East Asia came to global prominence in the twentieth century. In the twenty-first century, knowledge and understanding of the region will continue to be crucial for people in any profession or field of endeavor. To address this critical need, the Department of East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Cultures (DEALLC) offers a comprehensive curriculum in some of the major languages, literatures, and cultures of East Asia.
The languages currently taught in DEALLC are Chinese (classical and modern), Japanese (classical and modern), and Korean (modern). The department reserves the right to place any incoming student in the course most appropriate to his or her skill level. Placement Test is administered by each language program, and students should get details from the Placement Exams page.
The department also offers literature courses that examine texts written in Chinese and Japanese, as well as those focusing on Chinese, Japanese, and Korean literature in English-language translation. Courses on culture generally are offered in English. In addition to courses on language, literature, and culture, DEALLC requires that its majors and minors take advantage of courses offered in many other departments and programs—Anthropology, Architecture, Art History, Economics, History, Politics, Religious Studies, and Studies in Women, Gender & Sexuality—giving DEALLC students a well-rounded, multidisciplinary perspective.
The DEALLC curriculum is designed to give students a high level of language competency and a deep understanding of East Asia. The department offers three majors: an East Asian Studies Major, an East Asian Studies Minor, Chinese and Japanese Languages and Literatures Major. The following minors: Chinese Language and Literature, Japanese Language and Literature, Korean Language and Literature, and East Asian Studies Minor. The department offers a Distinguished Major option for exceptional students in any of our majors. Many of our students go on to graduate or professional schools while others have found employment working in governmental agencies, journalism, art, international banking, business, and communications. Whatever the case, study in DEALLC is an intense, intimate, and rewarding experience, and DEALLC students are well-prepared for the future.
It is crucial that language training begin early in the student’s career. Summer study and study abroad are also encouraged. (See below under "Study Abroad Programs).
DOUBLE MAJORING IN EAST ASIAN STUDIES AND EAST ASIAN LANGUAGES AND LITERATURES
We encourage students to consider pursuing a double major in both East Asian Studies and an East Asian Language and Literature concentration, particularly because we believe they complement each other. While the Language and Literature major focuses chiefly on developing advanced language skills, East Asian Studies offers an opportunity to explore various facets of East Asian culture and history in a manner that deepens students’ appreciation of the context in which the regions’ languages are used.
As per college rules, students who double major can only count 9 credits simultaneously for both majors. In the particular case of East Asian Studies and East Asian Languages and Cultures, 6 of these credits will automatically overlap in the third year language sequence. The remaining 3 credits can be allocated as the student wishes, with the exception that they cannot be double-counted for two capstone courses. Students who are double majoring are required to complete two capstones in accordance with the requirements of both majors.
The information contained on this website is for informational purposes only. The Undergraduate Record and Graduate Record represent the official repository for academic program requirements. These publications may be found at http://records.ureg.virginia.edu/index.php.