Undergraduate Major

Upon enrolling as EAS majors, students will choose between two emphases. These emphases mainly differ in the amount of language (Chinese or Japanese) required and an additional outcome expected of each.

Students will be able to comprehend tradition and transformation in at least one cultural region of East Asia and will understand and value differences between cultures.

Students with Culture-Intensive Emphasis will achieve the following outcomes upon completion of the four-semester language courses.

  • Students will be able to develop communication skills for Intermediate Level.
  • Students will be able to develop basic sentence and discourse structure and speech in social contexts.
  • Students will be able to communicate effectively in the language for daily life and routine tasks in culturally and socially appropriate ways.
  • Students will be able to navigate various topics with clear communication and comprehension skills.
  • Students will be able to read and understand texts on personal and social topics.
  • Students will be able to present ideas in writing on a range of subjects relating personal experience, interest, and knowledge.
  • Students will be able to archive proficiency in writing scripts to successfully carry out the tasks described above.

This emphasis focuses on proficient communication in EAS language. Students will learn to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, with speakers of Chinese or Japanese and to read materials in the target language.

Students with Language-Intensive Emphasis will achieve the following outcomes upon completion of the 400-level language classes. These outcomes highlight advanced language skills, cultural understanding, critical analysis, and effective intercultural communication in the language preparing students for a wide range of professional, academic, and social interactions.

  • Students will be able to achieve intermediate-high to advanced proficiency in the language allowing them to engage in spontaneous conversations, understand complex texts, and express themselves effectively.
  • Students will be able to master advanced grammar, vocabulary, and language structures, producing well-structured written texts and engaging in meaningful spoken interactions across diverse contexts.
  • Students will be able to apply their language skills practically in real-life situations, confidently navigating diverse cultural and linguistic contexts.
  • Students will be able to demonstrate effective intercultural communication skills in academic, professional, and social settings, bridging cultural gaps and fostering understanding.
  • Students will be able to deepen their understanding of the target society and culture, gaining insights into contemporary issues and cultural nuances through authentic materials.
  • Students will be able to write proficiently on various topics, adhering to conventions and summarizing complex information.

All of our majors will achieve the following outcomes:

  • Communication: Students will be able to express themselves effectively in written and verbal communication.
  • Use Information Effectively and Critically: Students will be able to identify, locate, and evaluate sources for the study of East Asian cultures.
  • Argument Construction: Students will be able to articulate the commonalities, complexity, and diversity within and across East Asian cultures.
  • Critical Thinking: Students will be able to articulate and apply appropriate disciplinary methods to the study of East Asian languages and cultures.

In all cases, it is the student who is ultimately responsible for meeting departmental requirements for the major. Students are expected to be familiar with the relevant policies of the Academic Catalogue and are urged to consult with the College of Humanities' and EAS Department's undergraduate advisors throughout their undergraduate career at the University.

Degree Requirements

  • Fourth semester language (fulfilled by CHN, JPN, or KOR 202, or demonstrating native proficiency and replacing the 5 credits with other departmental classes)
  • 6 units of 400 level courses in your major emphasis
  • an additional 12 units of upper division
  • EAS 201 (Myth, Memory, and Mind) 
  • EAS 202 (Symbol, Society, and Social Change)
  • 3 credits of EAS electives
  • 2 credit Senior Capstone (EAS 498/498H) taken in the final semester, which includes a Senior Project (details below)

Majors in the Language-Intensive Emphasis will be required to complete at least one semester of fourth year or Classical language in the department. This will be fulfilled by completing CHN 415, 417, JPN 421, 422 (regular language courses) and/or Classical language courses CHN 422, CHN 423, or JPN 405. 

We encourage our majors to participate in study abroad and will accept up to 15 credits of study abroad toward the major.

Chinese, Japanese, and Korean language credits can be earned through credit-by-exam for 101-302. Learn more information about the placement exam, proficiency exam and credit-by-exam for Chinese, Japanese, and Korean.

Learn more information on general education and overall degree requirements associated with majors offered by the College of Humanities.

Senior Capstone Project Requirement

All majors in EAS, no matter what emphasis they are in, must complete the Senior Capstone Project in the semester in which they are graduating. Please follow these steps:

  1. Sign up for EAS 498/498H for 2 credits.
  2. Contact an EAS faculty member you would like to work with. You must have taken at least one class with the faculty member, preferably upper division.
  3. Meet with the faculty member to agree on which type of project you will complete. There are two types of projects:
    • An 18-20 page research paper in English on a topic related to East Asia.
    • An 18-20 page translation/research project which combines an annotated translation of Japanese or Chinese text (approved by the faculty member) with a 5-10 page introduction in English which critically evaluates the passage translated. This option is generally only available to students who have demonstrated advanced proficiency in modern or Classical Chinese/Japanese. 
  4. If the faculty member agrees to work with you, please send an email to eas-advising@arizona.edu and the faculty member, stating your topic and the semester you will be doing the capstone. 

Majors will present their projects to the capstone class and faculty at the end of the semester. 

Undergraduate Advising

For questions about EAS majors/minors and/or to declare a major/minor, contact:

Dr. Maggie Camp at eas-advising@arizona.edu

Make an appointment

For questions about language class placement, placement exams and class content, contact:

For questions about the University of Arizona-affiliated study abroad opportunities, contact:

Ready to Declare?

Thank you for your interest, there are many benefits of majoring in East Asian Studies! Declare a major or minor in one of the following ways:

Online form

Complete the online Major/Minor declaration form (NetID required). A faculty advisor will follow up to schedule a meeting. If you do not hear from a faculty advisor within a week, please contact the College of Humanities Academic Advising Center (cohadv@arizona.edu).

Declare major/minor online form

In Person

Meet in person with a faculty advisor (College of Humanities/East Asian Studies) or make an appointment with the College of Humanities Academic Advising Center.

Schedule an appointment

Advising

For questions about the major/minor, please schedule an appointment online.