East Asian Studies

What Kind of Study Abroad Programs and Special events can I participate in as an East Asian Studies Minor?

As a part of the East Asian Studies minor, students can participate in the study abroad programs in East China Normal University in Shanghai, National Taiwan Normal University in Taipei, Japanese Studies program at International Christian University (ICU) or the Japan Center for Michigan Universities (JCMU). Consult the Padnos International Center or the coordinator of the East Asian Studies Program for more information.

What is the East Asian Studies Program? 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.
How would a minor in East Asian Studies Benefit Me? The East Asian studies minor is designed for students who are interested in Chinese and Japanese culture and who see fluency in the Chinese or Japanese language as instrumental for their effectiveness in an increasingly international community. Grand Valley students majoring in areas such as business, communications, English, history, international relations, philosophy, and political science, among others, will find that this program provides a unique perspective on these two dynamic countries and a valued complement to their major programs. Students studying Chinese or Japanese at the primary or secondary level, transfer students who began these language study at other two- or four-year institutions, and study abroad participants may also choose to minor in East Asian Studies.
What Kind of Study Abroad Programs and Special events can I participate in as an East Asian Studies Minor? As a part of the East Asian Studies minor, students can participate in the study abroad programs in East China Normal University in Shanghai, National Taiwan Normal University in Taipei, Japanese Studies program at International Christian University (ICU) or the Japan Center for Michigan Universities (JCMU). Consult the Padnos International Center or the coordinator of the East Asian Studies Program for more information.
Students are also encouraged to participate in the activities of local Asian associations, including the Chinese Association of West Michigan, the Asian-American Association, Japan-America Society of West Michigan, and with student groups such as the Asian Student Union (ASU) and the International Student Organization (ISO). Members of community organizations and businesses are also invited to take courses and participate in program activities. What are the Requirements? Students seeking a minor in East Asian Studies are required to complete 21-22 credit hours. Normally this includes nine credits of core courses, four credits of language above the 201-level, and nine credits of electives, for a total of 22 credits. Students who enter the university competent in Japanese or Chinese at the 202-level or higher will take one extra elective course for a total of 21 credits. No more than two courses from any department other than East Asian Studies can be counted toward the minor. There is no limit on the courses designated East Asian Studies (EAS) that may apply to the minor. GVSU Mission Statement