Updated 7/9/03 A GUIDE TO THE EAST ASIAN STUDIES MAJOR AT WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY The East Asian Studies Program challenges the student to understand China and Japan through the rigors of language study and the analytical tools of various academic disciplines. This process demands both broad exposure to different subjects and a focused perspective on a particular feature of the East Asian landscape. Japan and China are related yet distinctive civilizations. Each has its own traditions and patterns of development. These traditions have played an important role in the development of culture around the globe and remain formative influences today. Students interested in East Asian Studies will be guided by the expectations for liberal learning at Wesleyan and by the program's inter-disciplinary approach. Language, literature, history, and the sophomore colloquium provide the common core of our program. The colloquium will expose students to a wide variety of intellectual approaches to East Asian Studies and will thereby provide a foundation for the student to focus in more depth on particular areas. Prospective majors are urged to start their language and history courses early in their Wesleyan careers. This will leave more time for study abroad and for more meaningful work in the concentration of the student's choice. To help students chart their way, the program faculty has designed the programs of study listed below. Admission to the major requires approval of the program chair and designation of an East Asian Studies academic advisor. Before deciding on a specific course of study, students must consult with their academic advisor in East Asian Studies.