COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master’s program in East Asian Studies at Leiden University offers an in-depth, interdisciplinary exploration of China, Japan, or Korea. Students can focus on the country of their choice and study it through a wide range of disciplinary perspectives, including history, literature, art, art history, sociology, anthropology, media, cultural studies, religious studies, philosophy, economics, development studies, linguistics, and politics and international relations. The program combines advanced language training with academic courses, preparing students to engage with primary sources in Mandarin, Japanese, or Korean.In the first semester, students take the compulsory core course Introduction to Asian Studies, which provides a shared foundation for all MA Asian Studies students. East Asian Studies students also follow advanced language courses tailored to their chosen country and select electives to deepen their disciplinary knowledge. In the second semester, the focus shifts to research and the preparation of the MA thesis, with continued language study and relevant electives. By this stage, students are expected to integrate their academic and language skills, allowing them to use primary East Asian sources effectively in their research.The program emphasizes close interaction with leading scholars, small class sizes, and access to Leiden University’s extensive resources on Asia. This combination equips students with both specialized regional expertise and the analytical, linguistic, and research skills necessary for professional or academic careers. Graduates are well-prepared for roles in international organisations, research institutions, diplomacy, education, and business, as well as for further academic study.Overall, the East Asian Studies MA provides a comprehensive understanding of the historical, cultural, social, and political complexities of China, Japan, or Korea, fostering critical thinking and cross-cultural competence. Students emerge with strong research capabilities, advanced language proficiency, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to scholarship, policy, and professional practice related to East Asia.