East Asian Studies Program — The Program

Students majoring in any discipline can enhance their degree by completing the seven-course program of study in East Asian Studies. “East Asia” includes China and the countries traditionally under Chinese cultural influence, primarily Korea, Japan, and Vietnam. UMass Boston offers courses in Chinese and Japanese language, and on the history, art, religion, philosophy, sociology, and politics of the East Asian region.

The recent growth of East Asian studies reflects a recognition that we live today in a multi-centered world. We cannot look at the world from only one point of view, but must understand how peoples in the East Asian cultural region see the world differently from the way others do. The rich culture embodied in East Asian art and literature, and the religious/philosophical traditions of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism, make East Asia an important area of study in its own right. The size of their populations and the recent spectacular economic success of many East Asian countries have made East Asia a major force in world economy and world politics today. The aim of the discipline of East Asian studies is to make students better global citizens by giving them an in-depth understanding of the history, culture, and political traditions of East Asian countries, as well as of issues of current importance in international relations. For students coming to UMass Boston from Asian countries, East Asian studies offers an opportunity to study their own history and cultural heritage at the university level, as well as the opportunity to discuss similarities and differences between East Asian and Western world views.

UMass Boston’s East Asian Studies Program offers two tracks: The first is language-based, designed for students whose main interest is in acquiring knowledge of Chinese or Japanese language, especially those who plan to go on to further study or careers requiring these language skills. Its curriculum comprises four semesters of Chinese or Japanese language, plus three other courses related to East Asia.

The program’s second track is focused on cross-cultural understanding. It does not require language study; rather its multidisciplinary approach studies East Asia from the perspective of its history, literature, art, religion, philosophy, sociology, and politics. This track consists of one introductory course plus six other electives in a variety of departments. It is valuable to students who already know Chinese or Japanese, or who are planning careers not requiring these skills, but nonetheless are interested in engaging in a more in-depth and comprehensive study of East Asian society, history, and culture.