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 (DEAL-LC) offers a comprehensive curriculum in some of the major languages, literatures and cultures of East Asia.

The languages currently taught in DEAL-LC are Chinese (classical and modern), Japanese (classical and modern), Korean (modern), and Tibetan (classical and modern). 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 DEAL-LC 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, DEAL-LC requires that its majors and minors take advantage of courses offered in many other departments and programs—Anthropology, Architecture, Art History, Economics, History, Politics, Religious Studies, and Studies in
Women and Gender—giving DEAL-LC students a rounded, multidisciplinary perspective.

The DEAL-LC curriculum is designed to give students a high level of language competency and a deep understanding of East Asia. The Department offers aa East Asian Studies Major, an East Asian Studies Minor, an East Asian Languages and Literatures Major with concentrations in Chinese and Japanese, 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 DEAL-LC is an intense, intimate and rewarding experience, and DEAL-LC students are well prepared for the future.