East Asian Languages & Cultures Minor

for the Undergraduate Minor in East Asian Languages and 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 minor 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. 

for the Undergraduate Minor in East Asian Languages and Cultures


Select one of the following:5
Intermediate Chinese II
Intermediate Japanese II
Intermediate Korean II
Non-language courses as follows:15
East Asian Civilizations
12 additional hours of East Asia-related courses (at least 6 of these hours must be at the 300 or 400 level)
Total Hours20

Note: Completion of CHIN 204, JAPN 204, or KOR 204 satisfies the LAS foreign language requirement.

for the Undergraduate Minor in East Asian Languages and 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 Undergraduate Minor in East Asian Languages and Cultures


department website: https://ealc.illinois.edu/

department faculty: East Asian Languages & Cultures Faculty


overview of college admissions & requirements: Liberal Arts & Sciences

college website: https://las.illinois.edu/