Asian Studies

The Asian region, broadly defined here – including East Asia, Southeast Asia, and South Asia – has a rich variety of languages, cultures, and literatures in the long history of their respective civilizations. Today, Asia also plays an increasingly central role in the global economy and international affairs.

What is Asian Studies?

Asian Studies is an interdisciplinary program focused on Asia and grounded in a strong foundation of language, literature, and cultural studies. This major combines rigorous language training with courses across disciplines to prepare students for global careers. Students select a language track in either Chinese (Mandarin) or Japanese and complete a minimum of 36 credit hours of coursework. This includes three years of study in the target language, along with elective courses in East Asian literature and culture offered by CMLL faculty.

Degree Requirements

To complete the Asian Studies concentration, students must fulfill 36 credit hours of coursework within the major, including language courses and upper-division electives focused on East Asia. Students may also count approved upper-division Asia-focused courses offered outside CMLL, such as in history, geography, or religion. These credits contribute to the 120 total credit hours required for the B.A. degree

Major Components:

•  Language sequence in Chinese or Japanese (I–VI)
•  Upper-division literature and culture electives
•  Elective courses outside the department (e.g., history, geography, religion) that are Asia-focused

Through this interdisciplinary approach, students develop strong proficiency in an East Asian language, gain a broad understanding of Asia from multiple academic perspectives, and build critical skills for analyzing Asian literature, culture, and society.

Graduates of the Asian Studies concentration are well prepared for careers in a wide range of fields, including public service, journalism, international trade and manufacturing, information technology, education, media, law, and government.

Language Tracks (Chinese & Japanese)

Clubs and Organizations

• Chinese Club
• National Collegiate Chinese Honor Society
• Japanese Club
• Korean Pop Culture Club

Take Your Learning Global!

Studying abroad is highly recommended, as it allows students to significantly enhance language fluency and cultural understanding through a semester or summer in Japan, Taiwan, or other Asian contexts. Students majoring in Asian Studies have access to a variety of scholarships that support language study, academic excellence, and overseas learning.

Chinese:

• CYCU Taiwan Huayu BEST Program
• Critical Language Scholarship – Chinese (One year of study required)

Japanese:

• Akita International University
• Hosei University
• Critical Language Scholarship – Japanese (Two years of study required)
• U.S.-Japan Bridging Scholarships

Korean:

• Chung-Ang University

Careers

Career paths Asian Studies graduates pursue:

• Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program
• Fulbright:
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Taiwan
• International business and trade
• Public service and diplomacy
• Education and translation
• Media, journalism, and communication
• Law, public policy, and nonprofit work

Courses

*All of the literature/culture courses in Asian Studies are taught in English.

SPRING 2026

Language Courses:

Chinese

FLC 1123 Chinese II

• Section I: MTWR 10:00AM-10:50AM
• Section II: MTWR 11:00AM-11:50AM

FLC 2143: Chinese IV

• MWF 2:00PM-2:50PM

FLC 3163: Chinese VI

• MWF 12:00PM-12:50PM

*FLC 4000: Advanced Chinese Literacy (DIS)

Japanese

FLJ 1123: Japanese II

• Section I: MTWF 10:00AM-10:50AM
• Section II: MTWF 11:00AM-11:50AM

FLJ 2143: Japanese IV

• MWF 9:00AM-9:50AM

FLJ 3163: Japanese VI

• TR 8:00AM-9:15AM

Literature/Culture Courses:

FLJ 4403: Japanese Popular Culture

• TR 2:00PM-3:15PM