Center for East Asian Studies of the University of Pennsylvania (CEAS)

Organization/Business type

Education

The Center for East Asian Studies at the University of Pennsylvania is an interdisciplinary unit composed of faculty members whose teaching and research focus primarily on China, Japan, Korea, and bordering areas.
The University of Pennsylvania was one of the first universities in the United States to offer the study of East Asia. The formation of the world-famous collection of Chinese and Japanese art at the University Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology in the late 19th century was followed in the 1920s by courses in language and civilization. After World War II, Penn spearheaded the study of modern East Asia, adding strength in social science, business, and professional curricula.

The Center for East Asian Studies was established in 1995 and is administered by Director Jacques deLisle, Associate Director for Academics Frank L. Chance, Associate Director for Administration Paula K. Roberts, and Assistant Director Melissa Jen DiFrancesco.

To Support and Strengthen Study at Penn of China, Japan, Korea, and Bordering Areas, the Center:

coordinates and supports East Asia courses and research across Penn;
administers bachelors degrees and minors in East Asian Area studies;
directs high school and faculty development programs;
offers outreach to educational, business, and professional communities;
sponsors conferences, colloquia, and speakers on East Asian topics;
and has been designated a U.S. Department of Education National Resource Center on East Asia.

Courses on East Asia Are Offered in Many Departments, Programs, and Schools: