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East Asia Studies

Leaders with Heart must understand a wide range of global forces to effectively navigate our rapidly changing interconnected world. What better way to develop these insights than by building an awareness of the business, religious, linguistic and cultural practices of one of the most influential areas in the world.

Distinguish yourself as a leader who can bridge North American and East Asian organizations. Develop the cultural sensitivity and foundational understanding about how different perspectives can be balanced to motivate action and achieve economic and social good.

At Huron you’ll find a highly flexible program featuring small, intimate classes, personalized coaching and opportunities for imaginative, independent research and hands-on learning. So, prepare to become immersed in the beauty, complexity and intrigue of East Asia.

Chinese and East Asia Studies Brochure

Alumni Stories

East Asian Studies have prepared our alumni for extraordinary success within a variety of careers. Employers look for people with the ability to analyze information, find creative solutions to problems and effectively communicate their ideas: Graduates of this program of all of these skills – what’s more, they’re paired with a thorough understanding regarding the historical, cultural, linguistic and social influences that spur and halt change within and between cultures.

Read stories about alumni from this exciting program, and learn how to distinguish yourself – personally and professionally – as a globally-focused Leader with Heart.

  • International experiences at Huron have shaped me into the person I am today.
    Nicole Pyszka
    Japan Exchange
    Read more
HONORS SPECIALIZATION
SPECIALIZATION
MAJOR
MINOR
Chinese Studies

The Chinese language program offers a balanced four-level program of listening, speaking, reading and writing standard Chinese. A primary goal is to provide a solid foundation in pronunciation, grammar, and proficiency in the four language skills in the first three levels. Courses at the fourth level serve to facilitate students attaining competence in reading authentic modern writings, with the aid of a dictionary.

For students who have attained fluency, elective courses are offered to explore specific aspects of Chinese language and culture, in film, business, literature, and communication.

China Studies

The Chinese language program offers a balanced four-level program of listening, speaking, reading and writing standard Chinese. A primary goal is to provide a solid foundation in pronunciation, grammar, and proficiency in the four language skills in the first three levels. Courses at the fourth level serve to facilitate students attaining competence in reading authentic modern writings, with the aid of a dictionary.

For students who have attained fluency, elective courses are offered to explore specific aspects of Chinese language and culture, in film, business, literature, and communication.

Minor in Chinese Studies
Minor in Chinese Business Communications
Minor in China Studies

East Asia Studies

The East Asia Studies Major helps students combine language courses at successive levels of study with courses in culture and literature and in social science approaches to understanding the area.

Major in East Asia Studies
Minor in East Asia Studies

Japanese Studies

Huron University College offers a variety of Japanese courses that provide opportunities for students to acquire the breadth and depth of knowledge of Japan that will prepare them for a range of careers in the international arena. In the twenty-first century, the expanding global demands and dimensions of most fields will require people trained in languages and intercultural communication.

As the second-largest economy in the world, Japan will continue to play a crucial role in international affairs. Japanese studies at Huron equips students with the linguistic and cultural knowledge of Japan that they will need in such careers as international business, law, academics and others.

Japan Studies

Huron University College offers a variety of Japanese courses that provide opportunities for students to acquire the breadth and depth of knowledge of Japan that will prepare them for a range of careers in the international arena. In the twenty-first century, the expanding global demands and dimensions of most fields will require people trained in languages and intercultural communication.

As the second-largest economy in the world, Japan will continue to play a crucial role in international affairs. Japanese studies at Huron equips students with the linguistic and cultural knowledge of Japan that they will need in such careers as international business, law, academics and others.

Minor in Japan Studies

Professors

Learn from professors who have a deep knowledge of China and East Asia more broadly. This faculty comes together, from across the world, to lead students to a more fulsome understanding of these rich cultures, the societal foundations they are built upon, and the people who define them. This department is dedicated to incorporating critical thought, intensive research elements, interactive activities and community engagement projects to ensure students engage with well-rounded learning environments.

Take time to get to know the names and faces who will be supporting you every step of the way as you embark on an enriching exploration of China.

