Program Overview
East Asian Studies
Explore one of the world's most dynamic regions while developing the global perspective, cultural knowledge, and critical thinking skills to thrive in an interconnected world.
Study Asia from Multiple Perspectives
Explore history, politics, philosophy, economics, religion, literature, and the arts.
Learn Beyond the Classroom
Study abroad, participate in faculty-led TREKs, and engage with global cultures firsthand.
Prepare for a Global Future
Develop the knowledge and cross-cultural skills needed to navigate an increasingly interconnected world.
Why study East Asian Studies at Wooster?
East Asian Studies brings together faculty from across the liberal arts to help you understand one of the world's most diverse and influential regions.
You'll work closely with professors whose expertise spans religion and philosophy, history of medicine, environmental issues, geopolitics, theater, economics, sociology, literature, and contemporary popular culture. This broad approach allows you to examine Asia from many different perspectives while building strong critical thinking skills.
As a close-knit program, East Asian Studies offers personalized advising to help you shape your academic path, prepare for study abroad, and explore research and career opportunities. Students also benefit from faculty-led TREKs, alumni connections throughout Asia, and student-run Japanese and Korean language tables.
Featured Courses
Discover Asia through courses such as:
- Global History of Medicine
- Enlightened Minds: Meditation & Contemplation Traditions
- Manga & Anime in Japanese and Global Contexts
- History of Pain
- Death & Afterlives
- Environmental Sociology
- South Asian Politics
- Asian Theatre: From South to East
Experience Asia through research and immersive learning.
Students are encouraged to deepen their understanding of Asia through Independent Study, study abroad, and faculty-led TREKs.
The program's new Japan TREK gives students the opportunity to explore Tokyo and Kyoto alongside faculty while examining the cultural life of everyday commodities from production and marketing to consumption and afterlives. Students also study abroad throughout Asia in locations including Tokyo, Osaka, Taipei, Shanghai, New Delhi, and Bangkok, building firsthand knowledge that enriches their academic work and prepares them for global careers.
Ready to Explore East Asian Studies?
Whether you're interested in international affairs, business, graduate study, or cultural exchange, East Asian Studies helps you develop the perspective and skills to engage with one of the world's most influential regions.
Career Opportunities
East Asian Studies graduates have launched careers in technology, banking, and government service while others have continued their education through graduate and professional study.
Graduates have pursued careers with organizations including Google and the United States Government, while others have continued their education in fields such as art history, political science, philosophy, film studies, and law.
Where Our Alumni Go
East Asian Studies graduates have continued their careers and education with organizations and institutions including:
Employers
- United States Government
Graduate Study
- University of Chicago
- Boston University
- University of California, Santa Barbara
Scholarships & Student Opportunities
Students can take advantage of opportunities including:
- Yamazaki Fund support for the Japan TREK
- Faculty-led TREKs
- Study abroad throughout Asia
- Student-run Japanese and Korean language tables
- Individual faculty mentoring
- Alumni networking opportunities throughout Asia
Rujie Wang
Professor and Chair of Chinese Studies; Comparative Literature
rwang@wooster.edu
James Bonk
Visiting Assistant Professor of Chinese Studies; East Asian Studies; History
jbonk@wooster.edu
Mark Graham
Lincoln Chair of Religion; Associate Professor of South Asian Studies; East Asian Studies; Co-Liaison to the Museum & Archival Studies Pathway; Associate Dean of Academic Advising
mgraham@wooster.edu
Margaret Ng Wee-Siang
Associate Professor of History; Archaeology; Chinese Studies; Program Chair of East Asian Studies; Co-Liaison to the Public Health Pathway
mng@wooster.edu
Connect With the Department
| Interested in East Asian Studies? We'd love to help you learn more about study abroad opportunities, TREKs, faculty mentorship, and interdisciplinary learning. |