The Major
Students gain a sophisticated understanding of one of the four cultural areas—Japan, China, South Asia and West Asia—that make up our department.
The Major
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We study the languages, societies and cultures of major civilizations that stretch from the Arab World to Japan. Students expand their knowledge and challenge assumptions about this large and vital part of the world.
Department Highlights
Arabic Language Program
As part of the Five College Arabic Language Initiative, we offer a full sequence of courses in Arabic.
Arabic Language
Chinese Language Program
We offer a coherent sequence of Mandarin Chinese courses from the elementary through the advanced.
Chinese Language
Japanese Language Program
We teach Japanese using the “stage-step” method. Students learn to speak, read, write and listen in Japanese.
Japanese Language
Doshisha University
Amherst has long ties with Japan’s Doshisha University, founded by Amherst graduate Joseph Hardy Neesima, the first Japanese man to earn a college degree from a Western institution.
Doshisha University
Language Tables
At weekly language tables, students share meals while speaking Chinese, Japanese or Arabic.
Language Tables
Yūshien
Roughly translated as “Garden of Friendship,” the Yūshien is a contemplative garden in the Japanese style at Amherst. It has been ranked among the nation’s top Japanese gardens.
YūshienAsian Languages & Civilizations Courses
Current Courses
ASLC 170
Imagining Modern China
Description
Survey the literary and cultural milestones in late nineteenth-century to twentieth-century China while exploring a wide range of works from mainland China and the Sinophone world.
ASLC 273
Ramayanas in History, Ramayanas as History
Description
We will examine Ramayana stories both in print and beyond—as performances, songs, and television shows that circulate and influence the world in Bengali, English, Hindi, Tamil, Thai, and Old Javanese.
ASLC 360
Buddhist Stories from Modern East Asia
Description
The course examines key issues that have shaped the development of modern Buddhism across East Asia, while fostering a critical assessment of some fundamental assumptions in the making of the modern age.
Asian Studies Prizes
We award the Doshisha Asian Studies Prize for the best undergraduate honors thesis pertaining to Asia, and The Smith Prize for Japanese Studies.