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East Asian Studies
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PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The East Asian Studies major at Penn State is an interdisciplinary program for students who wish to obtain an understanding of the historical and contemporary aspects of China and Japan. The East Asian Studies major can be easily combined with minors in related areas such as Chinese or Japanese language, the Liberal Arts Business minor, or even with a concurrent major in such areas as History, Religious Studies, Comparative Literature, or Japanese language.
The importance of East Asia to the American people is twofold, and the East Asian Studies major aims to equip the student with the knowledge and tools relevant to understanding this importance. First, in recent years, relations between the United States and East Asian nations have been undergoing changes that are likely to affect international politics and domestic developments for years to come. Second, the modern transformation of East Asian cultural systems provides examples of cultural change and adaptation more generally. Thus, through its rigorous focus on the history, cultural heritage, languages, and modern problems of East Asia, the East Asian Studies major offers a broader understanding of the world today, as well as new insights into our own society, its challenges, and its achievements.
RELATED EXPERIENCES
Most East Asian Studies majors participate in study abroad programs, usually in their primary country of interest. These programs greatly enhance the value of the major course of study, reinforce language skills, and provide an opportunity to take courses not offered at Penn State. Students are encouraged to plan their study abroad well in advance and to apply for relevant college financial aid. Moreover, the East Asian Studies Committee provides small grants on a competitive basis to students who study abroad.
The East Asian Studies Committee also organizes speakers and workshops throughout the academic year.
CAREER DIRECTIONS
A Bachelor of Arts degree in East Asian Studies provides a solid foundation for further study at the graduate level. It also prepares students for occupations in business, education, journalism, government, as well as professions in fields such as librarianship and museum work involving East Asia. Contemporary world events indicate that demand for persons with specialization in East Asia will continue to increase in the foreseeable future.
Penn State graduates in East Asian Studies are employed in government service, in business, as translators, and as teachers of English in Asia. Others are in graduate schools pursuing further studies in fields related to East Asian Studies or hold positions not directly related to East Asian Studies. Some occupations in which East Asian Studies graduates are employed include foreign correspondent, Foreign Service officer, foreign trade administrator, importer/exporter, international economist, international marketer, and interpreter.