West Virginia University

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AOE: East Asia

This area of emphasis (AOE) offers courses focused mainly on East Asia and, in particular, Japan and China. The required courses for this area of emphasis are two advanced Japanese language classes (six hours). Students select four analytic courses (12 hours) in international/comparative economics, development, political geography, international politics, U.S. foreign policy, and/or up to six additional hours of advanced Japanese language. Six additional courses (18 hours) are required that deal with region’s politics, geography, philosophies/religions, and general history, as well as specific courses on Chinese and Japanese history and each’s political systems. The program’s Model U.N. experience can count towards this requirement when WVU represents a Asian country. A study abroad experience is highly recommended, and approved courses taken abraod can count towards the above course requirments. Recent majors with this area of emphasis often study abroad in Japan, and WVU has affiliations in both Japan and China, including Hong Kong. See these programs under study abroad section (link).

Course List

Required language courses (6 hours):

Select 12 hours from the following analytic courses (at least 2 disciplines):

Select 18 hours from the following courses on East Asia (at least two disciplines):

NOTE: Foreign students from non-English speaking countries are exempted from the advanced language requirement. Instead, they must complete 15 hours chosen from the advanced core classes above.