Mar 18, 2024  
2016-2017 Catalogue 
    
2016-2017 Catalogue [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

East Asian Studies, B.A.


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CURRICULUM COMMITTEE:
Setsuko Matsuzawa (Sociology), Chair
Mark Graham (Religious Studies)
Margaret Ng (History)
Elizabeth Schiltz (Philosophy)
Rujie Wang (Chinese)

The East Asian Studies major and minor focus on developing an integrated interdisciplinary understanding of the diverse but related historical and cultural traditions of East Asia. Starting with a foundation in Chinese language and history, the curriculum extends that focus across the East Asian region to Japan, and across multiple disciplinary approaches to understanding China, Japan, and East Asia, broadly. The East Asian Studies Program recognizes the diversity of cultural and national traditions that exist across this region, but at the same time seeks to foster an understanding of the common cultural and historical concerns that make “East Asia” a coherent focus of study.

Given the complexity of histories and traditions in this region of the world, the East Asian Studies major and minor require interdisciplinary study with a core orientation in history and language, and off-campus study in an East Asian country as part of the curriculum. Our expectation is that the East Asian Studies major will be appropriate for students who seek a broad-based study of East Asia, including course work focused on China and Japan, and who are interested in off-campus study in a Wooster-endorsed program either in Japan, or in a broad-based East Asian Studies program in China. Students whose studies are focused exclusively on China, including off-campus study in China, should consult the Chinese Studies major.

The East Asian Studies major and minor are offered through the interdepartmental program in East Asian Studies. Eight faculty members from five departments (six disciplinary areas) contribute to the East Asian Studies Program.

Special Notes


  • Off-campus Study: The major and minor in East Asian Studies requires the completion of an approved off-campus study program in an East Asian country (e.g., a program in China or Japan appropriate for this major). Up to three approved transfer credits may count toward the requirements for the major.
  • Students who wish to take the maximum number of courses for this major are encouraged to complete additional courses from the options offered in the major requirements.
  • Only grades of C- or better are accepted for the major or minor.

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