East Asian Languages and Civilizations, PhD
The cross-disciplinary Ph.D. program in East Asian Languages and Civilizations is designed to train graduate students who can teach and conduct independent research in a variety of humanistic disciplines using Chinese, Japanese, Korean, or Mongolian, or occasionally other languages of East Asia. Our region is defined roughly as China, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, and Inner Asia. Before completion of the degree, each student is required to:
- master the requisite linguistic tools and research methods;
- demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of the history and culture of his or her area of expertise;
- gain an in-depth expertise in one or more period and/or subject areas; and
- attain the necessary level of training in his or her humanistic discipline.
For more information: https://ealc.sas.upenn.edu/graduate/phd-degree
Curriculum
A minimum of 12 course units must be completed at the University of Pennsylvania.
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Methodology Requirement | 1 | |
Any 7000 level EALC course | ||
| Classical Language: | ||
| EALC 7641 | Readings in Classical Japanese I | 1 |
| or EALC 8621 | Advanced Classical Chinese I | |
| or EALC 8622 | Advanced Classical Chinese II | |
| Minor Asian Language: | ||
| EALC 7621 | Introduction to Classical Chinese I | 1 |
| or EALC 8659 | Japanese for Sinologists | |
| Elective Coursework | 17 | |
| Additional Requirements | ||
| First Year Review | ||
| Language Requirement | ||
| Students must demonstrate proficiency in a European or other Asian research language | ||
| Total Course Units | 20 | |
University PhD Benchmarks
In addition to Program requirements, the following milestones must be completed:
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifying Evaluation | ||
| Candidacy Examination | ||
| Dissertation Defense/Oral Exam | ||
| Dissertation Deposit | ||
For more information view the University’s Academic Rules for PhD Programs.
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2025 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.