East Asian Studies
As the world enters the 21st Century, East Asia has demonstrated the potential for dynamic economic growth, only to encounter difficulties which raise questions about its potential for economic dominance. Now, in addition to the domestic politics of development, East Asia's future will be increasingly impacted by global economic institutions as well as limitations imposed by population, resources and the environment.
With the growing globalization of post-colonialization, East Asia's future comes an increasing importance of the region to the world and to the United States. In the United States, meanwhile, education about East Asia lags far behind our need for understanding. Not only is there a need for greater knowledge of East Asia in our contemporary world, but also for a better acquaintance with her centuries-old traditions. These traditions offer us a fresh perspective on the diversity and genius of human achievements, as well as indispensable keys to an understanding of modern China and Japan.
WHY STUDY EAST ASIA?
Not only is there a need for an increased knowledge of East Asia in our contemporary world, but there is also a need for a better acquaintance with her centuries-old traditions. These traditions offer us a fresh perspective on the diversity and genius of human achievements, as well as indispensable keys to an understanding of modern China and Japan.
THE MAJOR
Study of East Asia at UC Davis is not concentrated in a single department. The major draws faculty from many disciplines including anthropology, history, sociology, economics, political science, religion, languages, and literatures.
UC Davis recognizes that East Asian Studies' majors often come to the University with little or no background of Asian cultures, and that the career possibilities are exceptionally varied. In order to address these two problems, the East Asian Studies program is geared to offer a background core of basic courses in East Asian history, humanities, social sciences, and languages, plus a wide range of more advanced and specialized courses from which student and advisor tailor an individualized program of study.
After taking the core courses, in conjunction with two years or more of either Chinese or Japanese language study, the major chooses five or more additional courses focusing on a special field of interest. A student considering a business career might select a course in the Political Science Department on American Japanese relations and study international trade and finance in the Economics Department, together with a seminar or individually guided work on the Japanese economy. On the other hand, a major interested in journalism or government service may concentrate on the modern history and politics of both China and Japan, taking courses dealing with modernization, revolution and Marxist theory, and international relations.
Students majoring in other fields, such as literature, economics, history, international relations, even agricultural sciences may find courses in East Asian Studies relevant to their particular career goals or academic interests. Also a number of students have undertaken double majors combining East Asian Studies with another area of study. The faculty are as eager to introduce some appreciation of East Asia to future textile engineers, doctors, and argonomists, as they are to train Asian specialists.
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