M.A. Program in Critical Asian Humanities

The Department of Asian & Middle Eastern Studies runs an M.A. program in Critical Asian Humanities (CAH), which:

  • provides training in the critical analyses of written, visual, and performance cultures of East Asia;
  • integrates approaches and methodologies from literary studies, film studies, and cultural studies; and
  • provides students with the skills needed to pursue either a doctoral or professional degree in a related area, or a career in a field relating to East Asian culture and society.

Our faculty expertise is particularly strong in the early modern, modern, and contemporary periods, and our research interests coalesce around the three broad areas of: 1) Global China; 2) Japanese Empire Studies; and 3) Borderlands Korea.

How To Apply

Information about the M.A. Program's application process, including requirements, deadlines and a link to the online application is on the Duke Graduate School's Admissions website.

Along with the completed application, you must include a statement of purpose, three letters of recommendation, official university transcripts from all schools attended, GRE scores, and TOEFL or IELTS scores (if applicable).

Visit the Graduate School's Website

Affiliated Duke Programs

Along with our Program, Duke University is affiliated with other graduate programs focused on Asian and Middle Eastern Studies. These include: 

Our M.A. in Critical Asian Humanities is different from these programs in that: 

  • We focus more narrowly on the study of literature, film, and other forms of cultural production
  • We encourage students to gain familiarity with a variety of theoretical approaches
  • Our curriculum combines the strengths of both critical theory and area studies, with an emphasis on visual culture, gender studies, migration studies, and empire studies from both the modern and contemporary periods.

What is East Asian Studies?

As part of the MA program’s core course, East Asian Studies: Fields and Methods, we invited Duke faculty members to respond to the broad question “What is East Asian Studies”? We captured their answers on audio and have them available for you to hear.

Learn More

Prospective Students

Students interested in learning more about the M.A. in Critical Asian Humanities are asked to review the various sections of our website, including requirements, milestone, deadlines, courses, faculty, and more. We've also included a growing list of frequently asked questions that addresses some of the more common inquires we've receive.

Current Students

Those currently in our program may find the following links, forms and information useful.

Access Information

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