20th century Tibetan nationalist discourse. State-mandated behaviors in mainland China.  An analysis of Japanese pinball. Asian thematics and the American avant-garde. Shanshui poetry. Conservation and development on Maili Snow Mountain.

This sampling of senior thesis topics shows the interdisciplinary nature of Lewis and Clark’s East Asian Studies curriculum, which examines the dynamic, interrelated, and often contentious nature of cultures, politics, and economies of Japan, Korea, and China. Faculty from anthropology, art history, economics, history, international affairs, literature, religious studies, and sociology teach in the program, guaranteeing comprehensive learning experience.

Students in East Asian Studies choose from one of three areas of concentration: Fine Arts, Literature, and Languages; Social Sciences; and Religion and History. Within these categories, the curriculum is flexible, and students can select the themes for their course of study. For all students, the backbone of the major is solid training in the Chinese or Japanese language, coupled with intensive overseas study in East Asia. We also offer a minor program, which is a useful complement to many departmental majors.

Whether you’re interested in contemporary cultures, the rich histories of the region, or the political forces that have challenged and shaped these nations, East Asian Studies provides a space for rigorous exploration and research.