| 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. It has been growing dramatically
in importance and visibility in world affairs in the past 30 years.
East Asian studies faculty recognizes 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
(presently 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. |
Mission