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.

Recent EALC News

Two Wilson China Fellows at EALC

See more news

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 and Japanese 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.

Recent HLS News

Hamilton on Foreign Policy #144: US leadership is being challenged

June 25, 2020

We are living in a time when the limits of American power are being severely tested. Our adversaries are watching closely. They see us withdrawing from our longstanding leadership role. Eager to fill the vacuum, they are looking for ways to gain leverage, to challenge our strengths and exploit our weaknesses.

Honoring Juneteenth 2020

June 19, 2020

Juneteenth is a holiday that commemorates when the last enslaved Black Americans were finally freed. Though the Emancipation Proclamation was made effective in 1863, it could not be implemented in places still under Confederate control. As a result, in the westernmost Confederate state of Texas, enslaved people would not be free until much later. Freedom… Read more »

Hamilton on Foreign Policy #143: Talented and Dedicated Citizens are Reason for Hope

June 10, 2020

Discouraging news surrounds us. It’s hard to hide from. It’s in the newspapers, on television and radio, and on the internet. Our nation is divided, and our politics are polarized. We are torn apart by disagreements over immigration and by racial divisions. A pandemic has killed over 100,000 Americans and hobbled the economy. Health care… Read more »

New Assistant Dean for Curricular and Undergraduate Affairs Finds Hope Within Difficult Circumstances

June 8, 2020

Shruti Rana, a legal scholar, professor, and outspoken advocate for women’s rights, immigrant rights, and international human rights law, is the new assistant dean for curricular and undergraduate affairs at the Hamilton Lugar School. Popular among students for her passion for teaching and entrepreneurial spirit in creating new opportunities for students, Rana is the director… Read more »

Language Training Center receives $1.2M grant extension

June 2, 2020

The United States Department of Defense has awarded $1.26 million to the Indiana University Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies to further strengthen its Language Training Center program. Established in 2019, the center provides year-round language and culture instruction to members of the U.S. Special Operations Command and Indiana National Guard. The grant expansion… Read more »