The study of a world region is intended to provide liberal arts majors with a broad, integrated overview of the influences that have shaped, and continue to shape, its internal evolution as well as the role it plays in the world. The East Asian Studies major introduces students to the cultural, economic, historical and political forces, arising inside and outside the region, that have combined to determine the past, present and future of East Asia.
Students pursuing both a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) degree are required to complete a minimum of two years of foreign language study in a language appropriate to the chosen specialization. Ohio State currently offers courses in Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Uzbek.
To learn more about major requirements, check out the links below. Requirements and course offerings do change, so if you have any questions please reach out to internationalstudies@osu.edu or contact your academic advisor.
East Asian Studies Major Requirements
Bachelor of Arts
Foreign Language Requirement
This major requires completion of a minimum of two years of language study. Coursework completed at OSU or abroad and/or appropriate placement test results can document this.
To fulfill the foreign language requirement students have three options:
- Complete two years (4 semesters) of a single language
- Complete a foreign language minor
- Complete a second major in a language
For those opting to complete two years in a single language, OSU offers courses in Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Uzbek. After completing 1101, 1102, 1103, you must complete one advanced language course (Chinese 2141& 2151, Japanese 2102.01, Korean 2102.01, or Uzbek 2101).
Embedded Literacies: 3 courses (9 hours)
Students must complete at least one course each in Advanced Writing (AW), Data Analysis (DA) and Technology (TECH). These courses are part of the major and courses which fulfill the requirements are indicated below.
- Required Foundations: 6 hours
- INTSTDS 3850 - Introduction to Globalization
- INTSTDS 4852 - Research in Globalization (AW)
- Methods & Analysis: 3 hours (choose one)
- Geography 4103 - Introductory Spatial Data Analysis (DA)
- INTSTDS 3400 - The Analysis & Display of Data (DA)
- Political Science 3780 - Data Literacy & Data Visualization (DA)
- Sociology 5650 - Presenting & Communicating Quantitative Data (DA)
Primary Specialization & Secondary Specialization
If East Asian Studies is your Primary Specialization, choose five courses (15 hours). You will choose an additional 3 courses (9 hours) for your Secondary Specialization.
If East Asian Studies is your Secondary Specialization, choose three courses (9 hours).
- CHINESE 4402 - Traditional Chinese Fiction in Translation
- CHINESE 4403 - Modern Chinese Literature in Translation
- CHINESE 4404 - Chinese Drama
- CHINESE 4405 - China in Chinese Film
- CHINESE 4406 - China Pop: Contemporary Chinese Popular Culture
- COMM 3554 - Social Implications of Communication Technology (TECH)
- EALL 3223 - The Buddhist Tradition
- EALL 3405 - Introducing East Asia Through Martial Arts Cinema
- EALL 5475 - Women Writers, Culture & Society in East Asia
- HISTART 4810 - The Arts of China
- HISTART 4815 - Modern & Contemporary Chinese Art
- HISTART 4820 - The Arts of Japan
- HISTART 4825 - Modern/Contemporary Art in Japan
- HISTORY 3403 - History of Early Modern China: 14th – 18th Century
- HISTORY 3404 - Modern China 1750-1949
- HISTORY 3411 - Gender & Sexuality in China
- HISTORY 3426 - History of Modern Japan
- HISTORY 3715 - Science, Technology & the Environment in East Asia
- INTSTDS 3703 - Ethical Issues in Information Technology (TECH)
- INSTDS/HISTART 3905 - The Developing World on Screen
- INTSTDS 4701 - Development & Control of Weapons of Mass Destruction (TECH)
- INTSTDS/NELC/SLAVIC 5020 - Oligarchs, Penthouses, Yachts
- JAPANESE 4400 - Japanese Film & Visual Media
- JAPANESE 4401 - Japanese Literature & Film in Critical Perspective
- JAPANESE 5454 - Japanese Literature: Classical Period
- JAPANESE 5455 - Japanese Literature: Medieval & Edo
- KOREAN 5256 - Interdisciplinary Topics in Korean Politics & Society
- KOREAN 5400 - Performance Traditions of Korea
- NELC 5204 - Culture & Politics in Central Asia
- SOCIOL 3302 - Technology & Global Society (TECH)
Foreign Language Requirement
This major requires completion of a minimum of two years of language study. Coursework completed at OSU or abroad and/or appropriate placement test results can document this.
