Undergraduate Major

Upon signing up 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.

Culture-Intensive Emphasis

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.

Language-Intensive Emphasis

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.

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 and Japanese.

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 7-10 page introduction in English that 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  eas-advising@arizona.edu
Make an appointment>>

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

For questions about study abroad, contact:

Ready to Declare?

Thank you for your interest in East Asian Studies. Declare an East Asian Studies major or minor online or in person.

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

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@email.arizona.edu).

Declare Major/Minor Online Form

 

Advising

For questions about the major/minor, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Camp.