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East Asian Language and Culture
East Asia is home to some of the world’s most influential cultures, histories, and economies. A specialization in East Asian Language and Culture gives you a deeper understanding of this dynamic region, along with valuable skills in Chinese or Japanese.
Choose from a major in East Asian Language and Culture or minors in Japanese, Chinese, and East Asian Civilization. Whether you're interested in ancient traditions, modern innovation, or global business, this program helps you engage with East Asia’s past, present, and future.
Enhance your experience with study abroad in China, Japan, or Taiwan, cultural events, and faculty-led research. In today’s global job market, mastering East Asian languages and cultures gives you a distinct edge.
Bachelor of Arts (Chinese) Degree Requirements
The East Asian Language and Culture (Chinese) Specialization can be earned by fulfilling the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree.
- Total Degree Requirements: 120 credit hours
- University Core Curriculum: 39 credit hours
- College of Liberal Arts Requirements: 12 credit hours
- Two years of Chinese: 3 credit hours
- Additional courses in Chinese: 18 credit hours
- CHIN 370: 3 credit hours
- Approved electives in Chinese culture: 6 credit hours
- General Electives: 39 credit hours
Check out the undergraduate Curricular Guide, which helps you outline what courses you would want to take each semester for all four years.
Bachelor of Arts (Japanese) Degree Requirements
The East Asian Language and Culture (Japanese) Specialization can be earned by fulfilling the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree.
- Total Degree Requirements: 120 credit hours
- University Core Curriculum: 39 credit hours
- College of Liberal Arts Requirements: 12 credit hours
- Two years of Japanese: 3 credit hours
- Additional courses in Japanese: 18 credit hours
- JPN 370: 3 credit hours
- Approved electives in Japanese culture: 6 credit hours
- General Electives: 39 credit hours
Check out the undergraduate Curricular Guide, which helps you outline what courses you would want to take each semester for all four years.
Why East Asian Language and Culture
China and Japan have shaped world history for centuries and continue to influence global politics, business, and culture. The East Asian Language and Culture Specialization equips students with proficiency in Chinese or Japanese while exploring the rich traditions, history, and literature of these nations.
Through interdisciplinary coursework, students analyze beliefs, media, customs, and artifacts, developing critical thinking skills across cultures. Language study goes beyond communication—students also gain insight into how Chinese or Japanese differ from English, deepening their understanding of language structure and cultural expression.
Unlock Global Career Opportunities
A specialization in East Asian Language and Culture prepares you for a wide range of careers in today’s global economy. With proficiency in Chinese or Japanese and a strong understanding of East Asian history and culture, you'll stand out in fields like international business, government, education, and cultural exchange.
Graduates often work with multinational companies, serve in diplomacy or national security, or teach and translate in the U.S. and abroad. The program also provides a solid foundation for graduate study in Asian studies, international relations, business, or law.
Flexible enough to pair with a second major, this specialization opens doors to global opportunities—and sets you apart in the job market.
Contact Information
Scott Collins
Interim Director
Faner Hall 3080
1000 Faner Dr
Carbondale, IL 62901
618-536-5571
sll@siu.edu
Shu-Ling Wu,
Chinese Section Head
Faner Hall 3038
1000 Faner Dr
Carbondale, IL 62901
618-453-5411
shulingwu@siu.edu
Satoshi Toyosaki,
Japanese Section Head
Faner Hall 3010
1000 Faner Dr
Carbondale, IL 62901
618-453-5418
tsatoshi@siu.edu
Study abroad opportunities in China and Japan
With its interdisciplinary approach and career versatility, the East Asian Language and Culture Specialization is your gateway to a world of global connections and professional success!