The Department of East Asian Studies explores the region of East Asia through multiple disciplinary lenses. Our courses approach ancient culture and contemporary life through the perspectives of history, society, politics, literature, and art.

We offer three major tracks—East Asian studies, Chinese or Japanese—all of which build on a strong foundation of language study.

East Asian studies majors take Japanese language or Chinese language through the end of their second year, along with a range of courses on East Asian topics. Japanese or Chinese majors study language through the advanced level, in addition to a smaller set of topical courses.

Our program equips students with a broad range of skills and expertise applicable to careers in East Asia and beyond. To learn more about what we do, check out our most recent newsletter or a list of our current courses.

Contact Info

Chair

Shawn BenderAssoc Prof East Asian Studies

Department Coordinator

Hoda Al-Haddad

Phone

717-245-1732

Fax

717-245-1025

Location

105C, Stern Center for Global Ed Mailing Address

Department Features


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Study Abroad
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Current Courses

Student Outcomes

Where Our Students Go From Here

Jobs

  • Deloitte & Touche, LLP
  • Hilton Hotels Corporation
  • J.E.T. Program
  • Japan Information & Culture Center, Embassy of Japan
  • New York Model Management

Graduate Schools

  • Temple University
  • Johns Hopkins University
  • Princeton University
  • Michigan University
  • New York University
  • American University
  • Villanova University
  • Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine
  • Georgetown University
  • Columbia University
  • Fordham University

Student Perspective

“I studied abroad in Nagoya, Aichi, Japan. I learned and grew so much, both as a student and as a person. The people I met there have truly become people I would consider lifelong friends, and spending time in a culture as different from America provided a humbling amount of perspective. Everything I experienced in Japan gave me a more global perspective, changing the way I look at the world, my country and myself, in only the best way.”

—Leigh Parrott ’18


East Asian Studies News

All News Department News
Dickinson College to Host Virtual Discussion on Pandemic Preparedness and Environmental Awareness

Dickinson College to Host Virtual Discussion on Pandemic Preparedness and Environmental Awareness

Frédéric Keck, a social anthropologist, will explain how clues in the environment can help us better prepare for future pandemics in a virtual talk from The Clarke Forum for Contemporary Issues.

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Education Abroad: The Dickinson in China Experience

Education Abroad: The Dickinson in China Experience

East Asian studies major Rocco Cartusciello '20 discusses the cultural immersion, academic rigor and personalized support he found in Dickinson's yearlong study-abroad program in China.

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Ahead of the Curve

Ahead of the Curve

As a student, he trailblazed as Dickinson's first East Asian studies major. Now, Chuck Silverman '88 is a global financial executive and a new Dickinson trustee.

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Exhibition at The Trout Gallery at Dickinson College Explores Buddhist Statuettes from Various Countries

Exhibition at The Trout Gallery at Dickinson College Explores Buddhist Statuettes from Various Countries

“Manifestation and Adaptation: Variations in Buddhist Sculpture Across Asia,” an exhibition depicting a range of Buddhist statuettes from Asia, will be on display at The Trout Gallery.

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Dickinson College Research Team Explores ‘Stay-Behinds’ in Rural China

Dickinson College Research Team Explores ‘Stay-Behinds’ in Rural China

Student-faculty research team travels to China to examine what happens to Chinese villages in the wake of mass out-migration to urban centers.

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Writing in Several Languages

Writing in Several Languages

Think creative writing is hard? Try writing in a non-native language! Mina Nguyen ’19 loves the challenge, and she's learning, tutoring and translating in several languages too.

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