General Information | The Program | Requirements | Courses | PDF File

The Major Program

The East Asian Studies major gives the student an understanding of East Asia (especially China and Japan) through interdisciplinary studies that combine sustained work in an East Asian language with courses on East Asian countries.

The Program. The program offers core courses in East Asian history, humanities, social sciences, and languages. After taking the core courses in conjunction with two years or more of either Chinese or Japanese language study, the student chooses additional courses focusing on a special field of interest, such as anthropology or history. Since six quarters of language work are required, students normally should apply to the East Asian studies program no later than their sophomore year.

Programs, Internships, and Career Alternatives. One program of interest to East Asian Studies majors is the education abroad program, which gives students the opportunity to live and experience the culture of their focus country. At UC Davis, the Internship and Career Center helps students obtain legislative, legal, and business internships. Additionally, the UC Davis Washington Center arranges internships and runs a full-credit academic program in Washington D.C. with a full range of opportunities for East Asian Studies majors. East Asian Studies graduates are prepared for employment in government agencies (such as Foreign Service), state agencies, international or non-governmental (such as United Nations), foundations, journalism, teaching, counseling and companies having an interest in international business, trade, finance. The stringent language requirement of the major program enhances career prospects in jobs that demand knowledge of language and culture of the focus country.