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College of Arts & Sciences

East Asian Studies

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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.

More Department information

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

Elective Courses

One of the following:

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:

Religion, Culture and Society Courses

Four credits from one of the following:

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, 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

Elective Courses

One of the folowing:

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:

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, 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

Elective Courses

One of the following:

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:

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:

East Asia in the World

One of the following:

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:

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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