COURSE CURRICULUM

The East Asian Studies BA at Leeds offers a structured yet flexible program that allows students to explore the region’s history, culture, politics, and society through a combination of compulsory and optional modules. In the first year, students can build foundational knowledge through modules such as Foundations of East Asia, Modern China: History and Culture, Japanese History and Society, and introductory language courses in Chinese, Japanese, or Thai. These modules provide an understanding of historical developments, social and cultural dynamics, and linguistic skills essential for deeper engagement with the region. In the second year, students expand their knowledge with the compulsory module Topics in Contemporary Asia Pacific Societies, which equips them with critical approaches to current issues across the region. Optional modules allow further specialisation, including contemporary culture, cinema, international relations, and the political and social development of specific countries such as China, Japan, and Thailand. The third year culminates in a Final Year Project, enabling students to carry out an independent dissertation or public engagement project under academic supervision. Additional optional modules offer advanced study in areas such as regional political economy, Sino-Japanese relations, religion, cinema, and civil society, allowing students to tailor their learning to personal interests while developing research, analytical, and cultural skills necessary for careers related to East Asia or further academic study.