Asian Studies

The Department of Modern Languages and Literatures offers a minor in Asian studies. Chinese, with more than 1.3 billion speakers, represents the world's largest linguistic community, while Japanese is the language of the world's third-largest economy. Besides Chinese and Japanese language courses at all levels, the program features topics in Asian culture, literature, history, religion, philosophy, anthropology, politics and development. It is designed to give you a comprehensive understanding of Asia's multi-faceted role in the contemporary world and of its historical and cultural transformations.

Students are encouraged to participate in summer programs in China and Japan as well as to engage in volunteer opportunities offered through the Centre for Global and Community Engagement of the University of Ottawa.

The wide range of skills and knowledge you acquire not only gives you important academic assets, but also prepares you for interesting careers in both the public and private sectors.