本学科探讨东亚与世界各国的互动，以及东亚国家之间的关系，涵盖年代为西元1500年前后至2000年，主要焦点为中国与日本，也触及韩国、越南和中亚。我们的质疑是，国际外交、商业、军事、宗教及文化关系如何与东亚社会内部过程结合，以主导东亚社会的发展；我们还会讨论东亚人与外国人对彼此的了解与误解。
Subject examines the interactions of East Asia with the rest of the world and the relationships of each of the East Asian countries with each other, from ca. 1500 to 2000 A.D. Primary focus on China and Japan, with some reference to Korea, Vietnam, and Central Asia. Asks how international diplomatic, commercial, military, religious, and cultural relationships joined with internal processes to direct the development of East Asian societies. Subject addresses perceptions and misperceptions among East Asians and foreigners.