2026-2027 Course Catalog

Source: https://catalog.illinois.edu/undergraduate/las/east-asian-languages-cultures-balas/ Parent: https://catalog.illinois.edu/undergraduate/

for the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts & Sciences Major in East Asian Languages & Cultures

For decades,  Illinois has been a major center for the study and research of the cultures and languages of East Asia.  We have trained hundreds of students who have gone on to careers in education, business, finance, industry, law, journalism, international relations, governments and the arts.  The goal of the undergraduate major is that the student gain an in-depth knowledge of the civilizations of East Asia, a firm competence in an East Asian language, a solid familiarity with East Asian cultures through multiple disciplines, and a more advanced knowledge of the region including research and writing in a seminar format. The Majorand Minor, administered by the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures, are designed for students seeking a broad liberal arts education and preparation for graduate study or professional careers involving East Asia.

for the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts & Sciences Major in East Asian Languages & Cultures

Graduation Requirements

Minimum hours required for graduation: 120 hours.

Minimum hours required major and supporting course work: normally equates to 33-57 hours. Twelve hours of 300- and 400-level courses in the major must be taken on this campus.

University Requirements

The university and residency requirements can be found in the Student Code (§ 3-801) and in the Academic Catalog.

General Education Requirements

Follows the campus General Education (Gen Ed) requirements. Some Gen Ed requirements may be met by courses required and/or electives in the program.

Course List

 | Code | Title | Hours |

| --- | --- | --- | | Composition I | | 4-6 | | Advanced Composition | | 3 | | Humanities & the Arts (6 hours) | | 6 | | fulfilled by EALC 120 and any other course approved as Humanities & the Arts | | | | Natural Sciences & Technology (6 hours) | | 6 | | Social & Behavioral Sciences (6 hours) | | 6 | | Cultural Studies: Non-Western Cultures (1 course) | | 3 | | fulfilled by EALC 120 | | | | Cultural Studies: US Minority Cultures (1 course) | | 3 | | Cultural Studies: Western/Comparative Cultures (1 course) | | 3 | | Quantitative Reasoning (2 courses, at least one course must be Quantitative Reasoning I) | | 6-10 | | Language Requirement (Completion of the fourth semester or equivalent of a language other than English, or completion of the third semester in two different languages other than English is required) | | 0-20 |

Major Requirements

Course List

 | Code | Title | Hours |

| --- | --- | --- | | One year of a single East Asian Language beyond the intermediate level (i.e., beyond CHIN 204 or CHIN 242; JAPN 204; KOR 204 or KOR 241). 1 | | 10-30 | | Disciplinary and period courses: 2 | | 12 | | EALC 120 | East Asian Civilizations | | | One course on East Asia dealing substantially with the period before 1800 | | | | One course in East Asian history | | | | One course in East Asian literature | | | | Advanced courses: | | 12 | | Four non-language courses at the 300- or 400-level. | | | | EALC 398 | Colloquium in EALC (or an approved senior project.) 3 | 3 |

1 : Students testing out of the advanced language requirement (306-level) must take two additional non-language courses from East-Asian-related offerings.

2 : No course may be counted more than once toward these requirements and at least two courses must be at the 200-level or above.

3 : Students selecting the senior project option must submit to the Director of Undergraduate Study a proposal outlining the project to be undertaken, the course in which the project is to be completed and an agreement signed by the faculty member supervising the project.

for the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts & Sciences Major in East Asian Languages & Cultures

Sample Sequence

This sample sequence is intended to be used only as a guide for degree completion. All students should work individually with their academic advisors to decide the actual course selection and sequence that works best for them based on their academic preparation and goals. Enrichment programming such as study abroad, minors, internships, and so on may impact the structure of this four-year plan. Course availability is not guaranteed during the semester indicated in the sample sequence.

Students must fulfill their Language Other Than English requirement by successfully completing a fourth level of a language other than English. See the corresponding section on the Degree and General Education Requirements page.

Total Hours: 120

for the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts & Sciences Major in East Asian Languages & Cultures

1. Linguistic Competence and Intercultural Understanding: EALC students will demonstrate proficiency in the target language and effectively communicate in both routine and social situations. They will possess intercultural competence, enabling them to navigate and engage with diverse cultural contexts.
2. Intellectual Reasoning and Knowledge: EALC students will critically analyze and reflect on social, cultural, and linguistic differences. They will apply conceptual tools for cultural analysis and articulate their ideas effectively in speech and writing. Students will possess a deep, interdisciplinary knowledge of East Asian cultures and contextualize Asia within global trends and developments.
3. Creative Inquiry and Discovery: EALC students will apply their language proficiency, cultural knowledge, and analytical skills to further deepen their understanding of East Asian cultures and societies, contribute to the ever-changing perspectives and ideas about the region, and share what they learn with others through written, spoken, and visual media.

for the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts & Sciences Major in East Asian Languages & Cultures

Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures website\ Department of East Asian Languages & Cultures faculty

Overview of Admissions & Requirements for the College of LAS\ College of Liberal Arts and Sciences website