  • Japan, with its aesthetic, cultural and social intricacies, is a beautiful place that Huron students have the opportunity to explore through our Japanese program.
    Sawako Akai, PhD
    Associate Professor, Japanese
    Read more
  • Learn about the cultural, social and linguistic traits of one of the most influential powers in the world. Chinese Studies will help you to better understand what events and which people have most significantly shaped China’s extraordinary past, present - and, before long, future.
    Lifang (Lucy) He, PhD
    Assistant Professor, Chinese Studies
    Read more
  • Asian Studies gives students the unique opportunity to learn about a beautiful culture - thousands of kilometres away - while learning critical thinking, creative writing and developing their global perspective.
    Michiya Kawai, PhD
    Associate Professor and Co-ordinator, Japanese Program
    Read more
  • I teach Chinese literature and language with passion and academic rigor. I integrate comparative, cross-cultural perspectives into my teaching and provide stimulating intellectual space for a diverse body of students.
    Yan Lu, PhD
    Assistant Professor, Chinese
    Read more
  • My teaching aims to help students to increase their capacity and commitment to well-informed international and intercultural understanding.
    Clare Gordon, PhD
    Assistant Professor & Co-ordinator, Chinese Program
    Read more

East Asia Studies Faculty

Tenure-stream

  • Dr. Michiya Kawai, Chair & Associate Professor, French and Asian Studies, 519.438.7224 ext. 330
  • Dr. Sawako Akai, Associate Professor, Japanese Program, 519.438.7224 ext. 243
  • Dr. Yan Lu, Assistant Professor & Coordinator, Chinese Program, 519.438.7224 ext. 332
  • Dr. Sean MacDonald, Associate Professor, Chinese Program, 519.438.7224 ext. 456

Program sessional and per course instructors 

Chinese

Japanese

Professors Emeriti

East Asia Studies Courses

Explore East Asia’s role in the world! At Huron, you’ll find a highly flexible program featuring small, intimate classes, personalized coaching and opportunities for imaginative, independent research and hands-on learning. Broaden your global perspectives, because to lead, you need a heart that understands the world. After your first year you can explore issues such as: Chinese cinema, women in Chinese society and business translation.

2022 - 2023 Courses

Chinese Courses Offered

Stream A: Basic Chinese Language Courses

Stream A courses are designed for students who wish to acquire or to develop the basic language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. They are open only to students who are functionally fluent in Chinese. To ensure the best academic experience based on the student’s language background, each student must apply to be placed in a Stream A course at an appropriate level and in the class best suited to them.

Course Instructor Course Outline
CHN 1150 – Beginners’ Chinese 1 Lu 550
CHN 1151 – Chinese 1 Gordon 550
CHN 2250 – Beginners’ Chinese 2 He 550
CHN 3350 – Chinese 3 He 550

The above courses require placement via the Chinese Placement Request Form, available here. Placement opens in June 2022.

Course Instructor Course Outline
CHN 3340A – Business Chinese 1 Gordon / Macdonald 550 / 551
CHN 3341B – Business Chinese 2 Gordon / Macdonald 550 / 551
CHN 4440A – Business Translation 1 Zhang 550
CHN 4441B – Business Translation 2 Zhang 550

 

Stream B: Courses on Chinese Culture and Literature taught in Chinese

These courses are designed for and accessible only to students whose basic language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing are functionally fluent. Course instruction, activities, and readings help the student to prepare for certification or to explore specific aspects of Chinese language and culture through intense textual study, research, analysis, discussions and exercises.

Course Instructor Course Outline
CHN 2240F – Understanding Chinese Business Culture 1 Gordon 550
CHN 2241G – Understanding Chinese Business Culture 2 Gordon 550
CHN 2242F – Representative Works in Traditional Chinese Literature Liu 550
CHN 2244G – Representative Works in Modern Chinese Literature Liu 550
CHN 2245F – Cinema in the Chinese Mainland He 550
CHN 2246G – Chinese Cinema in Taiwan and Hong Kong He 550
CHN 2247F – Chinese Cities and Chinese Culture Liu 550
CHN 2270F – Special Topics: Chinese Science Fiction Zhang 550

 

