Our Program
Beginning in Fall 2021 the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures will offer the unified major and minor in East Asian Languages and Cultures which allows students to explore our three linguistic and cultural traditions, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. Students may pursue a focused approach to their studies by studying one of our languages and may choose among the range of non-language courses to enhance their grounding in the East Asian nation of their choice. Students may also choose to study across disciplinary and geographic boundaries. Majors who opt to concentrate their requirements in one of our three East Asia civilizations may earn a concentration in Chinese/Japanese/Korean which appears on the transcript after graduation.
The EALC major provides advanced training in the chosen language and a sound background in the relevant literature while encouraging students to enhance their cultural knowledge by enrolling in cultural-related courses offered through other departments and programs, such as Anthropology, Art History, Film and Media Studies, History, Performing Arts, and Religious Studies. A major in EALC opens up career opportunities in diplomacy, business, law, journalism, and higher education, in addition to preparation for further study in the relevant languages and cultures.
Students who matriculated prior to FL21 may continue in one of these majors and minors:
- Chinese Language and Culture (major and minor)
- Japanese Language and Culture (major and minor)
- Korean Language and Culture (major and minor)
Study Abroad
Majors are highly encouraged to participate in Washington University-approved summer, semester, or academic year study-abroad programs as an important way to develop both their practical knowledge and their cultural sensitivity.
