 - Introduction to East Asia
EAST 165 - Introduction to East Asia
4.00 credit hours
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.
-
EAST 499 - Independent Study (Capstone)
EAST 499 - Independent Study (Capstone)
1.00-12.00 credit hours
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.
Elective Courses
One of the following:
-
ARTH 100 - World Art Histories I
ARTH 100 - World Art Histories I
4.00 credit hours
Art history survey of visual art and architecture until 1400 CE. Geographic regions considered include the Mediterranean, Near East, Europe, Asia and Africa, emphasizing interactions between cultures.
-
ARTH 102 - World Art Histories II
ARTH 102 - World Art Histories II
4.00 credit hours
Art history survey of visual art and architecture from 1400 CE through today. Geographic regions considered include the Americas, Europe, Asia and Africa, emphasizing interactions between cultures.
-
BUSN 201 - Global Business, Ethics and Politics
BUSN 201 - Global Business, Ethics and Politics
4.00 credit hours
Explores the dynamics of global business operations within the context of power structures, geopolitics and ethics. An overview of international business operations, ethical theories and how to apply them internationally, global power structures (i.e. WTO, EU) and their influence on global business. It explores the impact of moral concerns on the norms, institutions and practices of international business. It analyzes the relationship between business and power with a particular emphasis on income inequality and environmental impact. It explores how economic wealth and power affects people around the world.
-
HIST 150 - Global History and Geography
HIST 150 - Global History and Geography
4.00 credit hours
An exploration of themes in World History and Geography through the study of maps and their evolution through the pre-modern and modern eras. Topics include the role of maps in representing religious, political, and ethnic identities, patterns of pilgrimage and trade, and the increasing power of science in reshaping forms of knowledge and global political and cultural relations.
-
HIST 155 - Going Global: World History
HIST 155 - Going Global: World History
4.00 credit hours
An exploration of the making of the modern world through commerce, empire, and war, considering in particular the rise and impact of capitalism, nationalism, and industrialization as global forces.
-
IDEA 100 - Authority and Freedom
IDEA 100 - Authority and Freedom
4.00 credit hours
This gateway course to the History of Ideas program exposes students to some of the most influential texts in world history. Students explore fundamental questions about the human experience by highlighting the various ways that the ancients contemplated the relationship between submission to authority and the pursuit of freedom. Students develop critical thinking and writing skills by engaging in the "close reading" of primary source texts, student-centered class discussions, and writing exercises that help students develop their own perspectives on the relationship between authority and freedom.
-
IDEA 210 - Cultures in Contact
IDEA 210 - Cultures in Contact
4.00 credit hours
An exploration of the expanding networks of cultural, commercial and religious exchanges that mark the millennium between 500 and 1500 CE. This is a period in which major events and trends confronted people with the problem of negotiating cultural difference and led to the development of new social and cultural forms. This course examines how such encounters were experienced and interpreted during some of this era's major historical turning points.
-
IDEA 220 - Power and Statecraft
IDEA 220 - Power and Statecraft
4.00 credit hours
An examination of influential accounts and critiques of the relationship between power and statecraft in various cultural traditions, both Western and non-Western, from 1500 to 1800. Particular emphasis is given to the development of Western imperialism as the dominant global force during this period.
-
IDEA 230 - Revolutions
IDEA 230 - Revolutions
4.00 credit hours
An exploration of the revolutionary ideas that transform politics, economics and aesthetics from 1800 to the present in the context of a globally connected but deeply unequal world, marked by divisions of race, class, gender and sexuality.
-
PHIL 363 - Science and Religion: Conflict or Dialogue?
PHIL 363 - Science and Religion: Conflict or Dialogue?
4.00 credit hours
An examination of the contemporary dialogue between science and religion in relation to different Western and Asian religious traditions. The course considers the implications of recent scientific theories for understanding and assessing the belief systems of various theistic and non-theistic religions.
-
PSYC 310 - Cultural Psychology
PSYC 310 - Cultural Psychology
4.00 credit hours
An examination of how definitions of culture shape knowledge about topics in psychology, such as human development, self-concept, and mental illness. The focus is on psychological and anthropological approaches to studying culture.
-
RELG 227 - Jesus and Buddha in Dialogue
RELG 227 - Jesus and Buddha in Dialogue
4.00 credit hours
A comparison of Christianity and Buddhism with a particular focus on their respective contemplative traditions.