Stream C: Courses on Chinese Culture and Literature taught in English

Course Instructor Course Outline
CHN 1650G – Perspectives on China Zhang 550
CHN 1651F – Chinese Symbols and Icons Liu 550
CHN 2601A – The Political & Socio-economic Foundations of Modern China Zhang 550
CHN 2602B – The Cultural Foundations of Modern China Liu 550
CHN 3650F – The Chinese Short Story Zhang 550
CHN 3651F – The Chinese Novel Lu 550
CHN 3654G – Trauma, Memory, and Narrative in Chinese Literature and Film Liu 550
CHN 3953G – Special Topic in China Studies: Global Chinese Literature Lu 550
CHN 3954G – Special Topic in China Studies: Concepts in Chinese Culture Macdonald 550
CHN 3955G – Special Topic in China Studies: Chinese Film and Visual Culture Macdonald 550

 

 

Japanese Courses Offered

Course Instructor Course Outline
JPN 1050 – Japanese 1 Syed Zainuddin / Zhang 550 / 551 / 552 / 553 / 554
JPN 1650F – Perspectives on Japan White 550
JPN 1650G – Perspectives on Japan White 550
JPN 2250 – Japanese 2 Shirakawa 550 / 551
JPN 2601A – The Cultural Foundations of Modern Japan White 550
JPN 3350 – Japanese 3 Akai 550 / 551
JPN 3651F – Japan Through Anime White 550
JPN 3750F – Senior Research Seminar White 550
JPN 3751G – Senior Research Seminar II White 550
JPN 3950G – Special Topics in Japan Studies White 550
JPN 4450 – Japanese 4 Shirakawa 550

 

 

2021 - 2022 Courses

Chinese Courses Offered

Stream A: Basic Chinese Language Courses

Stream A courses are designed for students who wish to acquire or to develop the basic language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. They are open only to students who are functionally fluent in Chinese. To ensure the best academic experience based on the student’s language background, each student must apply to be placed in a Stream A course at an appropriate level and in the class best suited to them.

Course Instructor Course Outline
CHN 1150 – Beginners’ Chinese 1 Lu View course outline
CHN 1151 – Chinese 1 Gordon View course outline
CHN 2250 – Beginners’ Chinese 2 He View course outline
CHN 3350 – Chinese 3 He View course outline

The above courses require placement via the Chinese Placement Request Form, available here. Placement opens in June 2021.

Course Instructor Course Outline
CHN 3340A – Business Chinese 1 Gordon View course outline
CHN 3341B – Business Chinese 2 Gordon View course outline
CHN 4440A – Business Translation 1 Zhang View course outline
CHN 4441B – Business Translation 2 Zhang View course outline

Stream B: Courses on Chinese Culture and Literature taught in Chinese

These courses are designed for and accessible only to students whose basic language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing are functionally fluent. Course instruction, activities, and readings help the student to prepare for certification or to explore specific aspects of Chinese language and culture through intense textual study, research, analysis, discussions and exercises.

Course Instructor Course Outline
CHN 2240F – Understanding Chinese Business Culture 1 Gordon View course outline
CHN 2241G – Understanding Chinese Business Culture 2 Gordon View course outline
CHN 2242F – Representative Works in Traditional Chinese Literature Liu View course outline
CHN 2244G – Representative Works in Modern Chinese Literature Liu View course outline
CHN 2245F – Cinema in the Chinese Mainland He View course outline
CHN 2246G – Chinese Cinema in Taiwan and Hong Kong He View course outline
CHN 2247F – Chinese Cities and Chinese Culture Liu View course outline

Stream C: Courses on Chinese Culture and Literature taught in English

Course Instructor Course Outline
CHN 1650G – Perspectives on China Zhang View course outline
CHN 1651F – Chinese Symbols and Icons Liu View course outline
CHN 2601A – The Political & Socio-economic Foundations of Modern China Zhang View course outline
CHN 2602B – The Cultural Foundations of Modern China Liu View course outline
CHN 2650G – Fiction and Traditional Chinese Society Zhang View course outline
CHN 3655G – Chinese Theatre and Culture Liu View course outline
CHN 3951G – Special Topic: Chinese Literature as World Literature Lu View course outline
CHN 3952F – Special Topic: Imagining the World in Modern China Zhang View course outline

