Mar 19, 2024  
USC Catalogue 2019-2020 
    
USC Catalogue 2019-2020 [ARCHIVED CATALOGUE]

East Asian Languages and Cultures (BA)


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The core requirements for the EALC major allow students flexibility in designing their own course of study. Majors typically select one language and cultural area (Chinese, Japanese, or Korean) in which they do most of their course work. For this reason, one frequently hears students on campus speaking about “majoring” in Japanese, Chinese, or Korean, though strictly speaking all these students are actually majoring in EALC. Majors are encouraged to explore beyond their individual language focus by enrolling in the full range of EALC courses available in literature, film, history, media, and other aspects of East Asian cultures.

Core requirements for EALC majors consist of a cross-cultural survey course, a cultural studies course, and a language requirement that may be waived by placement test. Students then also take four upper-division elective courses (16 units), one of which can be replaced by a fourth-year language course. In addition, one upper-division course on East Asia from another department may be used to count toward the 16 units, if approved by the adviser.  

Cross-Cultural Survey Course (Choose One)


Cross-Cultural Survey courses offer students a broad, interregional introduction to East Asian philosophy, literature, film, and culture. All EALC majors are required to take at least one of these courses within the first two years of their study.

Cultural Studies Course (Choose One)


Cultural Studies courses provide students with an in-depth introduction to a cultural tradition within its regional context. Students are required to take one of these gateway courses preferably before advancing to more specialized, theme-specific courses. 

Language Requirement


This requirement may be waived by placement test.​

Upper-Division Electives (Choose Four)


Our faculty teach new courses every year. Please check the department’s Schedule of Classes to see the full range of courses. One fourth-year language or professionalization course can be used to count for one elective. In addition, one upper-division course on East Asia from another department may likewise be used to count toward the 16 units with advisor’s approval.

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