Share:

Learn More

East Asia Studies

Leaders with Heart must understand a wide range of global forces to effectively navigate our rapidly changing interconnected world. What better way to develop these insights than by building an awareness of the business, religious, linguistic and cultural practices of one of the most influential areas in the world.

Distinguish yourself as a leader who can bridge North American and East Asian organizations. Develop the cultural sensitivity and foundational understanding about how different perspectives can be balanced to motivate action and achieve economic and social good.

At Huron you’ll find a highly flexible program featuring small, intimate classes, personalized coaching and opportunities for imaginative, independent research and hands-on learning. So, prepare to become immersed in the beauty, complexity and intrigue of East Asia.

CHINESE, JAPANESE AND EAST ASIA STUDIES BROCHURE

Alumni Stories

East Asian Studies have prepared our alumni for extraordinary success within a variety of careers. Employers look for people with the ability to analyze information, find creative solutions to problems and effectively communicate their ideas: Graduates of this program of all of these skills – what’s more, they’re paired with a thorough understanding regarding the historical, cultural, linguistic and social influences that spur and halt change within and between cultures.

Read stories about alumni from this exciting program, and learn how to distinguish yourself – personally and professionally – as a globally-focused Leader with Heart.

  • International experiences at Huron have shaped me into the person I am today.
    Nicole Pyszka
    Japan Exchange
    Read more

Program Options

Huron has developed strengths in Chinese and Japanese languages and literatures, as well as in more general studies of East Asian regions. These disciplines aim to help students see the world from another perspective, so they may actively participate in the globalization of the business world, government and community-focused sectors. Students who actively participate in this enriching learning experience will develop a greater awareness of other cultures that is demanded by our increasingly connected global village.

Students can minor in Chinese and/or Japanese languages; in China (cultural) Studies; and/or Japan (cultural) Studies. They can also major or minor in East Asia Studies, an interdisciplinary program involving perspectives from the disciplines of history, political science, philosophy, literature, and others.

HONORS SPECIALIZATION
SPECIALIZATION
MAJOR
MINOR
Chinese Studies

The Chinese language program offers a balanced four-level program of listening, speaking, reading and writing standard Chinese. A primary goal is to provide a solid foundation in pronunciation, grammar, and proficiency in the four language skills in the first three levels. Courses at the fourth level serve to facilitate students attaining competence in reading authentic modern writings, with the aid of a dictionary.

For students who have attained fluency, elective courses are offered to explore specific aspects of Chinese language and culture, in film, business, literature, and communication.

China Studies

The Chinese language program offers a balanced four-level program of listening, speaking, reading and writing standard Chinese. A primary goal is to provide a solid foundation in pronunciation, grammar, and proficiency in the four language skills in the first three levels. Courses at the fourth level serve to facilitate students attaining competence in reading authentic modern writings, with the aid of a dictionary.

For students who have attained fluency, elective courses are offered to explore specific aspects of Chinese language and culture, in film, business, literature, and communication.

Minor in Chinese Studies
Minor in Chinese Business Communications
Minor in China Studies

East Asia Studies

The East Asia Studies Major helps students combine language courses at successive levels of study with courses in culture and literature and in social science approaches to understanding the area.

Major in East Asia Studies
Minor in East Asia Studies

Japanese Studies

Huron University College offers a variety of Japanese courses that provide opportunities for students to acquire the breadth and depth of knowledge of Japan that will prepare them for a range of careers in the international arena. In the twenty-first century, the expanding global demands and dimensions of most fields will require people trained in languages and intercultural communication.

As the second-largest economy in the world, Japan will continue to play a crucial role in international affairs. Japanese studies at Huron equips students with the linguistic and cultural knowledge of Japan that they will need in such careers as international business, law, academics and others.

Japan Studies

Huron University College offers a variety of Japanese courses that provide opportunities for students to acquire the breadth and depth of knowledge of Japan that will prepare them for a range of careers in the international arena. In the twenty-first century, the expanding global demands and dimensions of most fields will require people trained in languages and intercultural communication.