Japanese Courses Offered

Course Instructor Course Outline
JPN 1050 – Japanese I Shirakawa / Syed Zainuddin View course outline
JPN 1650F – Perspectives on Japan White View course outline
JPN 1650G – Perspectives on Japan White View course outline
JPN 2250 – Japanese II Shirakawa / Fukui 550 outline / 551 outline
JPN 2601A – Cultural Foundations of Modern Japan White View course outline
JPN 3350 – Japanese III Fukui View course outline
JPN 3360A – Conversational Japanese I Akai View course outline
JPN 3361B – Conversational Japanese II Akai View course outline
JPN 3650G – Japan Through Film Kawai View course outline
JPN 3680F – Japan Through Food Akai View course outline
JPN 3750F – Senior Research Seminar White View course outline
JPN 3751G – Senior Research Seminar II White View course outline
JPN 4450 – Japanese IV Kawai View course outline
2020 - 2021 Courses

Chinese Courses Offered

Course Instructor Course Outline
Stream A: Language Courses
CHN 1150 – Beginners’ Chinese I Lu View course outline
CHN 2250 – Beginners’ Chinese II He View course outline
CHN 3350 – Chinese III He View course outline
CHN 3340A – Business Chinese I Gordon View course outline
CHN 4440A – Business Translation I Gordon View course outline
CHN 4441B – Business Translation II Gordon View course outline
Stream B: Courses on Chinese Culture & Literature taught in Chinese
CHN 2240F – Understanding Chinese Business Culture I Gordon View course outline
CHN 2241G – Understanding Chinese Business Culture II Gordon View course outline
CHN 2242F – Representative Works in Traditional Chinese Literature Liu View course outline
CHN 2243F – The Chinese Diaspora and Its Literary Representation Lu View course outline
CHN 2244G – Representative Works in Modern Chinese Literature Liu View course outline
CHN 2245F – Cinema in the Chinese Mainland He View course outline
CHN 2246G – Chinese Cinema in Taiwan and Hong Kong He View course outline
CHN 2247F – Chinese Cities and Chinese Culture Liu View course outline
Stream C: Courses on Chinese Culture and Literature taught in English
CHN 1650G – Perspectives on China Gordon View course outline
CHN 1651F – Chinese Symbols and Icons Liu View course outline
CHN 2601A – The Political & Socio-economic Foundations of Modern China Liu View course outline
CHN 2651G – Fiction and Modern Chinese Society Lu View course outline
CHN 3652F – Chinese Discourse on Women and Gender Relations Wu View course outline
CHN 3653G – Women in Chinese Society: Images in Literature Wu View course outline
CHN 3654G – Trauma, Memory and Narrative in Chinese Literature and Film Liu View course outline

Japanese Courses Offered

Course Instructor Course Outline
JPN 1050 – Japanese I Shirakawa / Syed Zainuddin View course outline
JPN 1650F – Perspectives on Japan White View course outline
JPN 1650G – Perspectives on Japan White View course outline
JPN 2250 – Japanese II Fukui View course outline
JPN 2601A – Cultural Foundations of Modern Japan Kawai View course outline
JPN 2750B – An Introduction to Japanese Linguistics Kawai View course outline
JPN 3350 – Japanese III Akai / Fukui View course outline
JPN 3360A – Conversational Japanese I Akai View course outline
JPN 3361B – Conversational Japanese II Akai View course outline
JPN 3651G – Japan Through Anime Akai View course outline
JPN 3750F – Senior Research Seminar White View course outline
JPN 3751G – Senior Research Seminar II White View course outline
JPN 4450 – Japanese IV Kawai View course outline
2019 - 2020 Courses

Chinese Courses Offered

Stream A: Language Courses Instructor  Course Outline 
CHN 1150 – Beginners’ Chinese 1 Lu View course outline 
CHN 2250 – Beginners’ Chinese 2 He View course outline 
CHN 3350 – Chinese 3 He View course outline 
The above courses require placement.

Please request placement/ special permission using the following form: Chinese Placement Form