-
SBEN 100 - Globalization and Society
SBEN 100 - Globalization and Society
4.00 credit hours
An introductory course identifying the role of the business institution in our society, how business behavior is shaped and influenced by its stakeholders-managers, consumers, employees, government and community members. Key topics include: business systems, corporate governance, the business and society relationship, business and public issues, ethical dilemmas in business, corporate social responsibilities in relation to stakeholders, globalization, ecological and sustainability issues and the influence of technology on business and society.
- Other courses with approval of EAST program coordinator
Language Courses
Four semesters of Japanese language
History, Culture and Society
Two courses from the following, at least one at the 300-level or above:
-
HIST 230 - East Asian Thought
HIST 230 - East Asian Thought
4.00 credit hours
This course examines the evolution of the East Asian intellectual tradition with a particular focus on the development of sociopolitical ideals during two periods of fundamental transformation: the establishment of "Imperial China" in 221 BCE and East Asia's encounter with the West in the nineteenth century. Each focal point will be explored through a role-playing game in which students take on the roles of historical figures and debate the issues that shaped East Asian civilization.
-
HIST 265 - Japanese History
HIST 265 - Japanese History
4.00 credit hours
An examination of the political and cultural evolution of Japanese civilization from prehistory to the present. Topics explored include the emergence of Japanese traditions within an East Asian context, the rise of samurai power, and Japan's development as a modern industrial power.
-
HIST 267 - Twentieth-Century East Asia: Industry, Empire and War
HIST 267 - Twentieth-Century East Asia: Industry, Empire and War
4.00 credit hours
This course explores how the forces of industry, empire and war have shaped modern East Asia, and how Cold War politics realigned diplomatic, economic and cultural relations in late 20th century Japan, Korea and China.
-
HIST 370 - Asia's Rapid Industrialization
HIST 370 - Asia's Rapid Industrialization
4.00 credit hours
This research seminar examines the phenomenon of rapid industrialization as it has been experienced by East Asian societies, with a special focus on Japan, Korea and China. The course considers the roots and consequences of Japan's modern economic growth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and the ways in which both Korea and China have more recently emerged as important global economic powers in their own right. Each student designs, researches and writes a historical essay related to major course themes.
-
JPST 240 - Japanese Culture and Society
JPST 240 - Japanese Culture and Society
4.00 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. Taught in English.
-
JPST 280 - Japanese Pop Culture
JPST 280 - Japanese Pop Culture
4.00 credit hours
An introduction to the academic study of Japanese popular culture. Through careful attention to forms of Japanese popular culture such as anime, manga, films, TV dramas, short stories, and popular music/video, students develop a deeper understanding of contemporary Japan. Historical background and traditional values are also examined to critically analyze the different manifestations of Japanese popular culture. Taught in English.
-
RELG 215 - The Global Buddha: Permeating Space-Time
RELG 215 - The Global Buddha: Permeating Space-Time
4.00 credit hours
A study of the global transformations of Buddhism from its initial development in India to its various formulations in Southeast, Central, and East Asia as well as its more recent manifestations in the West.
-
RELG 255 - Spiritual Liberation in India
RELG 255 - Spiritual Liberation in India
4.00 credit hours
An exploration of spiritual liberation in the religions of India with a particular focus on overcoming the problems of karma, suffering, and rebirth in Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism.
-
RELG 265 - Religious Pluralism in Japan
RELG 265 - Religious Pluralism in Japan
4.00 credit hours
An examination of the major religious traditions of Japan (Shinto, Buddhism and the so-called "New Religions") with a particular focus on the harmonious co-existence of diverse religious beliefs and practices from ancient times to the contemporary period.
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
East Asian Studies Minor
For additional information and courses in this program, see East Asian Studies.
A minimum of 24 credit hours, including:
-
EAST 165 - Introduction to East Asia
EAST 165 - Introduction to East Asia
4.00 credit hours
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.
- Two semesters of Chinese or Japanese Language
East Asia in the World
One of the following:
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ARTH 100 - World Art Histories I
ARTH 100 - World Art Histories I
4.00 credit hours
Art history survey of visual art and architecture until 1400 CE. Geographic regions considered include the Mediterranean, Near East, Europe, Asia and Africa, emphasizing interactions between cultures.
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ARTH 102 - World Art Histories II
ARTH 102 - World Art Histories II
4.00 credit hours
Art history survey of visual art and architecture from 1400 CE through today. Geographic regions considered include the Americas, Europe, Asia and Africa, emphasizing interactions between cultures.
