Asian Languages and Literatures

Professor Kyoko Kurita, department chair
Associate Professor Sharon Hou, Chinese coordinator
Professor Kyoko Kurita, Japanese coordinator

Professors Barr³, Kurita, Miyake
Adjunct Professor Wu
Associate Professors Cheng, Flueckiger, Hou
Adjunct Associate Professor Takahashi
Visiting Instructor Yao
Lecturers Chiu, Terada

The objective of a major in Asian languages and literatures is to develop advanced language skills and to provide an introduction to the literary and cultural traditions of China and Japan. Oral proficiency is emphasized along with literacy. Upper-division classes develop analytical skills through the critical study of literary texts.

To foster an awareness and understanding of Asian cultures, departmental courses are often interdisciplinary in approach, introducing historical background, social, philosophical, political issues and other cultural concerns. Students are encouraged to broaden their knowledge of China and Japan by taking courses in other disciplines in the Asian studies program. Many students of Chinese and Japanese majors study for a semester or more in China and Japan; opportunities include programs in Beijing and Hangzhou, Kyoto and Tokyo. The Foreign Language Resource Center, a multipurpose space for language learning, teaching and professional development with an emphasis on technology and an extensive film collection, further enriches the study of Asian languages, literatures and cultures.

A major in Asian languages is central to training in the liberal arts, developing as it does an understanding of cultures very different from the familiar environment of contemporary Western culture. Proficiency in an Asian language is increasingly an asset in the modern world; graduates in Asian languages and literatures have gone on to careers in business, law, government and higher education.

Placement. Any entering student who has previously learned Chinese or Japanese and plans to study either language must take a placement examination. This includes students who have received credit for Advanced Placement (AP) exams in the language.

Oldenborg Center. Students who meet the basic eligibility standards may apply to live in the Oldenborg Center for Modern Languages and International Relations, a coeducational residence hall on the Pomona campus. Further information is available from the Oldenborg director.

• Chinese Major
   
• Japanese Major
   
• Chinese Minor
   
• Japanese Minor
   
• Chinese Courses
   
• Japanese Courses
   
• Korean Courses