Osaka castle through cherry blossoms

East Asian Languages & Cultures at the University of Kansas

Study and travel in Taiwan

Apply by Feb 15, 2026 for the Summer Intensive Chinese Language Program at National Sun Yat-sen University! Fulfill up to 10 credits of KU Chinese language courses. Up to twenty-five available scholarships of NTD 50,000 (or $1,500 USD).

flier for NSYU Summer

Study and travel in Japan

Japan Then & Now is a hands-on, in-depth look at pre-modern and modern Japanese history. Over the summer students will travel to sites like Yokohama, Hiratsuka, Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Miyajima to gain knowledge of past eras of history and culture and learn how those historical experiences have shaped and influenced the Japan of today. Apply by Feb 15, 2026!

flier for Japan Then and Now

KU is a national leader in East Asian Studies

Our programs in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean are recognized for progressive and immersive language and culture study, giving you the best possible tools for a global career. Our department is your gateway to the study of the languages and cultures of East Asia, a region of rich traditions and huge economic and political importance. Knowledge and understanding of East Asia is critical in today’s interconnected world and global marketplace. KU students from all majors and professional schools are encouraged to explore East Asian languages and cultures.

What do we offer?

We offer elementary to advanced language instruction in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean, along with elementary and intermediate classes in Tibetan and Uyghur. Language study is complemented by a wide variety of country-specific and general East Asia courses in literature, political science, art history, linguistics, anthropology, business, economics, and other fields.

EALC Courses

Okada Beisanjin's Bamboo with Rocks

What can I do with a degree in East Asian Languages and Cultures?

With an EALC B.A., students can pursue a wide range of careers in business, government, education, nonprofit organizations, to name a few, or continue on to graduate study in East Asian languages and cultures. Many students pair an EALC major or minor with a second major to widen their skill-set and increase their competitiveness as they enter the global marketplace. Some students choose EALC related courses to connect with their heritage or to fulfill personal interests.
A student stands in front of a lake with an island that has a building on it in China
gate to garden

Pursue a M.A. in East Asian Languages and Cultures

60+ faculty in EALC and related fields in other departments
Extensive East Asian Library and renewed Asian Art collection
Teaching Assistant-ships and Study Abroad opportunities in language and culture courses

Learn about our M.A. program here
Majors
Minors
Graduate Studies
Placement and Proficiency
Faculty
Alumni

Outstanding Master's Thesis Recipient

Congratulations to our grad student, Xingning Luan, for receiving the Outstanding Master's Thesis or Research Project Award from the College Office of Graduate Affairs! Xingning’s thesis focuses on Ma Xianglan, a renowned courtesan, painter, and poet of late Ming dynasty China, to explore how elite courtesans like her navigated the male-dominated literati world and the competitive art market at the time.
photo of Xingning

Upcoming East Asian Events

 
Winter 2025 Newsletter Winter 2025 Newsletter
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