World Languages and Cultures department web site
The information on this page pertains to program requirements for students who matriculated in the 2023-2024 academic year. View requirements for previous catalog years here.
The minor in East Asian Studies provides opportunities for students to develop in-depth knowledge about China and Japan from multiple disciplinary perspectives and prepares students for future life and work in the region. Students will gain an understanding of the factors underlying Asia’s rising influence in the world and the possible consequences of this growing role. Available courses stretch across the fields of history, politics, sociology, philosophy, religion, language and fine arts. The minor complements a major in any of these disciplines as well as others, e.g., international relations and international business. Students who minor in East Asian Studies are strongly encouraged to study abroad in Asia.
| Requirement | Credits |
| HIST 021 - Pre-Modern East Asia, or HIST 022 - East Asia Since 1600 |
3 3 |
| Language - Two semesters of Chinese, Japanese, Korean (must transfer from another institution) or equivalent competence | 6 |
| Social Sciences Electives - Select two courses from the following: | |
| ECON 131 - China's Economic and Business System | 3 |
| MKTG 170 - Global Marketing | 3 |
| POLS 109 - China and the World | 3 |
| POLS 172 - Japan and the World: Issues of War and Memory | 3 |
| POLS 162 - The Government and Politics of China | 3 |
| POLS 163 - The Government and Politics of Japan | 3 |
| POLS 169 - Comparative Asian Politics | 3 |
| Fine Arts/Humanities Electives - Select two courses from the following: | |
| ART 075 - Themes in Art History | 4 |
| ART 103 - Art of India, China, and Japan | 3 |
| HIST 021 - Pre-Modern East Asia | 3 |
| HIST 022 - East Asia Since 1600 | 3 |
| HIST 128 - Imperial China | 3 |
| HIST 129 - Modern China | 3 |
| REL 064 - Introduction to Buddhism | 3 |
| REL/PHIL 103 - Philosophy and Religion in China | 3 |
| REL/PHIL 111 - Eastern Philosophy | 3 |
| REL 114 - Religions of Des Moines | 3 |
| REL/PHIL 121 - Comparative Religions | 3 |
| REL/PHIL 125 - Philosophy of Religion | 3 |
| REL 151 - China: Way of the Sage | 3 |
| WLC 148 - Intercultural Communication | 3 |
| Study Abroad: Study abroad is strongly recommended, but not required. Students will take advantage of existing opportunities, including short-term travel seminars. | |
| Total | 21-22 |
The information in this catalog does not constitute a contract between the university and the student. The university reserves the right to make changes in curricula, admission policies and processes, tuition and financial aid, academic standards and guidelines, student services and any other regulations or policies set forth in this catalog without giving prior notice.