Research into Japanese folklore evolution gratifying for student-designed major
Mia Mann ’24 came to The College of Wooster with an interest in multiple majors; anthropology, East Asian studies, and history all appealed to […]
Overview
East Asian Studies Program
East Asian Studies at The College of Wooster is a multidisciplinary approach to studying the diverse but related historical and cultural traditions of East Asia. Students take courses in history, philosophy, media studies, literature, religious studies, sociology, and anthropology, which exposes them to many disciplines and offers opportunities to delve into a particular area of focus. Most students in East Asian Studies spend a semester or more studying in another country, which gives them language skills and connections they can build on after graduation.
Why Wooster?
East Asian Studies at Wooster is truly multidisciplinary and provides a broad-based study of East Asia with coursework focused on China, Japan, and South Korea. Language learning is an important component for many students, but classes in history, literature, and other disciplines play a critical role in every student’s course of study. As Ohio’s most global college campus, with the largest percentage of international students, Wooster students benefit from the diversity of perspectives in every classroom. Each student brings a new perspective, while at the same time benefitting from the perspective of other students. And while students can fulfill the requirements and fully immerse themselves in all facets of an East Asian Studies major without ever leaving campus, the program is ideally suited to those with a desire to spend a semester or more learning in another country. Off-campus study is both encouraged and supported by longstanding study-abroad programs in several Asian countries.
Faculty & Staff
James Bonk
Visiting Assistant Professor of Chinese Studies; East Asian Studies; History
Mark Graham
Associate Professor of Religious Studies; South Asian Studies; East Asian Studies; Co-Liaison to the Museum & Archival Studies Pathway
Setsuko Matsuzawa
Professor of Anthropology and Sociology; East Asian Studies
Margaret Ng Wee-Siang
Associate Professor and Chair of History; Archaeology; Chinese Studies; Program Chair of East Asian Studies; Co-Liaison to the Public Health Pathway
Elizabeth Schiltz
Purna, Rao, Raju Chair of Philosophy, Department Chair of Philosophy; Professor of Philosophy; Chair of South Asian Studies; Classical Studies
Latest East Asian Studies News
History alumnus to present lecture on Chinese commander General Tso
College of Wooster Alumnus and Professor of History Kenneth Swope ’92 will present a lecture on General Zuo Zongtang (1812-1885), a famous Qing dynasty […]
Intersecting interests in biology and religious studies inspire examination of how consumption affects success
Combining biology and religious studies, two fields that would seem to be at odds with each other, into one Independent Study project as a […]
《异乡人》“Strangers”: A Visual Ethnography about Expat Teachers in China during Covid-19 Pandemic
Name: Xinyu Martina Pei Majors: Communication Studies, East Asian Studies Minor: Global Media and Digital Studies Advisors: Dr. Ahmet Atay, Dr. Ziying You This […]
Major
The East Asian Studies major and minor are offered through the interdepartmental program in East Asian Studies. Eight faculty members from five departments (six disciplinary areas) contribute to the East Asian Studies Program.
Students take 11 classes ranging from languages, history, sociology, religious studies, and more to complete the requirements for the major.
Minor
The East Asian Studies major and minor are offered through the interdepartmental program in East Asian Studies. Eight faculty members from five departments (six disciplinary areas) contribute to the East Asian Studies Program.
Students take six classes ranging from languages, history, sociology, religious studies, and more to complete the requirements for the minor.
Independent Study
All majors complete a one-semester Independent Study project in their junior year and a two-semester senior I.S. project. The junior I.S. project is done as a one-on-one tutorial with a faculty member to prepare for the senior project. Working closely with a faculty advisor, each senior then has the opportunity to develop their interests through the process of researching and writing a senior thesis and defending it in an oral exam with the advisor and a second faculty member. Many majors also present their I.S. project to the College community as part of the Senior I.S. Symposium. For their senior I.S. projects, East Asian Studies majors have worked on topics as diverse as the history and economic integration of Chinese communities in the Philippines, perceptions of HIV/AIDS in Japan, the role of food in Chinese diaspora communities in the U.S., cultural exchange in South Korean hip-hop, and the impact of mobile payment apps on savings rates in China.
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Related Articles
Research into Japanese folklore evolution gratifying for student-designed major
Mia Mann ’24 came to The College of Wooster with an interest in multiple majors; anthropology, East Asian studies, and history all appealed to […]
Intersecting interests in biology and religious studies inspire examination of how consumption affects success
Combining biology and religious studies, two fields that would seem to be at odds with each other, into one Independent Study project as a […]
《异乡人》“Strangers”: A Visual Ethnography about Expat Teachers in China during Covid-19 Pandemic
Name: Xinyu Martina Pei Majors: Communication Studies, East Asian Studies Minor: Global Media and Digital Studies Advisors: Dr. Ahmet Atay, Dr. Ziying You This […]
Scanning and Spending: Examining the Impact of Mobile Payment Penetration on the Saving Rate in Contemporary China
Student: Yuxuan (Katie) Ke Majors: Business Economics, East Asian Studies Advisors: Melanie Long, James Bonk China’s national saving rate has been among the highest […]
Alumni
East Asian Studies majors pursue a wide range of careers after graduating from Wooster. Some go on to graduate school, ultimately to teach at the university or secondary school level, while others pursue professional careers in the private business or government sectors, or work with non-governmental agencies.