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 Frederick Dickinson, and Associate Director David Dettmann.
In 2014, the American Center for Mongolian Studies (ACMS) U.S. Office moved to University of Pennsylvania, and is housed within CEAS. ACMS is a "non-profit educational organization that supports the development of Mongolian Studies and academic exchanges with Inner Asia. The activities of the ACMS include the development of academic resources, student and research support and the fostering of academic partnerships in all fields of study related to Mongolia.” The U.S. Office of ACMS is under the direction of David Dettmann.
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;
- directs high school and faculty development programs;
- offers outreach to educational, business, and professional communities;
- sponsors conferences, colloquia, and speakers on East Asian topics.
Courses on East Asia Are Offered in Many Departments, Programs, and Schools:
- Anthropology
- Architecture
- Asian American Studies
- Cinema Studies
- Comparative Literature
- East Asian Languages and Civilizations
- Education
- Fine Arts
- Gender, Culture, and Society
- Graduate School of Education
- History
- History of Art
- History and Sociology of Science
- Huntsman Program in International Studies and Business
- International Relations
- Lauder Institute of Management and International Studies
- Law
- Linguistics
- Political Science
- Religious Studies
- School of Social Policy and Practice
- Sociology
- Theater Arts
- Urban Studies
- Visual Studies
- Wharton School of Business