East Asian Languages and Cultures

Overview

The EALC department's vision of an undergraduate degree in East Asian studies is grounded on two fundamental principles:

First, serious engagement with Asian cultures depends on high quality foreign language study. Not only is linguistic competence indispensable for those graduates who go on to pursue professional careers in the region or advanced studies in graduate school, but it is vital that academic institutions like Connecticut College take responsibility for producing global citizens who can interact and communicate on equal footing with their counterparts in what is shaping up to be a key geopolitical region of the world. The faculty of EALC are proud of the considerable strengths of the East Asian languages program and are committed to continue implementing innovative strategies to actively incorporate language learning into the academic curriculum through, for example, language TRIPs courses, CISLA, and Study Away opportunities.

Second, a comparative approach is key to encouraging students to examine connections between Asian societies and the world. In this age of globalization, students must be able to fully grasp the interdependence and linkages between the national cultures of East Asia and the international scene.

These realities were behind the decision to create the new interdisciplinary East Asian Studies major formally launched in 2000. To complete this major, students combine intense language study in either Japanese or Chinese with a selection of courses in history, government, literature, or art history. An East Asian Studies minor is also offered.

In addition to the East Asian Studies major and minor, EALC at present offers the major in Chinese Language and Literature and the major in Japanese Language and Literature, which are anchored in foreign language study.

View the course requirements for these East Asian Languages and Cultures majors and minors.