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.

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.

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
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

EAST ASIAN LANGUAGES AND LITERATURES - Godzilla rampaging through cities or grappling with other monsters is a hallmark of the Japanese monster film series. But there’s more to the reptilian creature than just mayhem. A new book edited by College of Arts and Sciences professor Rachel DiNitto explores Japanese cinema—including the Godzilla films—and environmentalism.
EAST ASIAN LANGUAGES AND LITERATURES, ASIAN STUDIES - Fulbright Scholar and CAS Professor Alisa Freedman is chronicling the rise of women’s scholarship during a five-month trip to Vietnam, where she's helping women professors find their footing in the academic publishing world.
EAST ASIAN LANGUAGES & LITERATURES - Using language skills and cultural knowledge to tell stories that will make a difference are among the goals of a new program at the University of Oregon, which recently received funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

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Organic/Inorganic/Materials Chemistry Seminar Series - Targeting Cytochrome P450s - From Biophysics to Selective Inhibitors and Photons
Apr18
Organic/Inorganic/Materials Chemistry Seminar Series - Targeting Cytochrome P450s - From Biophysics to Selective Inhibitors and Photons Apr 18 Willamette Hall
Department of History Coffee Hour
Apr22
Department of History Coffee Hour Apr 22 McKenzie Hall
Public Screening and Director Talk: "Samurai in the Oregon Sky"
Apr22
Public Screening and Director Talk: "Samurai in the Oregon Sky" Apr 22 McKenzie Hall
Health Grad & Career Expo 2025
Apr23
Health Grad & Career Expo 2025 Apr 23 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
The Aesthetics of Interculturality in Contemporary German and African Literature
Apr23
The Aesthetics of Interculturality in Contemporary German and African Literature Apr 23 Knight Library
Dept. of History Presents: “Trump’s First 100 Days: Now and Then”
Apr23
Dept. of History Presents: “Trump’s First 100 Days: Now and Then” Apr 23 McKenzie Hall
Symposium: The Limits and Possibilities of Cross-border Latinidades & Indigeneities
Apr24
Symposium: The Limits and Possibilities of Cross-border Latinidades & Indigeneities Apr 24 Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art (JSMA)
China Town Hall (UO): The First 100 Days - President Trump's China Policy
Apr24
China Town Hall (UO): The First 100 Days - President Trump's China Policy Apr 24 McKenzie Hall
Bob Bussel Labor History Lecture—Essential Workers: Public Employment and the Dignity of Labor
Apr24
Bob Bussel Labor History Lecture—Essential Workers: Public Employment and the Dignity of Labor Apr 24 William W. Knight Law Center
Take Back The Night
Apr24
Take Back The Night Apr 24 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)

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