The MA in East Asian Studies requires 10 courses for a minimum of 30 units. The degree training begins with the Core Seminar in East Asian Studies (when offered). In addition, at least two substantial writing seminars must be completed. Three years (or the equivalent) of preparation in one East Asian language is required, with no more than 12 credits of language normally applying toward the degree.
Language Requirement
Normally, we expect applicants who are not native speakers of Chinese, Japanese, or Korean to have some background in an East Asian language. In order to complete the MA students must achieve third year competence in Chinese, Japanese, or Korean or demonstrate its equivalence to satisfy the language requirement. Only 12 credits of modern language study are applicable toward the MA degree.
Writing Seminar Requirement
Students must take two writing seminars. For a course or Independent Study to fulfill the writing seminar requirement the writing exercises must be based on research, must be cumulative to some degree, and result by the end of the semester in a substantial piece of writing. Courses that require multiple short papers will not meet the requirement.
Exit Requirement
Students must complete one of the following options:
- Students who plan to continue their academic training on the PhD level will have two options: complete a Master’s Essay or a Master’s Thesis.
- The essay will be based on a research paper written during the student’s MA course work. Students will be expected to revise the paper in consultation with the student’s advisor—lengthening to provide appropriate contexts and explanations—but also tightening, where necessary, to offer an incisive, analytical exploration of the topic. Essays will range from 8,000 to 10,000 words or 34 to 40 pages. Students who elect this option may choose to register for 3-units of Guided Readings (L03 596, L04 598 or L05 599) and will graduate "Masters without thesis." Students will form a committee of three faculty members who will read the essay; the student will meet with the committee for a short oral defense of the essay.
- The second option allows students to complete a longer Master’s Thesis, under the direction of a Thesis Advisor. Based on original research in an area of interest, the thesis generally runs at least 50 pages in length. Upon completion of the thesis, students sit for a defense with three to four faculty members, chosen in consultation with the Thesis Advisor. Students who elect this option may choose to register for 3-units of Master’s Thesis (L03 591) and will graduate "Masters with thesis." Students writing a thesis must complete and return to the EAS office the Notice of Title, Scope, and Procedure form 6 months in advance of the intended graduation date. For more information, see Master's Thesis Guidelines.
- Students who do not plan to continue their academic training on the PhD level may opt to complete the EAS MA exit exam. For more information, see Master's Exam.
Time to Degree
The MA in East Asian Studies may be completed in three semesters, though students may choose to stay for four semesters, allowing for a second full year of language study. One independent study is allowed. First-year students are not permitted to enroll in a true independent study or guided readings course. Occasionally students are allowed to take upper-level undergraduate courses for graduate credit under special arrangements with the approval of the instructor and DGS. Students wishing to complete the degree with a thesis generally stay for four semesters; the thesis is in addition to the 30 credits of language and field credit. To write a thesis the student needs the approval of the DGS and the thesis advisor. For more information, see Master's Thesis Guidelines.
