East Asian Studies

Introduction

East Asia, as one of the world centers of high civilization, has long been the object of cultural interest and study. Increasingly, it has become important for economic and political reasons as well. The Center for East Asian Studies provides a focal point for the University’s interaction with East Asia and for academic study of the region.

The program in East Asian studies emphasizes the interdisciplinary study of the area, primarily the countries of China, Japan, Korea and Mongolia. The course of study is designed to attain three major objectives. First, it offers students an opportunity to acquire accurate, detailed and comprehensive knowledge of a region that is becoming increasingly important in world affairs. Second, it prepares students who are attracted by job opportunities related to East Asia in business and government. For those who wish to teach about East Asia, the program provides appropriate preparation. Third, it provides solid undergraduate training for students who plan to enter East Asian programs for graduate studies.

Students interested in pursuing a major in East Asian studies should consult the director of the Center for East Asian Studies, Massimiliano Tomasi, 360-650-3339, e-mail: Massimiliano.Tomasi@wwu.edu.

Faculty

MASSIMILIANO TOMASI, Director. Modern and Classical Languages. Japanese language and culture, modern Japanese rhetoric and literature.
PATRICK BUCKLEY, Geography. Geography and economics of Japan.
EMI FOULK BUSHELLE, History. Early Modern Japan, Intellectual history.
ETHAN BUSHELLE, Liberal Studies. Buddhist studies, Japanese literature, religious studies.
MASANORI DEGUCHI, Modern and Classical Languages. Japanese language and linguistics.
MARGARET FAST, Wilson Library. Methods and materials in East Asia Research.
JAMES HEARNE, Computer Science. Chinese philosophy, Chinese science, East Asian language computing.
COLLEEN A. LAIRD, Modern and Classical Languages. Japanese film and media; transnational cinema, director personas, and star texts; gendered image production and reception.
YU LEI, Modern & Classical Languages. Chinese language, Chinese linguistics.
BAOZHEN LUO, Sociology. Contemporary Chinese Society, Political Economy, and Aging Policies
KRISTEN PARRIS, Political Science. East Asian politics.
SCOTT PEARCE, Liberal Studies. Medieval Chinese history.
JUDY PINE, Anthropology. South and East Asian languages and cultures.
TOM ROEHL, Management. International business.
WAYNE RICHTER, Wilson Library. Mongolian language.
JULIA SAPIN, Art. Asian art history, Japanese art, art of the Pacific Rim.
ROGER THOMPSON, History. Traditional and modern Chinese history.
GLENN T. TSUNOKAI, Sociology. Social and personal relationships.
EDWARD J. VAJDA, Modern and Classical Languages. Inner Asian and Siberian languages and history.
JIANGLONG WANG, Communications. Intercultural communications.
LI WANG, Modern & Classical Languages. Chinese language Chinese literature, film, women’s studies.
JULIAN SIYUAN WU, Modern and Classical Languages. Chinese literature, East Asian print culture and Chinese art history.
JANET XING, Modern and Classical Languages. Chinese language, Chinese linguistics.
MICHIKO YUSA, Modern and Classical Languages. History of religion, Japanese language and culture.

Other Departmental Information

Elementary and intermediate Mongolian language may be offered through Extended Education .

Study Abroad: Students are encouraged to spend up to one year in a study abroad program, including Asia University; Tsuda College; Oberin College, KCP in Tokyo; Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot; Seoul Women’s University, Seoul; Yonsei University in Seoul; or Yunnan University, Kunming, China. Many other programs such as CET and CIEE provide opportunities for study in Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, Kunming and Taipei.

Programs

Undergraduate Major

East Asian Studies, BA

Undergraduate Minor

East Asian Studies Minor

Courses

East Asian Studies

Courses numbered X37; X97; 300, 400 are described in the University Academic Policies section of this catalog.