Program Requirements
- Total units required: 27-47 (24 upper-level units, plus 3-23 prerequisite units); 33-53 for students pursuing Senior Honors
Prerequisites
- First and second levels of Japanese (or the equivalent) (0-20 units)
- Students are required to complete one of the following Civilization courses (3 units):
Requirements
Students must complete eight courses for a minimum of 24 upper-level units (300 level or above), including the following. Five of the eight courses must focus on Japanese (15 units).
- Students are required to complete one EALC Seminar course (topic varies by semester). The EALC Seminar may also fulfill one of the premodern or modern requirements (3 units).
Course List
| Code |
Title |
Units |
| EALC 3900 | EALC Seminar: | 3 |
- Students are required to complete two courses focusing on the premodern era (6 units). One course must be chosen from the following:
Course List
| Code |
Title |
Units |
| Chinese 341 | Early and Imperial Chinese Literature | 3 |
| Japan 332C | Japanese Literature: Beginnings to 19th Century | 3 |
| Korean 370 | When Tigers Smoke: Songs and Stories from Traditional Korea | 3 |
- Students are required to complete two courses focusing on the modern era (6 units). One course must be chosen from the following:
Course List
| Code |
Title |
Units |
| Chinese 342 | Modern and Contemporary Chinese Literature | 3 |
| Japan 333C | The Modern Voice in Japanese Literature | 3 |
| Korean 352 | Literature of Modern and Contemporary Korea | 3 |
- One approved 400-level Capstone course (prime majors). The Capstone course may also fulfill one of the premodern or modern requirements (3 units).
- The Capstone course is taken during the senior year and must be an EALC home-based course within the student's area of focus. Writing-intensive courses and language courses cannot fulfill the Capstone requirement. Majors are required to present on their Capstone course at the EALC Senior Symposium, which is held in the spring.
- The remaining four (prime majors) or five (second majors) upper-level courses are elective and chosen in consultation with the advisor (12-15 units).
- Latin Honors: Students wishing to pursue senior honors may complete a senior honors thesis. This option, which also entitles the student to Latin Honors, requires a minimum of a 3.65 grade point average. The thesis is researched and written over two semesters, for a total of 6 units; this requirement is in addition to the 24 upper-level units required for the major. Students should enroll in EALC 486 Independent Work for Senior Honors (3 units) during the fall of senior year and in EALC 487 Independent Work for Senior Honors (3 units) during the spring of senior year. Majors are required to present their senior honors thesis at the EALC Senior Symposium, which is held in the spring.
Additional Information
- Language placement is required for this program. Please see the Overview page for details.
- Language courses require a grade of B- or better to continue to the next level. Students must also maintain a B- average in all required courses for the major. Those who do not meet this requirement may either repeat the course(s) in question or earn at least a B- in an approved equivalent course or courses (either during the summer or in a study abroad program).
- With advisor approval, students may include two courses in a related area offered outside of the department among the 24 upper-level units. (For example, a student may take one course in Film and Media Studies or Art History that focuses on East Asia.)
- Courses for the major may not be taken credit/no credit.
- Study abroad credit: Up to 6 units of credit may be applied toward the major from one semester abroad, and up to 12 units of credit may be applied from two semesters abroad.
- Transfer credit: Students who wish to transfer credits from other institutions (non-study abroad units) for use toward the major must have approval from the director of undergraduate studies. With approval, students may transfer a total of 9 units from other U.S. institutions. University policy specifies that at least half of the units for the major must be completed in residence at Washington University. Therefore, no more than 12 units in total can be applied to the major whether the credits are earned via study abroad or transfer credit.
- Students are strongly encouraged to participate in a study abroad program. Please refer to the EALC website for more information about study abroad programs.
- No more than 3 units of independent study may be counted toward the required 24 upper-level units.
Departmental Honors
EALC awards Departmental Honors to majors as an acknowledgment of exemplary work in the major.
- Prime and second majors are eligible.
- Students seeking “High Distinction in EALC” or “Highest Distinction in EALC” must complete the requirements of the department’s Latin Honors program.
- For all EALC Honors, students must participate actively in department-run or recommended events, such as special lectures, conferences/symposia, workshops, or films.
Highest Distinction in EALC
- Students must have a within-major GPA of ≥3.86 at the time of graduation, and they must have participated in the department’s Latin Honors program.
High Distinction in EALC
- Students must have a within-major GPA of 3.65 to 3.85 at the time of graduation, and they must have participated in the department’s Latin Honors program.
Distinction in EALC
- Students must have a within-major GPA of ≥3.65 at the time of graduation, and they must not have participated in the department’s Latin Honors program.
Visit the East Asian Languages and Cultures page
for additional information about this program.