Master of Arts in Eastern Classics—Asian Studies at St. John’s College

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In the Master of Arts in Eastern Classics (MAEC) program, students probe the great works that are central to the philosophical, literary, and religious traditions of China, India, and Japan. Through close reading and spirited discussion, students and faculty alike examine each text’s most vital questions—questions that are fundamental to Eastern thought, Asian studies, and human nature. The program starts in the fall semester and is offered on campus in Santa Fe or online through the low-residency program.

Class Descriptions

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From Confucius to the Rig Veda to Nagarjuna Eastern Classics Seminar

The Seminar is the core of the Eastern Classics Program. It is three semesters long and provides a dramatic deep dive into some of the most profound and profoundly beautiful texts of ancient China, India, and Japan.

A General History of China Sima Qian Preceptorial

Dive into 2,500 years of Chinese history in this class devoted to Sima Qian’s Records of the Grand Historian, where students ask questions such as: How can one event truly embody multiple perspectives? Can accounts of history be neutral? What is the responsibility of a historian? Is history the place where we can access the deepest understanding of what it means to be a human being?

Virtue and Vice Mahabharata Preceptorial

Does one have a sacred duty? How does one grapple with ethical questions? What are the consequences of our actions? Students delve into the themes of the influential Sanskrit epic, The Mahābhārata, which narrates the events and aftermath of the Kurukshetra War, a war of succession between two groups of princely cousins.

A Portrait of Courtly Life in Medieval Japan Tale of Genji Preceptorial

Does beauty have moral power? What is the relationship between aesthetic sensibility and social mobility? Is there such a thing as too much beauty? How much is enough? Explore these questions and more in this class dedicated The Tale of Genji where Shikibu transports readers to Heian Period Japan and its unmatched aesthetic refinement and complex court life.

The Program

Students pursuing the Master of Arts in Eastern Classics examine the thought of India, China, and Japan while studying either Classical Chinese or Sanskrit, as studying these languages opens a window into how thought through the original language came to be. The goal of the program is to grapple with the deepest human questions through the inexhaustibly rich intersecting traditions of these three civilizations. All classes are discussion-based, and the readings of the program provide a chain of thoughts that connect the entire program into one comprehensive learning experience.

Explore the Classes Program Requirements Reading Lists

Classroom Experience

St. John’s is known for our unique discussion-based pedagogy in the classroom. All classes have one faculty member and fewer than 20 students in order to nurture a collaborative learning environment, creating space for every voice around the table to listen and be heard. Our faculty begin most classes with an opening question that guides the discussion among members of the class. Even the language component of the program relies on discussion among all members of the class to translate excerpts of texts. Overall, the texts and books studied throughout the program have important things to say about many different aspects of our lives and provide insight into timeless questions of humanity. To observe our unique approach, we encourage all prospective students to observe a class either virtually or in-person.

Flexible Schedules to Fit Your Life

The Eastern Classics program requires three consecutive semesters of study. The program can be completed on campus in Santa Fe or online through our low-residency program.

Explore Low-Residency Enrollment

Due to the nature of the program, students can only start in the fall semester. However, this means the program can be completed in one year, starting in the fall semester and finishing at the end of the summer term. While there are some later afternoon classes, many students work part-time while completing the program full-time.

Class times differ between on campus and online offerings. Students are encouraged to explore each option to find a schedule that works best for their needs.

SANTA FE SCHEDULE