To fulfill the foreign language requirement students have three options:
- Complete two years (4 semesters) of a single language
- Complete a foreign language minor
- Complete a second major in a language
For those opting to complete two years in a single language, OSU offers courses in Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Uzbek. After completing 1101, 1102, 1103, you must complete one advanced language course (Chinese 2141& 2151, Japanese 2102.01, Korean 2102.01, or Uzbek 2101).
Embedded Literacies: 3 courses (9 hours)
Students must complete at least one course each in Advanced Writing (AW), Data Analysis (DA) and Technology (TECH). These courses are part of the major and courses which fulfill the requirements are indicated below.
Required Foundations: 4 courses (12 hours)
- AEDECON/INTSTDS 4534 - Comparative Challenges to Economic Development
- History 3426 - History of Modern Japan
- INTSTDS 2050 - Introduction to China and Japan
- INTSTDS 5050 - Two Koreas: Political Economy of Regional Rivalry
Critical Perspectives: choose 4 courses (12 hours), must include one EL Technology, one EL Advanced Writing, and one EL Data Analysis
- EALL 3241 - Thought in China, Japan and Korea
- History 3715 - Science, Technology and the Environment in East Asia
- INTSTDS 3400 - Analysis & Display of Data (EL Data Analysis)
- INTSTDS 3450 - Human Rights: An Introduction
- INTSTDS 3703 - Ethical Issues in the Information Age (EL Technology)
- INTSTDS 4700 - Terror & Terrorism (EL Advanced Writing)
- INTSTDS 4701 - The Development & Control of WMDs (EL Technology)
- INTSTDS 4852 - Research in Globalization (EL Advanced Writing)
- Political Science 3780 - Data Literacy & Data Visualization (EL Data Analysis)
- Political Science 4231 - China: State and Society
Electives: choose 2 courses (6 hours)
For electives, students can choose any combination of two courses from other International Studies specializations, the list below and unused courses from the Critical Perspectives.
- Chinese 4402 - Traditional Chinese Fiction in Translation
- Chinese 4403 - Modern Chinese Literature in Translation
- Chinese 4404 - Chinese Drama
- Chinese 4405 - China in Chinese Film
- EALL 3223 - The Buddhist Tradition
- EALL 4407 - Early Asian Cinema
- History 3401 - Foundations of Chinese Civilization
- History 3402 - Chinese Empire, 10th – 14th Centuries
- History 3403 - History of Early Modern China: 14th – 18thCentury
- History 3404 - Modern China 1750 – 1949
- History 3405 - Contemporary China 1921 – 2000
- History of Art 4810 - The Arts of China
- History of Art 4815 - Modern and Contemporary Chinese Art
- History of Art 4820 - The Arts of Japan
- INTSTDS 4195 - Selected Problems in International Studies
- INTSTDS 5191 - Student Internship Program
- Japanese 4400 - Japanese Film and Visual Media
- Japanese 4401 - Japanese Literature and Film in Critical Perspective
- Korean 5256 - Interdisciplinary Topics in Korean Politics and Society
Foreign Language Requirement
This major requires completion of a minimum of two years of language study. Coursework completed at OSU or abroad and/or appropriate placement test results can document this.
To fulfill the foreign language requirement students have three options:
- Complete two years (4 semesters) of a single language
- Complete a foreign language minor
- Complete a second major in a language
For those opting to complete two years in a single language, OSU offers courses in Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Uzbek. After completing 1101, 1102, 1103, you must complete one advanced language course (Chinese 2141& 2151, Japanese 2102.01, Korean 2102.01, or Uzbek 2101).
