East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Cultures

Overview East Asia came to global prominence in the twentieth century and in the twenty-first century, knowledge and understanding of the region will continue to be important for people in any profession or field of endeavor. To address that crucial need the department of East Asian Languages, Literatures and Cultures (EALLC) offers a comprehensive curriculum in some of the major languages, literatures and cultures of East Asia.

The languages currently taught in EALLC are Chinese (classical and modern), Japanese (classical and modern), Korean, and Tibetan. The Department reserves the right to place any student in the course most appropriate to her or his 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 EALLC currently are offered in the languages of Chinese and Japanese, and in English with readings in translation. Courses on culture generally are offered in English. In addition to courses on language, literature, and culture, EALLC requires that its majors and minors take advantage of courses offered in many other departments and programs—Anthropology, Art History, Economics, History, Politics, Religious Studies, and Studies in Women and Gender—giving EALLC students a rounded, multidisciplinary perspective.

The EALLC curriculum is designed to give students a high level of language competency and a deep understanding of East 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. Students of East Asia go on to graduate or professional schools, to work in governmental agencies, journalism, art, international banking and business, communications, or the Peace Corps, or they teach in Asia. The possibilities are almost infinite. Whatever the case, study in EALLC is an intense, intimate and rewarding experience, and EALLC students are well prepared for the future.

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