About
China and Japan are two geographically and politically important nations. Each has a distinct culture that blends ancient tradition with modern life. China is the most rapidly developing economy in the world, while Japan has been known as one of the world’s cultural, economic and technological centers for a long time. Both Chinese and Japanese are designated as critical languages by the U.S. State Department.
By acquiring practical language and cultural skills, students in Appalachian’s Bachelor of Arts in Languages, Literatures and Cultures - East Asian Languages and Cultures become prepared for a variety of careers in government and diplomacy, scholarship, banking and finance, business, law, education, journalism, public health, medicine, international relations, tourism, translation and more.
This program requires a study abroad or international internship of 3–6 semester hours, and students are encouraged to study abroad for at least a semester.
After Graduation
Employment: Graduates go on to successful careers in law, business, education, international relations and other fields in the United States and Asia. Employers include public schools and universities, embassies, consulates, businesses and more.
Graduate School: Some students continue their education in graduate school in language studies or literature.
People
Minors
A minor is required. Common choices include Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL)/Applied Linguistics, Global Studies, English, International Business or Chinese.
Engagement Outside the Classroom
Japanese Culture Club — A social and cultural club for students interested in Japanese and Japanese-speaking cultures.
Chinese Culture Club — A social and cultural club for students interested in Chinese and Chinese-speaking cultures.
Asian Student Association — A student organization dedicated to building connections within the AAPI (Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders) community as well as between people of all cultures and ethnicities on campus.
View all Language and Culture clubs
Global Learning
Appalachian is committed to introducing students to different cultures and teaching them how to live and interact in a global society.
In the last two years, LLC faculty members have led service-learning trips to Costa Rica, Ecuador, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic and Ghana.
Admission Requirements
There are no admission requirements beyond admission to Appalachian State University.
Why Appalachian?
- Students can study the Chinese or Japanese language (or both) and explore the exciting literature, film, popular culture, religion and other forms of cultural expression associated with East Asia.
- The program offers a variety of study abroad opportunities in Japan, China, Taiwan and South Korea — countries where Appalachian has partnership universities.
- The program provides extensive language training and in-depth study of Chinese and Japanese cultures and societies.
- Classes are small, so students have close contact with and easy access to faculty.
- Students are active in extracurricular activities, including conversation hours, Chinese/Japanese culture club meetings and events dedicated to Chinese/Japanese language and culture.
- Students are consistently awarded competitive Chinese and Japanese scholarships, such as the U.S. Department of State’s Critical Language Scholarship.
Location
On campus
Contacts
Dr. Kevin Kennedy
Department Chair
kennedykg@appstate.edu
828-262-2348