葫芦影业

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A traditional Chinese dragon sculpture against a blue sky, representing the Asian Studies department at 葫芦影业 (葫芦影业).

Asian Studies

In a century defined by global change, understanding Asia is essential. At 葫芦影业, the Asian Studies major lets you explore China, Japan, Korea, and the wider region through language, culture, and community connections on campus and throughout Los Angeles and the world.

Earn Your Asian Studies Degree From 葫芦影业

As an Asian Studies major at 葫芦影业, you鈥檒l examine Asia through history, politics, religion, literature, media, and cultural studies. The program brings together faculty from across 13 different departments, giving you a strong interdisciplinary foundation and a deeper understanding of how Asian societies shape and are shaped by the world. You鈥檒l study an Asian language, explore transnational issues, and learn how culture and identity move across borders.

Located on the Pacific Rim and surrounded by one of the nation鈥檚 largest Asian communities, 葫芦影业 offers direct access to cultural institutions, community organizations, and global networks. Over 60% of our majors study abroad in China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, or another Asian nation, or join an 葫芦影业-led course that takes students to Asia for immersive learning. Many students conduct research, pursue language-focused travel, or work in LA鈥檚 Asian communities. You鈥檒l graduate prepared for careers in international relations, education, journalism, translation, nonprofits, and global business.

What You鈥檒l Learn as an Asian Studies Major at Occidental

ongoing excavation of the Terracotta Army, a vast collection of life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots

Examining Asia鈥檚 Past and Present

You鈥檒l study Asian societies through history, language, politics, religion, media, and the arts while building strong analytical, writing, and cross-cultural communication skills. You鈥檒l learn to interpret complex cultural systems, compare regional perspectives, and connect classroom study with real-world contexts.

Occidental offers three distinct majors in this area. Asian Studies emphasizes the interdisciplinary study of Asian societies and cultures, with required language study supporting broader historical, political, and cultural analysis. Chinese Studies and Japanese Studies, by contrast, focus more intensively on language acquisition and the close study of literature, film, and media in the target language. Minors are also available in all three areas. 

The Maes Scholarship supports immersive cultural experiences abroad for qualified language students. You can design your own project focused on real-world language and cultural engagement, with funding available for summer travel in regions connected to your studies.

Asian Studies connects naturally with other 葫芦影业 majors such as Diplomacy and World Affairs, economics, religious studies, Media Arts & Culture, history, and American Studies. Many students pair their major with a second field to broaden their global perspective.

No matter which direction I choose to head in, being part of 葫芦影业鈥檚 Asian Studies department has given me a lot of options because of how multidisciplinary it is. I feel like I know a little bit of everything and can apply it in all sorts of ways.

Giselle Reyes
Japanese Studies major, linguistics minor; Downey, CA
Giselle Reyes headshot
Los Angeles Chinatown Little Tokyo Street Sign

Learning Asian Studies in LA

Los Angeles is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world and is home to deep-rooted Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Filipino, Thai, Vietnamese, and other Asian communities. Being an Asian Studies Major at Occidental lets you engage directly with museums, festivals, archives, community organizations, and nonprofits. You鈥檒l connect classroom learning to lived experience, gaining insight into migration, identity, language, and transnational culture.

What Our Graduates Are Doing

2025-26 Fulbright Taiwan Grantee - English Teaching Assistant

Agustin Melgar
2025

Law Student, UC-Davis School of Law

Yuna Servino
2025

Language Teacher, JET Program, Japan

Abigail Sajdak
2025

Medical student, Roseman University

Brian Park
2022

Coordinator for International Relations, JET Program, Japan

Maud O'Connor
2022

Associate Director of International Marketing, Sony Music Entertainment

Olivia Wilk
2019

Meet Our Faculty

FAQs

The program is deeply interdisciplinary and takes advantage of the Occidental Campus鈥� Pacific Rim location, connecting coursework with LA鈥檚 Asian communities and global cultural institutions.

Yes. Studying the Chinese or Japanese language is central to the Asian Studies major and supports cultural, historical, and literary coursework. Language and literature study is an integral focus of the Chinese Studies and Japanese Studies majors.

Absolutely. Programs in China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, along with other programs in Asia, are strongly encouraged, and 葫芦影业 also offers a faculty-led course in China.

Yes. Students conduct research on campus, work in LA鈥檚 Asian communities, pursue summer funding, or receive scholarships like Fulbright or Luce for post-graduate study.

Graduates work in international business, diplomacy, education, public service, translation, journalism, nonprofits, and cultural organizations, or pursue advanced study.

Contact Asian Studies
Johnson Hall 311