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Asian Studies

In a century defined by global change, understanding Asia is essential. At Occidental College, the Asian Studies major lets you explore China, Japan, Korea, and the wider region through language, culture, and community connections on campus and throughout Los Angeles and the world.

Earn Your Asian Studies Degree From Oxy

As an Asian Studies major at Occidental College, you’ll examine Asia through history, politics, religion, literature, media, and cultural studies. The program brings together faculty from across 13 different departments, giving you a strong interdisciplinary foundation and a deeper understanding of how Asian societies shape and are shaped by the world. You’ll study an Asian language, explore transnational issues, and learn how culture and identity move across borders.

Located on the Pacific Rim and surrounded by one of the nation’s largest Asian communities, Oxy offers direct access to cultural institutions, community organizations, and global networks. You’ll be encouraged to study abroad in China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, or another Asian nation, or join an Oxy-led course that takes you to Asia for immersive learning. Many students conduct research, pursue language-focused travel, or work in LA’s Asian communities. You’ll graduate prepared for careers in international relations, education, journalism, translation, nonprofits, and global business.

What You’ll Learn as an Asian Studies Major at Occidental

ongoing excavation of the Terracotta Army, a vast collection of life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots

Examining Asia’s Past and Present

You’ll study Asian societies through history, language, politics, religion, media, and the arts while building strong analytical, writing, and cross-cultural communication skills. You’ll learn to interpret complex cultural systems, compare regional perspectives, and connect classroom study with real-world contexts.

Occidental offers three distinct majors in this area. Asian Studies emphasizes the interdisciplinary study of Asian societies and cultures, with required language study supporting broader historical, political, and cultural analysis. Chinese Studies and Japanese Studies, by contrast, focus more intensively on language acquisition and the close study of literature, film, and media in the target language. Minors are also available in all three areas. 

The Maes Scholarship supports immersive cultural experiences abroad for qualified language students. You can design your own project focused on real-world language and cultural engagement, with funding available for summer travel in regions connected to your studies.

Asian Studies connects naturally with other Occidental College majors such as Diplomacy and World Affairs, economics, religious studies, Media Arts & Culture, history, and American Studies. Many students pair their major with a second field to broaden their global perspective.

Ethan Kerman headshot

The Asian Studies department at Oxy has exceptional faculty, and there are plenty of resources available to support students. The Asian Studies professors are all passionate about their subjects and encourage students to meet with them to discuss class material further.

Ethan Kerman
Chinese Studies/UEP major; Portland, OR
Los Angeles Chinatown Little Tokyo Street Sign

Learning Asian Studies in LA

Los Angeles is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world and is home to deep-rooted Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Filipino, Thai, Vietnamese, and other Asian communities. Being an Asian Studies Major at Occidental lets you engage directly with museums, festivals, archives, community organizations, and nonprofits. You’ll connect classroom learning to lived experience, gaining insight into migration, identity, language, and transnational culture.

What Our Graduates Are Doing

Senior Associate Editor, Atlas Obscura

Anne Ewbank
2013

Freelance Japanese to English Translator

Kevin Furlanetto
2013

Associate, Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP

Dayna Chikamoto
2012

Manager and Technical Expert, Two Six Technologies

Brian Bumpas
2012

Project Director, Little Tokyo Community Council

Kisa Ito
2011

Meet Our Faculty

FAQs

The program is deeply interdisciplinary and takes advantage of the Occidental Campus’ Pacific Rim location, connecting coursework with LA’s Asian communities and global cultural institutions.

Yes. Studying the Chinese or Japanese language is central to the Asian Studies major and supports cultural, historical, and literary coursework. Language and literature study is an integral focus of the Chinese Studies and Japanese Studies majors.

Absolutely. Programs in China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, along with other programs in Asia, are strongly encouraged, and Oxy also offers a faculty-led course in China.

Yes. Students conduct research on campus, work in LA’s Asian communities, pursue summer funding, or receive scholarships like Fulbright or Luce for post-graduate study.

Graduates work in international business, diplomacy, education, public service, translation, journalism, nonprofits, and cultural organizations, or pursue advanced study.

Contact Asian Studies
Johnson Hall 311