BA in East Asian Studies
Naperville, USA
BA
DURATION
4 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
Why pursue an East Asian studies degree at North Central College?
You’ll develop the knowledge and language skills you’ll need to work in East Asian countries like China and Japan as you explore the cultural realities that shape these societies to deepen your understanding of them. North Central’s East Asian Studies program supports students through its committed faculty, well-established language curricula, and wide range of short- and long-term study abroad options.
You may also:
- Take advantage of North Central’s extensive library resources in East Asia.
- Network with faculty and alumni, meet guest speakers, and plan social outings with the Japan Club, Asian Student Konnection, and International Club.
- Enjoy easy access to cultural destinations such as Chicago’s Chinatown.
- Participate in the College’s unique combined China/Japan study abroad program during your sophomore year, then pursue traditional study abroad programs in Japan, Taiwan, Korea, or China during your junior or senior year.
East Asian Studies, China Track, BA
East Asian Studies emphasizes a broad interdisciplinary understanding of East Asia at both the regional and national levels. 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).
Major Requirements
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 499 - Independent Study (Capstone)
Elective Courses
One of the following:
- ARTH 100 - World Art Histories I
- ARTH 102 - World Art Histories II
- BUSN 201 - Global Business, Ethics, and Politics
- HIST 150 - Global History and Geography
- HIST 155 - Going Global: World History
- IDEA 100 - Authority and Freedom
- IDEA 210 - Cultures in Contact
- IDEA 220 - Power and Statecraft
- IDEA 230 - Revolutions
- PSYC 310 - Cultural Psychology
- PHIL 363 - Science and Religion: Conflict or Dialogue?
- RELG 227 - Jesus and Buddha in Dialogue
- SBEN 100 - Globalization and Society
Other courses with the approval of the 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 205 - Understanding China
- HIST 260 - Chinese History
- HIST 267 - Twentieth-Century East Asia: Industry, Empire and War
- HIST 330 - East Asian Thought
- HIST 370 - Asia's Rapid Industrialization
- RELG 255 - Karma, Suffering, and Rebirth
- RELG 260 - The Dao of Chinese Religion
- RELG 315 - The Global Buddha: Permeating Space-Time
Note:
Courses taken on approved study-abroad programs can substitute for program requirements at the 200-level or below with EAST program coordinator approval.
Additional Requirements for the BA Degree
Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language.
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.
Recent graduates in East Asian studies include:
- English teacher, Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme
- Non-government organizations
- Information technology
- Finance
- Government