COURSE CURRICULUM

The East Asian Studies BA provides a comprehensive understanding of the history, culture, society, and politics of China, Japan, and Korea, offering students the opportunity to study the region from multiple perspectives. In the first year, core modules cover key questions in East Asian studies, arts, history, culture, and politics, while students can tailor their degree through specialist pathways in Korean, Japanese, or Chinese, or through cultural, advanced Chinese, or cross-cultural pathways, exploring contemporary regional challenges and interdisciplinary approaches from historians, political scientists, and sociologists. In the second year, students deepen their knowledge through advanced language study, modules on global citizenship, and optional modules on topics such as East Asian film, television, history, international relations, and ethnography, strengthening analytical and research skills. In the third year, those on language or cultural pathways typically spend a year abroad in an East Asian country, gaining immersive experience, while students on the advanced Chinese pathway study contemporary challenges in China. In the fourth year, students consolidate their expertise through a dissertation project and optional modules in arts, music, literature, language, history, and sustainability. Across all four years, the course emphasizes interdisciplinary study, critical thinking, and practical experience, preparing graduates for careers in international business, research, diplomacy, education, and roles requiring deep understanding of East Asia.