Return to: College of Humanities and Social Sciences

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, Ed Vajda, 360-650-4856, e-mail: vajda@cc.wwu.edu.

Faculty

EDWARD J. VAJDA, Director, Modern and Classical Languages. Central Asian and Siberian languages and history.
PATRICK BUCKLEY, Geography. Geography and economics of Japan.
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.
ROBERT KIM, Education. Korean language, literature and culture.
ROBERT MARSHALL, Anthropology. Japanese business culture, economy and politics of Japan.
DEBNATH MOOKHERJEE, Geography. Cultural geography, urbanism, East and South Asian geography.
KRISTEN PARRIS, Political Science. East Asian politics.
SCOTT PEARCE, Liberal Studies. Medieval Chinese history.
TOM ROEHL, Management, International business.
WAYNE RICHTER, Wilson Library. Mongolian language.
JULIA SAPIN, Art. Asian art history, Japanese art, art of the Pacific Rim.
HENRY G. SCHWARZ, History and East Asian Studies, Emeritus. Mongolian and modern Chinese history, minorities of Northern China.
ROGER THOMPSON, History. Traditional and modern Chinese history.
MASSIMILIANO TOMASI, Modern and Classical Languages. Japanese language and culture, modern Japanese rhetoric and literature.
KATHLEEN TOMLONOVIC, Modern and Classical Languages. Chinese language and culture; traditional and modern literature.
JIANGLONG WANG, Communications. Intercultural communications.
MELISSA WALT, Liberal Studies. Asian art and culture.
DIANA WRIGHT, History. Pre-modern Japanese history, religion in Japanese history.
JANET XING, Modern and Classical Languages. Chinese language, Chinese linguistics.
NING YU, English. Chinese and Chinese-American literatures.
MICHIKO YUSA, Modern and Classical Languages. History of religion, Japanese language and culture.

Adjunct Faculty

PAUL BUELL, East Asian Studies. Chinese and Japanese culture, traditional Chinese medicine.
CHARLES KRUSEKOPF, Mongolian Studies.
HO-CHIN YANG, Modern and Classical Languages. Chinese language, history of Tibet.
LILLY YANG, Modern and Classical Languages. Chinese language.

Courses from Other Disciplines

The major is intended to be broad in scope with courses that survey aspects of the regions countries. At the same time, concentration in one area is encouraged.

It is recommended that students take courses from among the various disciplines listed below; however, there is no distribution requirement.

Other Departmental Information

Tutorials and Study Abroad

The Center for East Asian Studies also offers tutorials in advanced Chinese and Japanese. Elementary and intermediate Mongolian language is offered through Extended Education and Summer Programs.

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.

Undergraduate Degrees and Programs

East Asian Studies, BA 

East Asian Studies Minor 

East Asian Studies Courses

Return to: College of Humanities and Social Sciences