Required Foundations: 4 courses (12 hours)
- AEDECON/INTSTDS 4534 - Comparative Challenges to Economic Development
- History 3426 - History of Modern Japan
- INTSTDS 2050 - Introduction to China and Japan
- INTSTDS 5050 - Two Koreas: Political Economy of Regional Rivalry
Critical Perspectives: choose 4 courses (12 hours)
- EALL 3241 - Thought in China, Japan and Korea
- EALL 4200 - Topics in East Asian Culture
- History 3715 - Science, Technology and the Environment in East Asia
- INTSTDS 3400 - Analysis & Display of Data
- INTSTDS 3450 - Human Rights: An Introduction
- INTSTDS 3703 - Ethical Issues in the Information Age
- INTSTDS 4700 - Terror & Terrorism
- INTSTDS 4701 - Weapons of Mass Destruction
- Political Science 4230 Chinese Political System
- Political Science 4231 China: State and Society
- Political Science 4235 Japanese Politics
Electives: choose 2 courses (6 hours)
For electives, students can choose any combination of two courses from other International Studies specializations, the list below and unused courses from the Critical Perspectives.
- Chinese 4402 - Traditional Chinese Fiction in Translation
- Chinese 4403 - Modern Chinese Literature in Translation
- Chinese 4404 - Chinese Drama
- Chinese 4405 - China in Chinese Film
- EALL 3223 - The Buddhist Tradition
- EALL 4407 - Early Asian Cinema
- History 3401 - Foundations of Chinese Civilization
- History 3402 - Chinese Empire, 10th – 14th Centuries
- History 3403 - History of Early Modern China: 14th – 18th Century
- History 3404 - Modern China 1750 – 1949
- History 3405 - Contemporary China 1921 – 2000
- History of Art 4810 - The Arts of China
- History of Art 4815 - Modern and Contemporary Chinese Art
- History of Art 4820 - The Arts of Japan
- INTSTDS 4195 - Selected Problems in International Studies
- INTSTDS 5191 - Student Internship Program
- Japanese 4400 - Japanese Film and Visual Media
- Japanese 4401 - Japanese Literature and Film in Critical Perspective
- Korean 5256 - Interdisciplinary Topics in Korean Politics and Society
Bachelors of Science
Foreign Language Requirement
This major requires completion of a minimum of two years of language study. Coursework completed at OSU or abroad and/or appropriate placement test results can document this.
To fulfill the foreign language requirement students have three options:
- Complete two years (4 semesters) of a single language
- Complete a foreign language minor
- Complete a second major in a language
For those opting to complete two years in a single language, OSU offers courses in Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Uzbek. After completing 1101, 1102, 1103, you must complete one advanced language course (Chinese 2141& 2151, Japanese 2102.01, Korean 2102.01, or Uzbek 2101).
Embedded Literacies: 3 courses (9 hours)
Students must complete at least one course each in Advanced Writing (AW), and Technology (TECH), and complete a 3- course sequence in Data Analysis (DA). These courses are part of the major and courses which fulfill the requirements are indicated below.
Required Foundations: 2 courses (6 hours)
- INTSTDS 3850 - Introduction to Globalization
- INTSTDS 4852 - Research in Globalization (AW)
Data Analysis: 3 courses (9 hours), Choose 1 3-course sequence)
- Series 1
- Geography 4103 - Introductory Spatial Data Analysis
- Geography 5103 - Intermediate Spatial Data Analysis
- Geography 5210 - Fundamentals of Geographic Information System
- Series 2
- INTSTDS 3400 - The Analysis & Display of Data or Political Science 3780 - Data Literacy & Data Visualization
- Political Science 4781- Data Literacy in Political Science I
- Political Science 4782 - Data Literacy in Political Science II
- Series 3
- Statistics 2450.01 or 2450.02 Introduction to Statistical Analysis I
- Statistics 3301 - Statistical Modeling for Discovery I
- Statistics 3302 - Statistical Modeling for Discovery II
Specialization: Choose 6 courses (18 hours)
- CHINESE 4402 - Traditional Chinese Fiction in Translation
- CHINESE 4403 - Modern Chinese Literature in Translation
- CHINESE 4404 - Chinese Drama
- CHINESE 4405 - China in Chinese Film
- CHINESE 4406 - China Pop: Contemporary Chinese Popular Culture
- COMM 3554 - Social Implications of Communication Technology (TECH)
