East Asian Languages and Literatures

Learn about some of the oldest continuous civilizations in the world; develop an appreciation for the richness of East Asian literature, philosophy, and art; and learn a language that will grow your job prospects in an increasingly globalized workplace.

Students who study East Asian languages and literatures develop their critical thinking, become global citizens, and develop critical language skills while having fun. Students who develop proficiency in new languages fling open a door of expanded opportunities for their future.

A huge thank you to Portland real estate developer, philanthropist and UO alumnus Jordan Schnitzer and the Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation, for a landmark $25 million gift to CAS that will empower future global leaders and problem solvers! The School of Global Studies and Languages is now named the Schnitzer School of Global Studies and Languages, and we are truly excited to be a part of it!

Learn More about Schnitzer School

What You Can Do with a Degree in East Asian Languages and Literatures

What kind of career can you get with language skills? Studying East Asian languages and literatures can take you just about anywhere! Our alumni are traveling the world, making an impact in their communities, and building their careers as:

  • Translators
  • Social innovation business consultants
  • Enterprise account managers
  • Associate research analysts
  • Project coordinators
  • Acupuncturists
  • Senior investigation specialists

East Asian Languages and Literatures at the UO

Many University of Oregon students currently major or minor in Chinese, Japanese, or Korean. Sometimes students move across fields and focus on studying the entire region. At the graduate level, the Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures offers programs of study leading to a master's or doctorate, including studies in East Asian Linguistics.

Liz Haar

How East Asian Languages and Literatures Helps Your Career

"Getting the opportunity to do research about Chinese history and culture in Mandarin has opened my world view in a lot of ways. It gives me access to so many different experiences and perspectives that I would never have encountered otherwise."

—Liz Haar, Chinese and linguistics major, '25

Faculty and students pose for group photo

Learn from Experts in the Field

The Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures is home to diverse opportunities for research, scholarship, and mentorship. Our faculty’s research and teaching interests cover the major fields, genres, and chronological divisions of Chinese and Japanese literatures, film, and cultural studies, as well as modern Korean studies.

Temple in Japan

Immerse Yourself in Another Culture

Studying East Asian languages abroad accelerates the development of speaking and comprehension skills while giving students a real-world experience within the culture they’re studying. Students in the Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures can take advantage of numerous study abroad programs as well as other experiential learning opportunities.

Scholarships and Funding

The Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures awards multiple scholarships to current undergraduate and graduate students. Learn more about available scholarships and eligibility requirements.

Undergraduate Scholarships 
Graduate Funding

Academic Support

Our academic advisors can help students talk through their major or minor requirements, plan their course of study, explore study abroad opportunities, and more.

Undergraduate Advising 
Support for Graduate Students

East Asian Languages and Literatures News and Events

After announcing a landmark $25 million commitment, Portland developer, philanthropist and alumnus Jordan Schnitzer shares his thoughts on living in an ever-globalizing world—and his hopes for the Schnitzer School of Global Studies and Languages.
Eight faculty members have been selected to win this year’s Distinguished Teaching Awards, which recognize exceptional teaching at the University of Oregon. The 2024-25 recipients are Lana Lopesi, Adell Amos, Mohsen Manesh, Marli Miller, Damian Radcliffe, Corinne Bayerl, Amanda Wojick and Naoko Nakadate.
LANGUAGES AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES — This year's Foreign Language and International Studies Day offered a vibrant celebration of languages, cultures and the arts for high school students. Attendees came from 19 Oregon high schools, some traveling from as far north as Seaside, as far south as Roseburg and as far east as Pendleton.

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UO Cinema Studies Alumni Gathering: Los Angeles
Aug17
UO Cinema Studies Alumni Gathering: Los Angeles Aug 17 Everson Royce Bar
Resume Extravaganza! (Drop-In Resume Reviews with Career Coaches & Peer Coaches)
Oct15
Resume Extravaganza! (Drop-In Resume Reviews with Career Coaches & Peer Coaches) Oct 15 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
The BIG10 Academia Career Fair
Oct22
The BIG10 Academia Career Fair Oct 22
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Nov12
Creative Writing Reading Series Presents: Jan Verberkmoes, Poetry Nov 12 Knight Library
Resume Extravaganza! (Drop-In Resume Reviews with Career Coaches & Peer Coaches)
Jan21
Resume Extravaganza! (Drop-In Resume Reviews with Career Coaches & Peer Coaches) Jan 21 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
Resume Extravaganza! (Drop-In Resume Reviews with Career Coaches & Peer Coaches)
Apr8
Resume Extravaganza! (Drop-In Resume Reviews with Career Coaches & Peer Coaches) Apr 8 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
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Apr23
What is Research? (2026) Apr 23 UO Portland
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Apr24
What is Research? (2026) Apr 24 UO Portland
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