Learning Beyond Language

All SEAS students – whether they follow a language-intensive degree in Chinese, Japanese or Korean Studies, or choose the broader East Asian studies programme – take a selection of modules in the course of their degree on the politics, economy, society, culture and history of one or more East Asian countries.

These ‘studies’ modules are essential to your academic development. If you are taking a language-intensive degree, these allow you to develop a sophisticated understanding of the societies in which your chosen language is used; and for East Asian Studies students these modules are the core of your degree.

At the same time, you will acquire transferable skills in research, analysis, communication and presentation, in independent study and teamwork. These skills will make you a more confident and effective learner, and will form the basis of the professional skills you will use at work after graduation: see ‘Employability’ below to see where your degree can take you.

How We Teach

Most of our studies teaching is delivered through a combination of lectures and small-group seminars. Assessment is varied: most modules require a final essay or examination, but you might also be asked to give an oral presentation, contribute to a class blog or complete other short tasks.

See the Online Module Directory for a full list of current modules, and follow the link (left) to see more details on a selection of our studies modules.

East Asia Unrestricted

Even if you’re not taking a degree in SEAS, you are welcome to take modules with us as an ‘unrestricted’ choice. Although a small number of intensive language modules are restricted to our own students, we welcome enquiries from anyone wishing to take our studies or ‘non-specialist’ language modules. Do contact module organisers if you have any questions about a specific module.