As the second-largest economy in the world, Japan will continue to play a crucial role in international affairs. Japanese studies at Huron equips students with the linguistic and cultural knowledge of Japan that they will need in such careers as international business, law, academics and others.

Minor in Japan Studies

Professors

Learn from professors who have a deep knowledge of China and East Asia more broadly. This faculty comes together, from across the world, to lead students to a more fulsome understanding of these rich cultures, the societal foundations they are built upon, and the people who define them. This department is dedicated to incorporating critical thought, intensive research elements, interactive activities and community engagement projects to ensure students engage with well-rounded learning environments.

Take time to get to know the names and faces who will be supporting you every step of the way as you embark on an enriching exploration of China.

  • I am so excited about the opportunity to teach students about Japan - its language, culture and people. Our community creates cross-cultural learning experiences so Huron students are able to really engage with this unique place and its personalities, from half a world away.
    Rie Shirakawa
    Lecturer, Japanese Program
    Read more
  • Japan, with its aesthetic, cultural and social intricacies, is a beautiful place that Huron students have the opportunity to explore through our Japanese program.
    Sawako Akai, PhD
    Assistant Professor, Japanese
    Read more
  • Learn about the cultural, social and linguistic traits of one of the most influential powers in the world. Chinese Studies will help you to better understand what events and which people have most significantly shaped China’s extraordinary past, present - and, before long, future.
    Lucy He, PhD
    Assistant Professor, Chinese Studies
    Read more
  • Asian Studies gives students the unique opportunity to learn about a beautiful culture - thousands of kilometres away - while learning critical thinking, creative writing and developing their global perspective.
    Michiya Kawai, PhD
    Associate Professor and Co-ordinator, Japanese Program
    Read more
  • I teach Chinese literature and language with passion and academic rigor. I integrate comparative, cross-cultural perspectives into my teaching and provide stimulating intellectual space for a diverse body of students.
    Yan Lu, PhD
    Assistant Professor, Chinese
    Read more
  • My teaching aims to help students to increase their capacity and commitment to well-informed international and intercultural understanding.
    Clare Gordon, PhD
    Assistant Professor & Co-ordinator, Chinese Program
    Read more

East Asia Studies Department

Tenure-stream

  • Dr. Mariana Ionescu, Chair & Associate Professor, French and Asian Studies, 519.438.7224 ext. 259, Rm A210

Chinese

  • Dr. Yan Lu, Assistant Professor, Chinese Program, 519.438.7224 ext. 332, Rm A7

Japanese

  • Dr. Michiya Kawai, Associate Professor and Co-ordinator, Japanese Program, 519.438.7224 ext. 330, Rm A214
  • Dr. Sawako Akai, Assistant Professor, Japanese Program, 519.438.7224 ext. 243, Rm A213

Program sessional and per course instructors 

Chinese

Japanese

Professors Emeritis

Chinese

East Asia Studies Courses

Explore East Asia’s role in the world! At Huron, you’ll find a highly flexible program featuring small, intimate classes, personalized coaching and opportunities for imaginative, independent research and hands-on learning. Broaden your global perspectives, because to lead, you need a heart that understands the world. After your first year you can explore issues such as: Chinese cinema, women in Chinese society and business translation.

2020-2021 Chinese Courses

Stream A: Language Courses

Course Instructor Course Outline
CHN 1150 – Beginners’ Chinese I Lu View course outline
CHN 2250 – Beginners’ Chinese II He View course outline
CHN 3350 – Chinese III He View course outline

The above courses require placement via the Chinese Placement Request Form, available here. Placement opens in June 2020.

