East Asian Studies Program

Introduction to the Program

Ohio Wesleyan's East Asian Studies program is interdisciplinary and holistic. It draws from multiple departments to give you a broad perspective of East Asia. However, you can choose to focus on one particular East Asian country. As a major, study abroad will be required, so you will be able to apply your studies in a culturally immersive experience.

Program Features

  • In addition to study abroad, Theory-to-Practice grants and Travel-Learning courses are great opportunities for research, travel, or internships in an East Asian country. Students have gone to Japan, South Korea, China, and Taiwan.

Save the Date

The 2025-2026 J.K. Eddy Memorial Lecture will be on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. in the Benes Rooms in Hamilton-Williams Campus Center.
Dr. Jeffrey Ding from George Washington University will be the guest lecturer and Dr. Ji Young Choi will serve as a discussant and a moderator for a question and answer session following the lecture.

Available Majors

East Asian Studies

You'll take a minimum of seven courses plus language courses. You must complete six semesters of language instruction in Chinese or Japanese. In addition, a semester or summer abroad is required. You must also complete a senior thesis as an independent study or an extension of a course.

East Asian Studies Major

Available Minors

East Asian Studies

Requirements

You must complete a total of four courses and four semesters of language courses in Chinese or Japanese. The four required courses are those dealing with topics specific to East Asia and are in multiple departments in order to give you a wide perspective on East Asian cultures.

Meet Our People

OWU is people. Brilliant, engaging, passionate, friendly, genuine people. Meet some of them here.

Blake Michael

Amrine-Sharp-David Professor and Swan-Collins-Allen Professor in the Department of Philosophy & Religion

Professor Michael teaches courses about the religious life of Hindus, Buddhists, Confucians, Shintoists, and Muslims.

Vanessa M. Hildebrand

Chair, Division of Social Sciences; Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology & Anthropology

Dr. Hildebrand is a cultural and medical anthropologist who investigates the complexities involved in providing medical care for vulnerable populations, especially women and infants

Ji Young Choi

Associate Professor in the Department of Politics & Government; East Asian Studies Program Director

Professor Choi specializes in international relations history and theories, international political economy, foreign policy, and East Asian security and political economy.

Citizens Of The World House (CoW)

Founded in 2009, the Citizens of the World House fosters an inclusive community where students from diverse backgrounds share experiences and promote global understanding. Members value acceptance, education, and diversity, spreading cultural awareness through service on campus and beyond.

Travel-Learning

A number of Travel-Learning Courses have included trips to Japan, China, and Taiwan.

Program Contact Info

Location

Elliott Hall 205
Ohio Wesleyan University
Delaware, OH 43015

P 740-368-3906

Social Media

Facebook Visit Us

Program Director

Ji Young Choi
Associate Professor in the Department of Politics & Government
Elliott Hall 204 | 740-368-3784 | jychoi@owu.edu