The nations of East Asia are emerging as the economic powers of the twenty-first century. In response to the growing influence of this region, Lawrence created the Department of East Asian Languages & Cultures in 1989. Students have the opportunity to explore the rich history and cultural legacy of East Asia, to study the Chinese and Japanese languages in depth, and to spend part or all of an academic year in China, Hong Kong or Japan.

Lawrence's CHJA Department was the recipient of a generous Freeman Foundation grant, which was used to develop a Japanese language program and faculty and student study tours. Photos from the tours are available on the Freeman Trip pages.