"A lot of people think China is going to be the center of business in the 21st century," Freeman says. Consequently, he says enrollment in the department may surge again.

Why EAS?

Students say they are attracted to East Asian Studies primarily because of its superior faculty.

"Many of the professors are internationally recognized," says Daniel K. Shin '96. "They're incredible East Asian scholars."

Leo Lee says he has taught at seven different universities and believes that no faculty is as phenomenal as that in the East Asian Studies Department.

"The faculty is tops," says Block, who is focusing on China. Block also says the resources the department offers are impeccable, citing Harvard's Yenching Library, which he says houses one of the world's leading collections of East Asian texts.

Students say the strong faculty and resources attract people who are academically oriented.

"East Asian studies attracts very academic people." Shin says. "Many are thinking of going on to be professors or teachers."

Block says he was first attracted to the department because of its size.

"I didn't want to be lost in a big department," he says.

Others agree the small size is a strong benefit.

"[The concentration is small so] we all know each other well," says Anna Hui '96. "[It] is very nurturing."

But other students say they are concentrating in EAS for different reasons.

James C. Lee '96 says he is concentrating in EAS because of his heritage.

"I wanted to better understand my roots," he says.