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BUSN 201 - Global Business, Ethics and Politics
BUSN 201 - Global Business, Ethics and Politics
4.00 credit hours
Explores the dynamics of global business operations within the context of power structures, geopolitics and ethics. An overview of international business operations, ethical theories and how to apply them internationally, global power structures (i.e. WTO, EU) and their influence on global business. It explores the impact of moral concerns on the norms, institutions and practices of international business. It analyzes the relationship between business and power with a particular emphasis on income inequality and environmental impact. It explores how economic wealth and power affects people around the world.
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HIST 150 - Global History and Geography
HIST 150 - Global History and Geography
4.00 credit hours
An exploration of themes in World History and Geography through the study of maps and their evolution through the pre-modern and modern eras. Topics include the role of maps in representing religious, political, and ethnic identities, patterns of pilgrimage and trade, and the increasing power of science in reshaping forms of knowledge and global political and cultural relations.
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HIST 155 - Going Global: World History
HIST 155 - Going Global: World History
4.00 credit hours
An exploration of the making of the modern world through commerce, empire, and war, considering in particular the rise and impact of capitalism, nationalism, and industrialization as global forces.
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IDEA 100 - Authority and Freedom
IDEA 100 - Authority and Freedom
4.00 credit hours
This gateway course to the History of Ideas program exposes students to some of the most influential texts in world history. Students explore fundamental questions about the human experience by highlighting the various ways that the ancients contemplated the relationship between submission to authority and the pursuit of freedom. Students develop critical thinking and writing skills by engaging in the "close reading" of primary source texts, student-centered class discussions, and writing exercises that help students develop their own perspectives on the relationship between authority and freedom.
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IDEA 210 - Cultures in Contact
IDEA 210 - Cultures in Contact
4.00 credit hours
An exploration of the expanding networks of cultural, commercial and religious exchanges that mark the millennium between 500 and 1500 CE. This is a period in which major events and trends confronted people with the problem of negotiating cultural difference and led to the development of new social and cultural forms. This course examines how such encounters were experienced and interpreted during some of this era's major historical turning points.
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IDEA 220 - Power and Statecraft
IDEA 220 - Power and Statecraft
4.00 credit hours
An examination of influential accounts and critiques of the relationship between power and statecraft in various cultural traditions, both Western and non-Western, from 1500 to 1800. Particular emphasis is given to the development of Western imperialism as the dominant global force during this period.
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IDEA 230 - Revolutions
IDEA 230 - Revolutions
4.00 credit hours
An exploration of the revolutionary ideas that transform politics, economics and aesthetics from 1800 to the present in the context of a globally connected but deeply unequal world, marked by divisions of race, class, gender and sexuality.
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PHIL 363 - Science and Religion: Conflict or Dialogue?
PHIL 363 - Science and Religion: Conflict or Dialogue?
4.00 credit hours
An examination of the contemporary dialogue between science and religion in relation to different Western and Asian religious traditions. The course considers the implications of recent scientific theories for understanding and assessing the belief systems of various theistic and non-theistic religions.
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PSYC 310 - Cultural Psychology
PSYC 310 - Cultural Psychology
4.00 credit hours
An examination of how definitions of culture shape knowledge about topics in psychology, such as human development, self-concept, and mental illness. The focus is on psychological and anthropological approaches to studying culture.
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RELG 227 - Jesus and Buddha in Dialogue
RELG 227 - Jesus and Buddha in Dialogue
4.00 credit hours
A comparison of Christianity and Buddhism with a particular focus on their respective contemplative traditions.
Note:
Other courses may be approved by the East Asian Studies program coordinator.
East Asian History, Culture and Society
Two of the following, with at least one at the 300-level:
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EAST 397 - Internship
EAST 397 - Internship
0.00-12.00 credit hours
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.
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EAST 399 - Independent Study
EAST 399 - Independent Study
1.00-12.00 credit hours
Working under the direction of an East Asian Studies faculty member, students complete a work of original research on an East Asian Studies topic.
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CHNS 105 - China Today
CHNS 105 - China Today
4.00 credit hours
An introduction to the profound socioeconomic transformation that China is currently undergoing and how these changes are impacting the Chinese people. It also explores China's role in international affairs, global economy and politics. In addition, a variety of topics regarding contemporary China such as technology, pop culture, social media and education are covered. Taught in English.
