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.
The department has decided that majors who take classes at Amherst College in 2020-2021 may fulfill their Asian Languages and Civilizations major requirements with a 3 course concentration instead of 4 courses (a total of 9 courses, instead of 10, for the major). One of those three courses will still have to contain a significant research component, but we hope this change will help you take advantage of the 3-course-load option in the coming semesters.
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
As part of the Five College Arabic Language Initiative, we offer a full sequence of courses in Arabic.
Arabic Language
We offer a coherent sequence of Mandarin Chinese courses from the elementary through the advanced.
Chinese Language
We teach Japanese using the “stage-step” method. Students learn to speak, read, write and listen in Japanese.
Japanese Language
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
At weekly language tables, students share meals while speaking Chinese, Japanese or Arabic.
Language Tables
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.
YūshienSurvey 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.
Study the most venerated saints in the history of Islam and engage with various perspectives on and theories about Islamic mysticism.
How do theories of imperialism and postcolonialism apply to East Asia? How has the circulation of people, goods, ideas and practices shaped Japan, Taiwan, Korea and Manchuria?
We award the Doshisha Asian Studies Prize for the best undergraduate honors thesis pertaining to Asia, and The Smith Prize for Japanese Studies.