CHN 3340A – Business Chinese 1 Gordon View course outline 
CHN 3341B – Business Chinese 2 Gordon View course outline 
CHN 4440A – Business Translation 1 Gordon View course outline 
Stream B: Courses on Chinese Culture & Literature taught in Chinese
CHN 2240F – Understanding Chinese Business Culture 1 Gordon View course outline 
CHN 2241G – Understanding Chinese Business Culture 2 Gordon View course outline 
CHN 2242F – Representative Works in Traditional Chinese Literature Liu View course outline 
CHN 2244G – Representative Works in Modern Chinese Literature Liu View course outline 
CHN 2245F – Cinema in the Chinese Mainland He View course outline 
CHN 2246G – Chinese Cinema in Taiwan and Hong Kong He View course outline 
CHN 2247G – Chinese Cities and Chinese Culture Liu View course outline 
CHN 2271G – Special Topics: Environment and Ecocriticism in Chinese Literature and Film Lu View course outline 
Stream C: Courses on Chinese Culture and Literature taught in English
CHN 1650G – Perspectives on China Gordon View course outline 
CHN 1651F – Chinese Symbols and Icons Liu View course outline 
CHN 2601A – The Political and Socio-Economic Foundations of Modern China Liu View course outline 
CHN 2602B – The Cultural Foundations of Modern China Liu View course outline 
CHN 3650F – The Chinese Short Story Lu View course outline 
CHN 3651G – The Chinese Novel Lu View course outline 

Japanese Courses Offered

Course Instructor Course Outline
JPN 1050 – Japanese I Shirikawa/ Fukui View course outline
JPN 1650F – Perspectives on Japan White View course outline
JPN 2250 – Japanese II Fukui 550 outline / 551 outline
JPN 2601A – Cultural Foundations of Modern Japan Kawai View course outline
JPN 3350 – Japanese III Akai View course outline
JPN 3360A – Conversational Japanese I Akai View course outline
JPN 3361B – Conversational Japanese II Akai View course outline
JPN 3650G – Japan Through Film Kawai View course outline
JPN 3680F – Japan Through Food: Tales of Cultural Contact Akai View course outline
JPN 3750F – Senior Research Seminar Kawai View course outline
JPN 3751G – Senior Research Seminar II Kawai View course outline
JPN 4450 – Japanese IV Kawai View course outline
2018 - 2019 Courses

Chinese Courses Offered

Course Instructor Course Outline
CHN 1150 – Beginner’s Chinese I Lu View course outline
CHN 1650G – Perspectives on China Gordon View course outline
CHN 1651F – Chinese Symbols & Icons Liu View course outline
CHN 2240F – Understanding Chinese Business Culture I Gordon View course outline
CHN 2241G – Understanding Chinese Business Culture II Gordon View course outline
CHN 2242F – Representative Works in Traditional Chinese Literature Lu View course outline
CHN 2245F – Cinema in the Chinese Mainland He 550 outline/551 outline
CHN 2245G – Cinema in the Chinese Mainland He View course outline
CHN 2246F – Chinese Cinema in Taiwan & Hong Kong He View course outline
CHN 2246G – Chinese Cinema in Taiwan & Hong Kong He View course outline
CHN 2247G – Chinese Cities & Chinese Culture Liu View course outline
CHN 2250 – Beginner’s Chinese II Sun View course outline
 CHN 2650F – Fiction & Traditional Chinese Society Lu View course outline
CHN 2651G – Fiction & Modern Chinese Society Lu View course outline
CHN 3340A – Business Chinese I Gordon View course outline
CHN 3654G – Trauma, Memory & Narrative Liu View course outline
CHN 3950G – Special Topics in China Studies Lu View course outline
CHN 4440A – Business Translation I Gordon View course outline
CHN 4441B – Business Translation II Gordon View course outline

Japanese Courses Offered

Course Instructor Course Outline
JPN 1050 – Japanese I Akai/Shirikawa View course outline
JPN 1650F – Perspectives on Japan  White View course outline
JPN 1650G – Perspectives on Japan White View course outline
JPN 2250 – Japanese II Fukui/Akai View course outline
JPN 2601A – Cultural Foundations of Modern Japan Kawai View course outline
JPN 3350 – Japanese III Akai View course outline
JPN 3650G – Japan Through Film Kawai View course outline
JPN 4450 – Japanese IV Kawai View course outline

East Asian Studies Careers

East Asia Studies will prepare you for a variety of careers; employers today are looking for people with the ability to analyze information, to find creative solutions to problems and to effectively communicate their ideas. These skills are acquired when studying language and literature.

Where will a degree in East Asia Studies take you?
  • Teaching (Foreign Language in Canada)
  • Teaching (English in East Asia)
  • Graduate studies on East Asia
  • Interpreters/translators
  • Canadian and International Business (in East Asia)
  • NGOs
  • Politics
  • Journalism
  • Diplomatic services
  • Intelligence analyst
  • Foreign services
  • Marketing
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Key Contacts