Explore your interests in East Asian Studies at Lawrence.

Academic advising at Lawrence seeks to empower each student to craft and pursue a transformative liberal arts experience that prepares them for impactful and personally fulfilling lives. Faculty advisors support students in planning and achieving their educational goals, facilitate connections to campus resources and communities, and guide students to make informed decisions as they pursue their academic interests and aspirations. 

Course Planning for New and Exploring Students

Any new first-year student who may be interested in majoring in East Asian Studies should:

  1. Start out with Chinese or Japanese language classes, and
  2. Try to take either EAST 212/HIST 212: East Asia in the Premodern World and/or EAST 213/HIST 213: East Asia in the Modern World in their first year (these can also be taken in the second year).

The Chinese introductory language sequence includes CHJA 101: Beginning Chinese I, CHJA 102: Beginning Chinese II, and CHJA 201: Beginning Intermediate Chinese). The Japanese introductory language sequence includes CHJA 111: Beginning Japanese I, CHJA 112: Beginning Japanese II, and CHJA 211: Beginning Intermediate Japanese.

AP/IB Credit and Advanced Placement

Students who have earned AP or IB credit in Chinese or Japanese should take a language placement exam to determine the appropriate starting point in the Chinese or Japanese language sequences.  

Declare a Major/Minor

All students are expected to declare a major before the end of sophomore year. Ideally, sophomore students will declare a major (and switch to an advisor in the major) before advance registration advising begins in spring term.

DECLARE A MAJOR/MINOR

Major Advising

All students will transition to a major advisor upon declaration. The major advisor will help students plan their coursework to satisfy requirements for the major, select courses in other areas to complement the major or satisfy personal interests, and prepare for their Senior Experience. Prospective East Asian Studies majors can consult with any of the following affiliated faculty about serving as a major advisor:

  • Constance Kassor, Associate Professor of Religious Studies 
  • Brenda Jenike,Edward F. Mielke Professor of Medicine, Health and Society and Associate Professor of Anthropology
  • Nancy Lin, Associate Professor of Art History
  • Kuo-ming Sung, Wendy and K.K. Tse Professor of East Asian Studies and Professor of Chinese and Linguistics
  • Brigid Vance, Associate Professor of History

Add a Major Advisor

Need help identifying an advisor in the major? Students can contact advising@lawrence.edu for assistance with advisor matching.

Add a Major Advisor

Minor Advising

Students do not need an official advisor for the East Asian Studies minor. Instead, East Asian Studies minors are encouraged to consult with the program director for advice on course selection and satisfying minor requirements.

Additional Student Resources

If you still have questions about advising support related to the East Asian Studies program, we invite you to contact the program director. 

Contact the East Asian Studies Program Director
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