Asian and Middle Eastern Languages and Culture

University of Virginia
P.O. Box 400781
Charlottesville, VA 22904-4781
(434) 982-2304 Fax: (434) 924-6977
www.virginia.edu/amelc

Overview Almost two-thirds of the world’s population live in Asia and the Middle East, and a greater percentage than that, from the Maghrib in the west to Japan in the east, speak major Asian and Middle Eastern languages. In the twenty-first century knowledge and understanding of that part of the world will become increasingly important for people in any profession or field of endeavor. To address that crucial need the Department of Asian and Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures (AMELC) offers a comprehensive curriculum in some of the major languages, literatures and cultures of East Asia, the Middle East, and South Asia.

The languages currently taught in AMELC are Arabic (classical and modern), Chinese (classical and modern), Hebrew (modern, with Biblical taught in Religious Studies), Hindi, Japanese (modern and pre-modern), Persian, Sanskrit, and Urdu. The Department reserves the right to place any student in the course most appropriate to his or her skill level. Such placement is the responsibility of the coordinator for each language program, and should be made by the fifth class meeting.

Literature courses in AMELC are offered in all these languages. Most literature courses are offered in the language and many are offered in English, with readings in translation. In addition to courses in language and in literature, courses offered in many other departments and programs—Anthropology, Art History, History, Politics, and Religious Studies—are required for AMELC’s majors, giving AMELC students a rounded multidisciplinary perspective.

The AMELC curriculum is designed to give students a high level of language competency and a deep understanding of East Asia, the Middle East, or South Asia. The Department offers a Studies Major, a Studies Minor, a Languages and Literatures Major, and a Distinguished Major for exceptional students in either the Studies or the Languages and Literatures Major. Some graduates find employment in their geographical region of study, while others go on to graduate or professional schools for further study. Whichever the case, study in AMELC is an intense, intimate and rewarding experience, and AMELC students are well prepared for the future.