Strengthen your language skills and develop your cultural understanding of East Asia.

Explore the rich cultural heritage and the political and economic significance of the region through courses in anthropology, history, government, art history, literature and religious studies. Take your deep learning of either the Chinese or Japanese language on a journey and experience China and Japan firsthand through off-campus study. And ultimately, prepare intellectually, linguistically, and personally for further graduate work or professional careers as East Asian specialists.

Matthew Chan '21 with dog profile pic

Alumni Perspective


"Currently, I work as a production assistant in an accessories company, collaborating with factories in China and facilitating product sales in the US, including partnerships with retailers like Urban Outfitters. The [East Asian studies] classes I took helped me grasp and value the cultures of East Asian societies, making a significant impact on my current work."

Matthew Chan '21, Production Assistant
East Asian Studies, Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Island Park, New York

Academics

Unbagging First-Year Studies

Martyn Smith, director of First-Year Studies, unbags the 10 works being used in First-Year Studies during the 2021-2022 academic year.

Busy crosswalk in Tokyo as sun's setting
Study Off Campus

Tokyo, Japan

Study Japanese language and culture in one of the world's most exciting cities, while getting a personal experience through a homestay with a Japanese family. 

Build your cultural, economic, and artistic understanding of East Asian cultures.

View course descriptions and schedules.

Faculty contribute from a variety of academic disciplines in this multi-disciplinary program.

East Asian History students sitting around square tables studying historical artifacts and artwork
Students review art in an East Asian history class.

Connecting understanding through research

Discover your specific interests in the world of East Asian studies and let them drive your self-designed Senior Experience research.


 

The Chandler Senior Experience

Senior Seminar in East Asian Studies is a senior level workshop culminating in the completion of a substantial paper or project derived from previous coursework in the discipline or related fields or field experience in consultation with department faculty.

Recent Senior Experiences include:

  • Mandarin and Martians: A Reevaluation of Chinese Representation in Hollywood Cinema
  • The Effects of Globalization on Japan’s Traditional Crafts Industry
  • Fighting for the Islands: A Case Study of the Senkaku Islands and Takeshima Disputes
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Student sitting on stone wall in Guiyang & Guizhou Province

East Asian Studies Outcomes

Interpret the importance of the political and economic power of the East Asian region in a variety of career fields.

Can you picture yourself at Lawrence? Apply for admission.

The best way to find out if Lawrence is the university for you is by visiting.

Your virtual tour starts at the Arch but be sure to check out Main Hall, to explore languages learning spaces.

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