Building the skills students need to engage with global communities both locally and internationally

The Department offers instruction in languages of Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Russian as well as in the literatures, civilizations, and cultures of the regions. In addition to offering degree programs, the department welcomes undergraduate and graduate students from across the University to enroll in courses that complement their degree programs or satisfy their personal interests. Undergraduate students in all majors may satisfy the World Languages requirement of the GE CLAS Core with courses in Chinese Japanese, Korean, or Russian and get acquainted with Asia and Eastern Europe by taking any of the department's GE CLAS Core courses on Asian humanities and on Russian and Slavic literature and culture, all taught in English. Entering students may take the department's First-Year Seminars, one on Asian culture and civilization, the other on Slavic culture and civilization.

Undergraduate students in all majors may satisfy the World Languages requirement of the GE CLAS Core with courses in Chinese Japanese, Korean, or Russian; see "Language for GE CLAS Core" below. They also may get acquainted with Asia and Eastern Europe by taking any of the department's GE CLAS Core courses on Asian humanities and on Russian and Slavic literature and culture, all taught in English. Entering students may take the department's First-Year Seminars, one on Asian culture and civilization, the other on Slavic culture and civilization.

Bachelor of Arts in Asian Languages and Literature

The Bachelor of Arts in Asian languages and literature gives students the opportunity to develop advanced skills in an Asian language while they study the people, literatures, and cultures of Asia. Students choose one of two tracks: Chinese or Japanese.

Learning Outcomes

  • basic knowledge about the target literature and culture, from premodern to modern and contemporary;
  • the cultural foundation and critical thinking skills necessary to engage with relevant primary and secondary materials;
  • the ability to communicate their knowledge of Chinese, Japanese, or South Asian culture and language effectively; and
  • basic knowledge of sociocultural aspects of the language and skills to see through the stereotypes and myths of the target culture in order to have a better understanding of both the target culture and their own.

Want to get started?

Learn more about the program, including courses, curriculum, and requirements here.

Bachelor of Arts in Russian

Students who earn a B.A. in Russian acquired language proficiency to communicate with Russian-speaking people and develop appreciation of Russian literature, culture, and society. students learn to analyze authentic Russian cultural materials; and write in Russian about their related daily-life activities.

Learning Outcomes

  • enhanced language proficiency and cultural awareness of the Russian-speaking world; and
  • attain skills to engage critically with histories, cultures, literatures, and other arts, and gain knowledge of the diversified Russian-speaking world (Russia, former Republics of the Soviet Union, and Southern and Western Slavs).

Want to get started?

Learn more about the program, including courses, curriculum, and requirements here.

Minor in Asian Languages and Literature

The undergraduate minor in Asian languages and literature gives students the opportunity to develop skills in an Asian language while they study the people, literatures, and cultures of Asia. Students choose one of two emphases: Chinese or Japanese.

Learning Outcomes

  • acquire linguistic and sociocultural skills to interact with others in the target language in everyday situations; and
  • gain the basic knowledge about the target literature and culture.

Want to get started?

Learn more about the program, including courses, curriculum, and requirements here.

Minor in Korean Studies

The undergraduate minor in Korean studies trains students in both written and spoken Korean and in Korean literature, culture, and civilization.

Learning Outcomes

  • acquire linguistic and sociocultural skills to interact with others in the target language in everyday situations; and
  • gain the basic knowledge about the target literature and culture.

Want to get started?

Learn more about the program, including courses, curriculum, and requirements here.

Minor in Russian

The undergraduate minor in Russian trains students in both written and spoken Russian and in Russian literature, culture, and civilization.

Learning Outcomes

  • acquire linguistic and sociocultural skills to interact with others in the target language in everyday situations; and
  • gain the basic knowledge about the target literature and culture.

Want to get started?

Learn more about the program, including courses, curriculum, and requirements here.

Minor in Russian and Eastern European Studies

The undergraduate minor in Russian and Eastern European studies trains students in both written and spoken Russian and in Russian and Eastern European literature, culture, and civilization.

Learning Outcomes

  • acquire basic knowledge about the target literature and culture;
  • gain the cultural foundation and critical thinking skills necessary to engage with relevant materials.

Want to get started?

Learn more about the program, including courses, curriculum, and requirements here.