Bachelors in Asian Languages and Cultures

The Asian Languages and Cultures Major is designed for students who wish to combine proficiency in an Asian language (Chinese, Hindi-Urdu, Japanese, or Korean) with rigorous training in the humanistic study of an Asian culture or cultures (China, Japan, Korea, South Asia, or comparative). In addition to the four core linguistic skills (speaking, listening, reading, and writing) in an Asian language up to third-year proficiency, students will acquire the cultural literacy necessary for effective communication and sophisticated understanding of at least one cultural sphere or region of Asia. The humanities component of the major is designed to introduce students to advanced methods of critical reading and viewing, interpretation, and academic writing through training in literary studies, film and media studies, gender studies, and cultural studies, among other approaches. While most of our majors focus on one Asian language and area of focus, the major is also designed to accommodate students who wish to work comparatively within or between regions.