- EALL 3223 - The Buddhist Tradition
- EALL 3405 - Introducing East Asia Through Martial Arts Cinema
- EALL 5475 - Women Writers, Culture & Society in East Asia
- HISTART 4810 - The Arts of China
- HISTART 4815 - Modern & Contemporary Chinese Art
- HISTART 4820 - The Arts of Japan
- HISTART 4825 - Modern/Contemporary Art in Japan
- HISTORY 3403 - History of Early Modern China: 14th – 18th Century
- HISTORY 3404 - Modern China 1750-1949
- HISTORY 3411 - Gender & Sexuality in China
- HISTORY 3426 - History of Modern Japan
- HISTORY 3715 - Science, Technology & the Environment in East Asia
- INTSTDS/GEOG 3650 - A World Divided? Place, Space, and Regions in World Affairs
- INTSTDS 3703 - Ethical Issues in Information Technology (TECH)
- INSTDS/HISTART 3905 - The Developing World on Screen
- INTSTDS 4701 - The Development & Control of Weapons of Mass Destruction (TECH)
- INTSTDS/ NELC/SLAVIC 5020 - Oligarchs, Penthouses, Yachts
- JAPANESE 4400 - Japanese Film & Visual Media
- JAPANESE 4401 - Japanese Literature & Film in Critical Perspective
- JAPANESE 5454 - Japanese Literature: Classical Period
- JAPANESE 5455 - Japanese Literature: Medieval & Edo
- KOREAN 5256 - Interdisciplinary Topics in Korean Politics & Society
- KOREAN 5400 - Performance Traditions of Korea
- NELC 5204 - Culture & Politics in Central Asia
- SOCIOL 3302 - Technology & Global Society (TECH)
Foreign Language Requirement
This major requires completion of a minimum of two years of language study. Coursework completed at OSU or abroad and/or appropriate placement test results can document this.
To fulfill the foreign language requirement students have three options:
- Complete two years (4 semesters) of a single language
- Complete a foreign language minor
- Complete a second major in a language
For those opting to complete two years in a single language, OSU offers courses in Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Uzbek. After completing 1101, 1102, 1103, you must complete one advanced language course (Chinese 2141& 2151, Japanese 2102.01, Korean 2102.01, or Uzbek 2101).
Embedded Literacies: 3 courses (9 hours)
Students must complete at least one course each in Advanced Writing, Data Analysis and Technology. These courses are part of the major and courses which fulfill the requirements are indicated below. The Stats 2450.01 prerequisite satisfies the EL Data Analysis.
Required Minor:
Students must complete one of the following minors, or a second major in the same field:
- Agribusiness: 4-5 courses (minimum 12 hours)
- Prerequisite: AEDECON 2001, or Econ 2001.01 or 2001.02
- Business: 5 courses (15 hours)
- Prerequisites: Econ 2001.01 or 2001.02, CSE 1110 or higher, Math 1130 or 1148 or math placement in M or L.
- City and Regional Planning: 4 courses (12 hours)
- Environmental Science: 5 courses (15 hours)
- Geographic Information Science: 6 courses (18 hours)
- Global Public Health: 5 courses (15 hours)
- Information Security: 6 courses (16 hours)
- Consult INTSTDS advisor for prerequisites and scheduling
- International Business: 6 courses (15 hours)
- Quantitative Economics: 5 courses (15-16 hours)
Required Foundations: 4 courses (12 hours)
- AEDECON/INTSTDS 4534 - Comparative Challenges to Economic Development
- History 3426 - History of Modern Japan
- INTSTDS 2050 - Introduction to China and Japan
- INTSTDS 5050 - Two Koreas: Political Economy of Regional Rivalry
Critical Perspectives: choose 4 courses (12 hours), must include one EL Technology, one EL Advanced Writing, and one EL Data Analysis
- EALL 3241 - Thought in China, Japan and Korea
- History 3715 - Science, Technology and the Environment in East Asia
- INTSTDS 3703 - Ethical Issues in the Information Age (EL Technology)
- INTSTDS 4700 - Terror & Terrorism (EL Advanced Writing)
- INTSTDS 4701 - The Development and Control of Weapons of Mass Destruction (EL Technology)
- INTSTDS 4852 - Research in Globalization (EL Advanced Writing)
- Political Science 4231 - China: State and Society
Electives: choose 1 course (3 hours)
For the elective, students can choose from the list below, unused courses from the Critical Perspectives, or a courses from other International Studies specializations.
