About

East Asian Studies addresses the three societies of China, Japan and Korea in northeast Asia. We recognize that they compose a meaningful regional designation that contains a diverse range of peoples, languages and cultures. Linked by centuries of common use of the Chinese writing system, a shared textual canon, general principles of statecraft and the continual circulation of people and goods, the three societies nevertheless also possess distinctive languages, histories and social identities, making it necessary to explore each society in its own right.

In recognition of this diversity within common bonds, East Asian Studies at UC Santa Cruz encourages students to explore East Asia in both depth and breadth. Building first upon developing language skills in Chinese or Japanese, students also begin their studies in one of two historical surveys—Early Modern East Asia (History 40A) or The Making of Modern East Asia (History 40B)— which explore the broad regional forces that contextualize each society’s particular trajectory. From these foundations, students are encouraged to investigate a broad range of questions pertinent to each society in classes across the university, including anthropology, economics, education, feminist studies, film and digital media, history, history of art and visual culture, languages, linguistics, literature, music, politics, sociology and theater arts. Because the minor is designed to support the integration of language training with exploration of East Asian societies, we also strongly endorse participation in one of the many Education Abroad Programs available for UC students in East Asia where language skills acquired at the university are put to practical use in daily life and research.

Contact Information

In addition to the undergraduate and graduate programs in history, the History Department administers the following undergraduate programs of study: classical studies, East Asian studies (minor only), and Jewish studies.

Driving Directions to the History Department Office

A valid UCSC permit is required to park in all non-ParkMobile parking spaces on campus. Visitors may purchase a temporary 1-Day permit from the Main Entrance Kiosk located on Coolidge Drive, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. More information about purchasing a guest parking permit can be found on the Transportation & Parking Services (TAPS) website.

The closest parking lots to the History Department main office are Cowell/Stevenson Lot 107, Stevenson Lot 109, and Stevenson Lot 110.

Directions from the Main Entrance: intersection of High Street and Coolidge Drive
Proceed north on the main road, Coolidge Drive, as you drive around the eastern edge of campus. Coolidge then turns into McLaughlin Drive after a sharp curve to the left. Once you pass the “Welcome to Central Campus” sign, make the second left turn at the “Cowell College–Humanities Building” sign. Some parking will be ahead and to the left in the Cowell College upper lot (Cowell/Stevenson Lot 107). If no spots are available there, continue down the hill past Stevenson College to the two larger lots (Stevenson Lot 109 and 110). You may park in any unmarked space in any of these lots with your temporary 1-Day parking permit. Please note: if you park in a metered spot, you must pay the meter fee regardless of whether you have a permit or not.

From the parking lot, walk up the hill toward the Humanities and Social Science buildings (there is a path on the far west side of Stevenson Lot 109). The History Department is located on the ground floor of the Humanities 1 building in room 201.