Grand Valley State University’s East Asian Studies Program explores the languages, cultures, histories, and socioeconomic conditions of China and Japan.

The program recognizes the rich and complex traditions and historical contributions of these countries, and while acknowledge the essential roles they play in the world today.

China, with five thousand years of civilization, more than a billion people, and a fast growing economy, and Japan, with its unparalleled economic success, demands attention from the world. The East Asian Studies Program balances a liberal arts and professional approach to understanding the economic potential, rich cultural resources, and the basic need for intercultural relationships with these two countries.

Mission
An integral part of liberal education is a global perspective that encompasses the world’s languages, cultures, histories, and traditions. A vibrant East Asian studies program is a vital component of this global perspective education at Grand Valley. The EAS program offers students opportunities to study and learn economic, political, cultural, philosophical, historical, and artistic aspects of the entire East Asian region, which has been growing dramatically in importance and visibility in world affairs in the past 30 years.

East Asian studies faculty recognize the need for our students, most of whom come from west Michigan and its vicinity, to be well versed in cultures other than their own. Faculty in the program offer cross-cultural understanding and intercultural communication, allowing students to become well-rounded and well-grounded in their knowledge of East Asia as they find their niche in a demographically and culturally diverse society and an increasingly global economy.

As a specialized program focusing on East Asia, the faculty encourage students to study this important region not only as a matter of intellectual curiosity, or to augment their general education curriculum, but also as a major field of expertise. Rapid economic development, technological innovation, expanding marketplace, and cultural riches characterize East Asia and cannot be ignored if one is to be liberally educated in our new century. Grand Valley’s students will benefit significantly from a strong East Asian studies program in terms of both their overall educational experience and their practical considerations of employment opportunities after graduation.

As a reflection of the vision stated above, the East Asian studies program draws faculty expertise from a wide range of disciplines and offers courses in East Asian languages (currently Chinese and Japanese), history, philosophy, politics, literature, geography, religion, and other special topics of interest. EAS also offers renowned study-abroad programs. The ultimate goal of the program is to become a strong and influential area studies center that contributes to the overall mission of the university as well as the development of west Michigan.

Peimin Ni, Coordinator
East Asian Studies Program
223 Lake Superior Hall
Grand Valley State University
Allendale, Michigan 49401-9403
Phone: (616) 331-3529
E-mail: nip@gvsu.edu

Admissions Office
1 Campus Drive
Grand Valley State University
Allendale, Michigan 49401-9403
Phone: (616) 331-2025 or (800) 748-0246
E-mail: go2gvsu@gvsu.edu
Web: www.gvsu.edu

Grand Valley State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution