East Asian Studies
Available as a concentration
If you have a strong personal interest in Asia, East Asian studies is a great way to focus a generalized major, such as history, economics or sociology, around a subject that interests you. East Asian studies includes introduction to either Japanese or Mandarin, courses in Asian politics and history, plus global-themed courses in business, politics, economics or religion. You'll be expected to take an independent study course or internship centered on an East Asian theme. Of course, travel to an East Asian country is strongly recommended.
Curriculum & Courses
Sample Course Offerings:
HIST 281: Early East Asia
POLI 231: International Politics
HIST 282: Modern East Asia
Study Abroad
Xu Speaks on Interpreting Current East Asian Political Climate
Dr. Stella Xu, an associate professor in the History Department, was recently asked to speak as part of a panel titled, "China and North Korea: Past, Present, and Future." Co-sponsored by the United States Institute of Peace and Georgetown University, the panel examined the historical relationship between China and North Korea, among other topics.
"The current issues in East Asia can make more sense if we look into history, and see how historical perceptions impacted North Korea's view about China, and how these views further impacted their foreign policy," Xu said.
Award Recipient Grew Through Study Abroad
Anna Ford '18, recipient of both the Gilman Award and the Freeman Asia scholarship, took the opportunity to study abroad in Japan for a full year. "My study abroad experience in Japan was the best year of my life; I grew tremendously as a person and now feel more prepared for any future career path I choose," she said.
She found and applied for these scholarships with the help of faculty and staff that she called "instrumental to my application for studying abroad. I am so thankful I met them here at Roanoke College."
What Makes Roanoke Different?
Roanoke College Receives ASIANetwork Fellowship Award
For the second time since 2012, Roanoke College is a recipient of the ASIANetwork's fellowship award. The College is one of eight recipients of the Student-Faculty Fellows 2018 award. This award will allow six students - Alexander Pelletier, Emily Costello, Anna Ford, Brittney Rowe, Carolyn Marciniec and Phantesa Ingram - to conduct three weeks of intensive field research in South Korea.
"We are very proud of our students because we won this grant over other so-called far more prestigious liberal arts colleges," said History Professor Stella Xu. Xu and Professor Whitney Leeson assisted the students with their independent research projects.
Kim Kyusik Center for Korean Studies
The Kim Kyusik Center for Korean Studies at Roanoke College celebrates Roanoke College’s unique historic ties to Korea and sets the stage for a new era of cultural exchange and student opportunities.
Learn by Doing
We offer many firsthand learning opportunities for our students.
-
We offer semester- or year-long international exchanges with more than 50 schools around the world, including Egypt, Israel, Belgium, Chile, Morocco, France, Denmark, Germany, Australia and Japan.
-
Model UN brings together rising young leaders from around the world to step into the role of diplomats who must persuade, lead and build consensus to solve pressing problems. Roanoke has a Model UN Club and ususally goes to several events per year.
-
Roanoke's Henry H. Fowler Public Policy Program has hosted speakers ranging from presidents, prime ministers, national commentators, Supreme Court justices, renowned scholars and recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize. Students have the chance to hear firsthand from global leaders and learn about issues facing the world.
-
Teach-ins
The college regularly holds teach-ins with interdisciplinary faculty panels about what's happening in our community and world.
-
Roanoke students have the opportunity to travel broadly with faculty and most of our students take advantage of this. All of our faculty lead month-long trips where they teach and travel with students.
-
The Public Affairs Society brings together passionate, curious students to consider current events from multiple perspectives. Through discussion groups and campus events, it aims to share ideas and encourage a robust civil discourse.
Finding her path
Fulbright Scholar Kathleen Ouyang ’13 said the research experience she was afforded at Roanoke opened her eyes to opportunities in the field of heritage tourism.
Faculty
Professor takes students to China
Dr. Stella Xu won the prestigious Freeman Fellowship in 2012. As a recipient of the Freeman Fellowship, Xu and four Roanoke students traveled to China to do research for a project, "Reinvented Tradition in the Age of Globalization: The Silk Road and its Legacy in Contemporary China." The students presented their research during the ASIA Network's annual conference in March 2013 in Nashville, TN. "I'm very proud of them," said Xu, who was born in China and attended graduate school in Korea and the United States.
News
-
New research, media recognition, and a spotlight on student-faculty research. Catch up on the latest news from Roanoke College faculty.
-
Educators across campus are advancing research and contributing expertise to nationwide discussions.
-
The Kim Kyusik Center for Korean Studies honors both the history and future of Roanoke College’s long-standing ties to Korea.