Course Instructor Course Outline
CHN 3340A – Business Chinese I Gordon View course outline
CHN 4440B – Business Translation I Gordon View course outline
CHN 4441B – Business Translation II Gordon View course outline

Stream B: Courses on Chinese Culture and Literature taught in Chinese

Course Instructor Course Outline
CHN 2240F – Understanding Chinese Business Culture I Gordon View course outline
CHN 2241G – Understanding Chinese Business Culture II Gordon View course outline
CHN 2242F – Representative Works in Traditional Chinese Literature Liu View course outline
CHN 2243F – The Chinese Diaspora and Its Literary Representation Lu View course outline
CHN 2244G – Representative Works in Modern Chinese Literature Liu View course outline
CHN 2245F – Cinema in the Chinese Mainland He View course outline
CHN 2246G – Chinese Cinema in Taiwan and Hong Kong He View course outline
CHN 2247F – Chinese Cities and Chinese Culture Liu View course outline

Stream C: Courses on Chinese Culture and Literature taught in English

Course Instructor Course Outline
CHN 1650G – Perspectives on China Gordon View course outline
CHN 1651F – Chinese Symbols and Icons Liu View course outline
CHN 2601A – The Political & Socio-economic Foundations of Modern China Liu View course outline
CHN 2651G – Fiction and Modern Chinese Society Lu View course outline
CHN 3652F – Chinese Discourse on Women and Gender Relations Wu View course outline
CHN 3653G – Women in Chinese Society: Images in Literature Wu View course outline
CHN 3654G – Trauma, Memory and Narrative in Chinese Literature and Film Liu View course outline
2020-2021 Japanese Courses
2019-2020 Chinese Courses
Stream A: Language Courses                       Instructor  Course Outline 
CHN 1150 – Beginners’ Chinese 1 Lu View course outline 
CHN 2250 – Beginners’ Chinese 2 He View course outline 
CHN 3350 – Chinese 3 He View course outline 
The above courses require placement.

Please request placement/ special permission using the following form: Chinese Placement Form

CHN 3340A – Business Chinese 1 Gordon View course outline 
CHN 3341B – Business Chinese 2 Gordon View course outline 
CHN 4440A – Business Translation 1 Gordon View course outline 
Stream B: Courses on Chinese Culture & Literature taught in Chinese
CHN 2240F – Understanding Chinese Business Culture 1 Gordon View course outline 
CHN 2241G – Understanding Chinese Business Culture 2 Gordon View course outline 
CHN 2242F – Representative Works in Traditional Chinese Literature Liu View course outline 
CHN 2244G – Representative Works in Modern Chinese Literature Liu View course outline 
CHN 2245F – Cinema in the Chinese Mainland He View course outline 
CHN 2246G – Chinese Cinema in Taiwan and Hong Kong He View course outline 
CHN 2247G – Chinese Cities and Chinese Culture Liu View course outline 
CHN 2271G – Special Topics: Environment and Ecocriticism in Chinese Literature and Film Lu View course outline 
Stream C: Courses on Chinese Culture and Literature taught in English
CHN 1650G – Perspectives on China Gordon View course outline 
CHN 1651F – Chinese Symbols and Icons Liu View course outline 
CHN 2601A – The Political and Socio-Economic Foundations of Modern China Liu View course outline 
CHN 2602B – The Cultural Foundations of Modern China Liu View course outline 
CHN 3650F – The Chinese Short Story Lu View course outline 
CHN 3651G – The Chinese Novel Lu View course outline 
2019-2020 Japanese Courses
2018-2019 Courses

