East Asian Studies – Academic Catalog 2026-27

Decorated Jizo statues at a shrine in Tokyo

East Asian Studies looks at some of the world’s largest economies through language, off-campus study, and coursework. We concentrate on three regions: China, Korea, and Japan. Students examine their similarities and differences to gain a broad understanding of past and present Asian cultures.

With one of the world’s most populous nations and some of its largest economies, East Asia is a region of growing significance. It consists of areas encompassed by present day China, Japan, and Korea (and sometimes also Mongolia, Myanmar, Siberia, and Vietnam). The minor consists of a program of study combining language training, off-campus study, required core courses in various disciplines, and supporting courses, including a designated capstone course. The underlying logic of the minor seeks to highlight both the similarities and differences in the societies and cultures of East Asia and to generate increased understanding of a vital part of the modern world.

Minor Requirements – 42 Total Credits

The East Asian Studies Minor requires a total of 42 credits, with at least 6 credits drawn from each of the three Asian Studies distribution areas (Literary/Artistic Analysis, Humanistic Inquiry or Social Inquiry).

18 credits in core courses, drawn from at least two of the three Asian Studies distribution areas.

24 credits from additional courses, drawn from at least two of the three Asian Studies distribution areas.

Courses taken on off-campus programs may be applied to the minor.

Normally, at least one term of off-campus study in East Asia.

One year of study of an East Asian language, or its equivalent. For languages offered at Carleton, this will involve completion of a language through 103, or its equivalent. For languages not offered at Carleton, it will involve completion of the equivalent of 103.

Core Courses – Required 18 credits

Courses must be from at least two Asian Studies distribution areas.

ARTH 165: Japanese Art and Culture
ARTH 166: Chinese Art and Culture (not offered 2026-27)
ARTH 267: Gardens in China and Japan
ARTH 321: Arts of the Chinese Scholar’s Studio (not offered 2026-27)
HIST 150: Politics of Art in Early Imperial China (not offered 2026-27)
HIST 152: History of Late Imperial China (not offered 2026-27)
HIST 153: History of Modern China (not offered 2026-27)
JAPN 241: Introduction to Modern Japanese Literature (not offered 2026-27)
POSC 246: Contemporary Chinese Politics (not offered 2026-27)
POSC 248: Asian Communism: Politics of China, Viet & N Korea (not offered 2026-27)
RELG 152: Religions in Japanese Culture
RELG 153: Introduction to Buddhism (not offered 2026-27)

Supporting Courses – Required 24 credits

Courses must be from at least two distribution areas.

About East Asian Studies

Requirements for the East Asian Studies Minor

Minor Requirements – 42 Total Credits

Core Courses – Required 18 credits

Supporting Courses – Required 24 credits