Department of East Asian Languages and Lits

About the Major

The major in East Asian Languages and Literatures was approved by the college in 2005. Since then there has been a steady growth in our course offerings, the number of students exploring the EALL curriculum and the number of students electing EALL as their major.

"A major in East Asian Languages and Literatures leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree requires completion of at least 39 credits, including an emphasis in either Chinese or Japanese as follows.

1. Language core: At least 18 credits in either Chinese or Japanese including completion of either Chinese 302 or Japanese 302

2. Literature & Culture Core: At least six credits chosen from the following: EALL 200, Literature in Translation LIT218, 221, 223, 225, and 295 (when appropriate)

3. Six credits from courses numbered at the 300 level and above and chosen from the following:

Chinese 311, 312, 401, 402, 403

Japanese 311, 312, 401, 402, 403

Literature in Translation 395 (when appropriate)

4. At least six credits chosen from the following, or a course approved in advance by the department, with a maximum of three credits total from Chinese or Japanese.

Art 140, 240, 241

Chinese 100, 115, 265

Economics 272, 274

History 103, 104

Japanese 100, 115, 265

Philosophy 168

Politics 227

Religion 103, 116, 131

5. Capstone experience (3‑6 credits): East Asian Languages and Literatures 473 or 493 (3-3)

Students with background in the core language may substitute courses with the advance approval of the East Asian Languages and Literatures department head. Native speakers in either Chinese or Japanese will be required to study the other language to fulfill the requirements.

The East Asian languages and literatures major may not be combined with the interdisciplinary non‑major Program in East Asian Studies."

Students are urged to begin their East Asian language study as early as possible, preferably in their freshman year. Students entering with previous experience in the language are expected to consult with the Head of the Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures to determine the appropriate level of study. Students who begin taking an East Asian language in their sophomore year often ask the question if it is possible to do an EALL Major. With thoughtful planning, this is possible. Consult an EALL faculty member.

Chinese and Japanese language students may apply for participation in Washington and Lee’s exchange and spring study-abroad programs. Students with an interest in study abroad should consult with the appropriate EALL language faculty member and EALL Department Head. A list of EALL recommended programs can be found at Study Abroad in China and Japan (see box to the right).

East Asian Languages and Lits Resources

- Home
- About the Major
- Course Descriptions
- Fall Course Offerings
- Faculty Listing

Other East Asian Languages and Lits Resources

- 2008-2009 Announcements & Events
- Japan Trip 2008
- EALL Students Blog in Chinese
- Why Study Chinese or Japanese?
- Japanese Tearoom-Watson Pavilion
- Study Abroad in China & Japan
- EALL Spring Term Abroad in Japan
- Andrew M. Hemm Award
- James Boardman Study Abroad Scholarship
- EALL Spring Term Abroad in China
- EALL Majors
- Exciting Student News
- Grants & Fellowships
- Dept. T-Shirt
- Copyright-Free Audio-Visual Resource Center
- Chinese and Japanese Films in Leyburn Library
- 2006-2007 Department Events & Announcements
- 2007-08 EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
- Cultural Events Photo Gallery
- A Tour of the Red House

Contact Information

Office Location:
East Asian Language Center (aka. Red House)
Office Phone:
540-458-4574
Office Fax:
540-458-8478
Department Head:
Hongchu Fu (fuh@wlu.edu)
Administrative Assistant:
Mary Hinely (hinelym@wlu.edu)
Mailing Address:
East Asian Languages and Literatures
Washington and Lee University
Lexington, VA 24450

Comments/Questions: webmaster@wlu.edu
Page Updated: Monday, August 07, 2006

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Lexington, Virginia 24450
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