- Chinese 4402 - Traditional Chinese Fiction in Translation
- Chinese 4403 - Modern Chinese Literature in Translation
- Chinese 4404 - Chinese Drama
- Chinese 4405 - China in Chinese Film
- EALL 3223 - The Buddhist Tradition
- EALL 4407 - Early Asian Cinema
- History 3401 - Foundations of Chinese Civilization
- History 3402 - Chinese Empire, 10th – 14th Centuries
- History 3403 - History of Early Modern China: 14th – 18thCentury
- History 3404 - Modern China 1750 – 1949
- History 3405 - Contemporary China 1921 – 2000
- History of Art 4810 - The Arts of China
- History of Art 4815 - Modern and Contemporary Chinese Art
- History of Art 4820 - The Arts of Japan
- INTSTDS 4195 - Selected Problems in International Studies
- INTSTDS 5191 - Student Internship Program
- Japanese 4400 - Japanese Film and Visual Media
- Japanese 4401 - Japanese Literature and Film in Critical Perspective
- Korean 5256 - Interdisciplinary Topics in Korean Politics and Society
Foreign Language Requirement
This major requires completion of a minimum of two years of language study. Coursework completed at OSU or abroad and/or appropriate placement test results can document this.
To fulfill the foreign language requirement students have three options:
- Complete two years (4 semesters) of a single language
- Complete a foreign language minor
- Complete a second major in a language
For those opting to complete two years in a single language, OSU offers courses in Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Uzbek. After completing 1101, 1102, 1103, you must complete one advanced language course (Chinese 2141& 2151, Japanese 2102.01, Korean 2102.01, or Uzbek 2101).
Required Foundations: 4 courses (12 hours)
- AEDECON/INTSTDS 4534 - Comparative Challenges to Economic Development
- History 3426 - History of Modern Japan
- INTSTDS 2050 - Introduction to China and Japan
- INTSTDS 5050 - Two Koreas: Political Economy of Regional Rivalry
Critical Perspectives: 4 courses (12 hours)
- EALL 3241 - Thought in China, Japan and Korea
- History 3715 - Science, Technology and the Environment in East Asia
- INTSTDS 4250 - Comparative Communism: China and Russia
- INTSTDS 5051 - East Asia in the Post-Cold War Era
- Political Science 4230 - Chinese Political System
- Political Science 4231 - China: State and Society
- Political Science 4235 - Japanese Politics
Elective: 1 course (3 hours)
For the elective, students can choose from the list below, unused courses from the Critical Perspectives, or a courses from other International Studies specializations
- Chinese 4401 - Chinese Poetry in Translation
- Chinese 4402 - Traditional Chinese Fiction in Translation
- Chinese 4403 - Modern Chinese Literature in Translation
- Chinese 4404 - Chinese Drama
- Chinese 4405 - China in Chinese Film
- Chinese 4406 - China Pop: Contemporary Popular Culture and Media
- EALL 3223 - The Buddhist Tradition
- EALL 4407 - Early Asian Cinema
- History 3401 - Foundations of Chinese Civilization
- History 3402 - Chinese Empire, 10th – 14th Centuries
- History 3403 - History of Early Modern China: 14th – 18th Century
- History 3404 - Modern China 1750 – 1949
- History 3405 - Contemporary China 1921 – 2000
- History of Art 4810 - The Arts of China
- History of Art 4815 - Modern and Contemporary Chinese Art
- History of Art 4820 - The Arts of Japan
- INTSTDS 4195 - Selected Problems in International Studies
- INTSTDS 5191 - Student Internship Program
- INTSTDS 5797 - Study Abroad (with department approval)
- Japanese 4400 - Japanese Film and Visual Media
- Japanese 4401 - Japanese Literature and Film in Critical Perspective
- Korean 5256 - Interdisciplinary Topics in Korean Politics and Society