The Department of East Asian Languages and Cultural Studies is dedicated to the study of the civilizations of China, Japan and Korea in all their richness and diversity. Study focuses not only on East Asia's recent and increasingly vital role on the world scene, but also on various elements of the region's long and fascinating history. We also offer a special 5-year B.A./M.A. program in each of these areas.
The department offers Bachelor of Arts degrees in three areas: Asian Studies, Chinese, and Japanese. All majors include coursework in East Asian cultural studies (involving one or more East Asian countries). Following is a brief description of each major. For courses associated with each major, see the Catalog.
Alumni of our East Asian Languages majors have gone on to pursue successful careers in fields as diverse as banking, diplomacy, international business, law, public service, research, teaching and the arts.
To declare a East Asian concentration or minor, students should make an appointment with the Department undergraduate advisor Sally Foxen.
Asian Studies
Asian Studies is an interdepartmental program administered by the East Asian Languages and Cultural Studies Department. It offers an undergraduate major leading to the B.A. degree and a graduate program leading to the M.A. Both the undergraduate and the graduate programs enable students to study East Asia (China, Japan, or Korea) in the context of two or more academic disciplines and, at the same time, to acquire at least two years of training in a language relevant to the area of study. The departments that contribute most to Asian studies at UCSB are Anthropology, Art History, Literature, History, Philosophy, Political Science, and Religious Studies. The languages which may be taken at UCSB in conjunction with Asian Studies courses are Chinese (Mandarin and Classical), Japanese (Modern and Classical), and Korean. Any of the literary languages of Asia, however, can serve to fulfill the language prerequisite if the student can demonstrate competence by exam at a level equivalent to that students are expected to attain after two years of study at UCSB.
Interdisciplinary study of an Asian culture, together with language training, provide an excellent basis for graduate work at the M.A. or Ph.D. level. For courses associated with this major, see the Catalog.
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Chinese
The Chinese concentration provides opportunities for extensive language training and interdisciplinary coursework, concentrating on the humanistic fields of literature, history, and religious studies.
The major in Chinese begins with work in modern Mandarin, the standard speech of the Beijing area, and moves on at more advanced levels to Classical or Literary Chinese, which was the dominant literary medium until the twentieth century. For courses associated with this major, see the Catalog.
Chinese languages and literatures are subjects of perennial interest and value which have acquired particular importance at the present time owing to the expansion of the U.S.'s relationships with the People’s Republic of China and Taiwan. The Chinese language in various forms is spoken by nearly a billion people in the PRC and many millions more in such places as Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore and elsewhere in Southeast Asia--all of which are becoming increasing important in global affairs.
While there are numerous Chinese sub-languages and dialects, Mandarin is taught at UCSB, as it is the official language of both the People's Republic and of Taiwan. Classical Chinese is also taught; this was the major literary medium until modern times, although a rich vernacular literature developed in the drama and novel beginning about 1200 A.D. Chinese majors may choose to emphasize either Mandarin or Classical; in either case all majors must take at least one year of each, in addition to meeting other requirements.
UCSB offers a full range of courses on the various epochs of Chinese history, and students are expected and encouraged to gain an understanding of China's long past as well as its critical present. Many other departments (e.g., Art, Philosophy, Political Science, Religious Studies) also offer courses on China, which afford insight into aspects of one of the world's most fascinating and enduring cultures.
Students who do well in Chinese language may apply to study for a year in Hong Kong, Taiwan, or Singapore under the University of California Education Abroad Program. Arrangements can also be made for various periods of study in the PRC through the Education Abroad Program. For certain EAP programs, students can go abroad after two quarters of a language.
Students who complete the B.A. in Chinese may wish to apply for further study at UCSB in the interdisciplinary program in Asian Studies, for an M.A. degree.
Knowledge of Chinese language can be a distinct advantage in diverse careers, such as international business, law, journalism, government service, tourism and travel, museum work and education (mainly at the university level). However, it should be noted that additional training or experience is needed to enter many of these fields.
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Japanese
Like the Chinese major, the Japanese major provides extensive language training and interdisciplinary coursework. This major permits a concentrated study of modern Japanese and encourages familiarity with Classical Japanese and Classical Chinese (or Kanbun, as the form of Classical Chinese most commonly written in Japan is known). In addition to language training, this major focuses on the humanities, setting them within a broad social and historical context. For courses associated with this major, see the Catalog.
The Japanese major is more geographically and culturally specific than the Asian Studies major, and it requires considerably more advanced language training in Japanese. Students should examine the different majors to determine which best suits their objectives.
Students are encouraged to complete an academic year of study abroad through the university’s Education Abroad Program in Japan. For certain EAP programs, students can go abroad after two quarters of a language.
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5-Year B.A./M.A. Program
The 5-Year B.A./M.A. program is designed for students who wish to enhance their undergraduate major in Chinese or Japanese with graduate training at the M.A. level in the department. Students concurrently pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chinese or Japanese and a Master of Arts in Asian Studies. These degrees already exist as separate entities, the B.A. normally requiring four years and the M.A. normally requiring two years.
Students pursuing this dual degree should plan on taking one year of study abroad during their junior year in their country of specialization. While on the study abroad program students will need to apply to the graduate program, following the same procedures as students not currently enrolled in the University.
Applicants must submit an online application along with the $60 application fee and deliver hard copies of these documents to the department:
* 2 official transcripts
* 3 letters of recommendation
* GRE scores (taken while on EAP or immediately upon return)
* Statement of purpose
* Writing sample
The application is the only document that must be submitted while overseas; the rest should be submitted as soon as possible after the student returns to the States. A consultation with the undergraduate advisor is advised before starting this program so that class planning can be coordinated to meet the 5 year goal. Students can apply for graduate fellowships and teaching assistant positions after B.A. course work has been completed in their 4th year.
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