For students with an interest in East Asia, there are alternatives to the full major, with its three-year language requirement and mandatory senior thesis.  The concentration in East Asian Studies is a more accessible way to study the language and culture of China, Japan, Korea, and Tibet.  Starting this year (2010-2011), students opting for the concentration will choose between two tracks: thesis (no language requirement) and language (no thesis).  For details see the explanation in the Columbia College Bulletin:

http://www.college.columbia.edu/bulletin/depts/ealac.php?tab=ugrad

Questions about the major or concentration in East Asian Studies may be addressed to the Director of Undergraduate Studies of the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures, Prof. David Lurie DBL11@columbia.edu.