Chinese Courses Offered

Course Instructor Course Outline
CHN 1150 – Beginner’s Chinese I Lu View course outline
CHN 1650G – Perspectives on China Gordon View course outline
CHN 1651F – Chinese Symbols & Icons Liu View course outline
CHN 2240F – Understanding Chinese Business Culture I Gordon View course outline
CHN 2241G – Understanding Chinese Business Culture II Gordon View course outline
CHN 2242F – Representative Works in Traditional Chinese Literature Lu View course outline
CHN 2245F – Cinema in the Chinese Mainland He 550 outline/551 outline
CHN 2245G – Cinema in the Chinese Mainland He View course outline
CHN 2246F – Chinese Cinema in Taiwan & Hong Kong He View course outline
CHN 2246G – Chinese Cinema in Taiwan & Hong Kong He View course outline
CHN 2247G – Chinese Cities & Chinese Culture Liu View course outline
CHN 2250 – Beginner’s Chinese II Sun View course outline
 CHN 2650F – Fiction & Traditional Chinese Society Lu View course outline
CHN 2651G – Fiction & Modern Chinese Society Lu View course outline
CHN 3340A – Business Chinese I Gordon View course outline
CHN 3654G – Trauma, Memory & Narrative Liu View course outline
CHN 3950G – Special Topics in China Studies Lu View course outline
CHN 4440A – Business Translation I Gordon View course outline
CHN 4441B – Business Translation II Gordon View course outline

Japanese Courses Offered

Course Instructor Course Outline
JPN 1050 – Japanese I Akai/Shirikawa View course outline
JPN 1650F – Perspectives on Japan  White View course outline
JPN 1650G – Perspectives on Japan White View course outline
JPN 2250 – Japanese II Fukui/Akai View course outline
JPN 2601A – Cultural Foundations of Modern Japan Kawai View course outline
JPN 3350 – Japanese III Akai View course outline
JPN 3650G – Japan Through Film Kawai View course outline
JPN 4450 – Japanese IV Kawai View course outline
2017-2018 Courses

Chinese Courses Offered

Course Instructor Course Outline
CHN 1150 – Beginners’ Chinese I He View course outline
CHN 1151 – Chinese I Gordon View course outline
CHN 1650F – Perspectives on China  Gordon View course outline
CHN 1651F – Chinese Symbols and Icons Liu View Course Outline
CHN 2242F – Representative Works in Traditional Chinese Literature Liu View course outline
CHN 2243F – The Chinese Diaspora and Its Literary Representation Wu View course outline
CHN 2244G – Representative Works in Modern Chinese Literature Liu View course outline
CHN 2245F – Chinese Cinema in the Chinese Mainland He View course outline
CHN 2246G – Chinese Cinema in Taiwan and Hong Kong He View course outline
CHN 2247F – Chinese Cities and Chinese Culture Liu View course outline
CHN 2250 – Beginners’ Chinese II Sun View course outline
CHN 3340A – Business Chinese I Gordon View course outline
CHN 3341B – Business Chinese II Gordon View course outline
CHN 3350 – Chinese III He View course outline
CHN 3652F – Chinese Discourse on Women and Gender Relations Wu View course outline
CHN 3653G – Women in Chinese Society: Images in Literature Wu View course outline
CHN 4440A – Business Translation I Gordon View course outline
CHN 4441B – Business Translation II  Gordon View course outline
CHN 4452A – Chinese IV He View course outline
CHN 4453B – Chinese IV He View course outline

Japanese Courses Offered

Course Instructor Course Outline
JPN 1050 – Japanese I Akai/Shirakawa/Ogata View course outline
JPN 1650F – Perspectives on Japan White View course outline
JPN 2250 – Japanese II Akai View course outline
JPN 2601A – The Cultural Foundations of Modern Japan Kawai View course outline
JPN 3350 – Japanese III Ogata View course outline
JPN 3650G – Japan Through Film Kawai View course outline
JPN 4450 – Japanese IV Kawai View course outline

East Asian Studies Careers

East Asia Studies will prepare you for a variety of careers; employers today are looking for people with the ability to analyze information, to find creative solutions to problems and to effectively communicate their ideas. These skills are acquired when studying language and literature.

Where will a degree in East Asia Studies take you?
  • Teaching (Foreign Language in Canada)
  • Teaching (English in East Asia)
  • Graduate studies on East Asia
  • Interpreters/translators
  • Canadian and International Business (in East Asia)
  • NGOs
  • Politics
  • Journalism
  • Diplomatic services
  • Intelligence analyst
  • Foreign services
  • Marketing
1

Key Contacts

Send Your Message