DEPARTMENTAL OBJECTIVES

The program has two objectives: (1) to develop a high level of competence in Chinese, Japanese, or Korean and (2) to introduce students to Asian cultures through the study of translated literary and cultural documents (primarily literature, history, religion, film, and philosophy) created within those societies. Ongoing study of those cultures is encouraged as a means of acquiring a broad comparative perspective. The courses are offered in conjunction with various departments, underscoring the multidisciplinary nature of the program.

MAJOR

Prerequisite: All East Asian Studies majors—as well as students planning to major in this field—are required to complete one of the following courses in fulfillment of MAP World Cultures requirements. This is best fulfilled at the beginning of the major. The World Cultures prerequisite does not count in the credit total for the major.

            V55.0506 Chinese and Japanese Traditions

            V55.0507 World Cultures: Japan

            V55.0512 World Cultures:China

            V55.0535 World Cultures:Korea

The program leads to an East Asian studies humanities major (32 points) in one of three ways: (1) Students must complete Chinese, Japanese, or Korean through the advanced II level, in addition to four approved courses from among the East Asian studies offerings. Elementary levels I and II of these three languages will not be counted toward fulfilling the major requirement. (2) Students who have already completed the CAS language requirement (two years) with either Chinese, Japanese, or Korean, through a language placement test or accredited course work, are required to complete language study through the third year (advanced level II) in addition to six nonlanguage courses related to the geographic region as defined above. Credit is not given for CAS language fulfillment or for placement test results. (3) Students may take 32 points of nonlanguage East Asian studies courses. Exceptions to one of these three options are only granted at the discretion of the director of undergraduate studies.

Notes:

(1) The Program in Asian/Pacific/American Studies offers several courses, one of which can be used toward the completion of an East Asian studies major. These cross-listings are determined on a semester-by-semester basis. (2) A limited number of credits are transferable (normally, no more than 16). (3) Cantonese and Tibetan languages may not be counted toward either major or minor requirements.

MINOR

The program leads to an East Asian studies humanities minor (16 points) in one of two ways: (1) Four nonlanguage courses in East Asian studies alone. (2) A language minor can be obtained by taking Chinese, Japanese, or Korean up through the advanced II level. Elementary levels I and II are not counted toward fulfilling the minor requirements. A student’s minor program can sometimes be determined individually in consultation with the director of undergraduate studies. Transfer credits are never accepted.

HONORS PROGRAM

Eligibility: Students must spend at least two full years in residence at theCollege ofArts and Science, completing at least 60 points of graded work in the College. Students must maintain a general grade point average of 3.65 and a major average of 3.65.

Requirements: (1) Substantial completion of the major requirements. (2) Completion of at least one honors component course in the Department of East Asian Studies. (3) Under the supervision of a departmental faculty member, an honors paper written as part of Independent Study, V33.0997 and V33.0998, for 8 points in total (4 points during each semester) in the student’s senior year. The faculty supervisor and the subject of the honors paper are chosen in consultation with the director of undergraduate studies. The average length of the paper is between 25 and 30 double-spaced, typed pages. For general requirements, please see Honors and Awards. For more specific information, please see the department’s Web site and/or the director of undergraduate studies.