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CHNS 205 - Understanding China
CHNS 205 - Understanding China
4.00 credit hours
An Introduction to key concepts and frameworks integral to the analysis of Chinese culture and society. It highlights not only macro-level processes of social change and continuity but also the everyday experiences of individuals involved in these processes. Taught in English.
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HIST 230 - East Asian Thought
HIST 230 - East Asian Thought
4.00 credit hours
This course examines the evolution of the East Asian intellectual tradition with a particular focus on the development of sociopolitical ideals during two periods of fundamental transformation: the establishment of "Imperial China" in 221 BCE and East Asia's encounter with the West in the nineteenth century. Each focal point will be explored through a role-playing game in which students take on the roles of historical figures and debate the issues that shaped East Asian civilization.
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HIST 260 - Chinese History
HIST 260 - Chinese History
4.00 credit hours
An examination of China's transformation from the "traditional" society of the dynastic period (c. 2000 BCE to 1911) into the "modern" nation that has emerged in the twenty-first century.
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HIST 265 - Japanese History
HIST 265 - Japanese History
4.00 credit hours
An examination of the political and cultural evolution of Japanese civilization from prehistory to the present. Topics explored include the emergence of Japanese traditions within an East Asian context, the rise of samurai power, and Japan's development as a modern industrial power.
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HIST 267 - Twentieth-Century East Asia: Industry, Empire and War
HIST 267 - Twentieth-Century East Asia: Industry, Empire and War
4.00 credit hours
This course explores how the forces of industry, empire and war have shaped modern East Asia, and how Cold War politics realigned diplomatic, economic and cultural relations in late 20th century Japan, Korea and China.
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HIST 370 - Asia's Rapid Industrialization
HIST 370 - Asia's Rapid Industrialization
4.00 credit hours
This research seminar examines the phenomenon of rapid industrialization as it has been experienced by East Asian societies, with a special focus on Japan, Korea and China. The course considers the roots and consequences of Japan's modern economic growth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and the ways in which both Korea and China have more recently emerged as important global economic powers in their own right. Each student designs, researches and writes a historical essay related to major course themes.
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JPST 240 - Japanese Culture and Society
JPST 240 - Japanese Culture and Society
4.00 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. Taught in English.
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JPST 280 - Japanese Pop Culture
JPST 280 - Japanese Pop Culture
4.00 credit hours
An introduction to the academic study of Japanese popular culture. Through careful attention to forms of Japanese popular culture such as anime, manga, films, TV dramas, short stories, and popular music/video, students develop a deeper understanding of contemporary Japan. Historical background and traditional values are also examined to critically analyze the different manifestations of Japanese popular culture. Taught in English.
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RELG 215 - The Global Buddha: Permeating Space-Time
RELG 215 - The Global Buddha: Permeating Space-Time
4.00 credit hours
A study of the global transformations of Buddhism from its initial development in India to its various formulations in Southeast, Central, and East Asia as well as its more recent manifestations in the West.
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RELG 255 - Spiritual Liberation in India
RELG 255 - Spiritual Liberation in India
4.00 credit hours
An exploration of spiritual liberation in the religions of India with a particular focus on overcoming the problems of karma, suffering, and rebirth in Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism.
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RELG 260 - Religious Harmony in China
RELG 260 - Religious Harmony in China
4.00 credit hours
A survey of the major religions of China with a particular focus on self-cultivation as the key to establishing social harmony (Confucianism), living in harmony with the forces of nature (Daoism), and harmonizing with the totality of space and time (Buddhism).
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RELG 265 - Religious Pluralism in Japan
RELG 265 - Religious Pluralism in Japan
4.00 credit hours
An examination of the major religious traditions of Japan (Shinto, Buddhism and the so-called "New Religions") with a particular focus on the harmonious co-existence of diverse religious beliefs and practices from ancient times to the contemporary period.
- Study Abroad in China or Japan
East Asian Studies Internships and Jobs
A North Central education integrates career preparation with rich academic study. Our faculty encourages you to refine and apply your knowledge in an interconnected world. Here you'll learn to think independently and work globally to solve problems and lead.
Graduate Schools
Recent graduates in East Asian studies have been accepted at:
- Kyoto University, Ph.D. in religious studies
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy
- University of Washington, Korean studies
- University of Hawaii, Asian Studies
Careers
Recent graduates in East Asian studies include:
- English teacher, Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme
- Non-government organizations
- Information technology
- Finance
- Government
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