East Asian Languages and Cultures: Indiana University Bloomington

Few parts of the world have experienced political, economic, and social change faster than East Asia. The rapid globalization of this dynamic region—and its ties to the United States—have driven interest in the languages, cultures, and histories of China, Japan, and South Korea among undergraduate and graduate students interested in pursuing careers in government, business, journalism, academia, and the arts.

The Hamilton Lugar School's Department of East Asian Languages & Cultures at Indiana University is dedicated to the study of this rich and diverse region, with courses and expertise ranging from contemporary politics and religion to literature and ancient philosophy.

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Undergraduate studies

We offer courses in Chinese (Mandarin), Japanese, and Korean at every level of language study, as well as a full range of courses on East Asian literature, history, politics, religion, and culture.

Add value to your degree

The Hamilton Lugar School supports a Language Flagship in Chinese—an innovative program that helps undergraduate students achieve professional-level proficiency alongside the major of their choice. As a flagship student, you'll be able to immerse yourself in the language as an undergraduate and then spend a fifth year in China deepening your linguistic and cultural expertise.

Explore a major in EALC

Learn an East Asian language

Study abroad in East Asia

Graduate studies

At the graduate level, our programs are tailored to meet students' individual needs and interests, yet all combine rigorous training in East Asian languages with extensive study in their chosen disciplines.

Study East Asia in depth

Explore our dedicated M.A. and Ph.D. programs in Chinese, Japanese, and East Asian Studies.

Bring East Asia into your professional program

See our dual-degree and joint degree programs in business and public affairs.

Become a language teacher

Learn about our MA programs in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean language pedagogy.

Scholarly partners

Our partner centers and programs offer additional support for research, advanced study, and outreach concerning East Asia.

Institute for Korean Studies

The Institute advances cultural fluency through providing programs for students, faculty, and the community, and expands public understanding of Korea.

East Asian Studies Center

The Center builds networks of knowledge, practice, resources, and discovery that enhance the understanding of East Asia locally, regionally, and nationally.

21st Century Japan Politics and Society Initiative

JPSI aims to educate, raise awareness, and debate policy responses to the various political, social, and foreign policy challenges that Japan faces in this extremely dynamic era of 21st-century change.

Chinese Flagship Program

IU’s Chinese Flagship is an innovative language program that will help you gain professional-level language proficiency while you major in any of IU’s fields of study.

EALC Alumni Spotlight!

From IU to Japan's UN Mission: Abigail Zumbrun's (BA, 2019) Career Path

After graduating from the Hamilton Lugar School, Abigail ended up working at the Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations in New York. She graduated in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in East Asian Languages and Cultures and International Studies, along with a minor in Folklore and Ethnomusicology. Her interest in Japanese really took off after a volunteer trip to Japan, and from that point on, she stayed fully committed to it.