Cultural
knowledge, along with the ability to use a foreign language, are
essential components of a liberal arts education. In addition to
language courses, the faculty of this department offers a wide variety
of literature and culture courses both in English and in foreign
languages. Students who already know the languages are able to take
advanced courses to enrich their understanding of the humanities in
these traditions; sequences of such courses can become important
components of interdisciplinary concentrations, minors, or double-majors
that complement a student's primary field of study. "In-translation"
courses give students an understanding of the ancient Western and Asian
classics, and of various modern Asian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean
cultures.
These courses can
serve as valuable supplements to work in other departments and fields
where knowledge of Classical, Middle Eastern, and Asian cultures and
languages can be an important component; these include anthropology,
art, economics, linguistics, political science, urban studies, and
women's studies. The department stresses the importance of critical
thinking, research, and writing skills for all undergraduates; we work
with students to develop interdisciplinary concentrations, minors, or
double-majors linked to a diverse range of interests, fields of study,
and professional orientations. In addition, we work closely with other
departments and programs to sponsor visiting international writers and
scholars in order to explore and emphasize a broad issues.
Undergraduate Studies
The Department of Classical, Middle Eastern, and Asian Languages and Cultures offers a Bachelor of Arts in four broad areas: Classics, Hebrew and Middle Eastern Studies (including Islamic Culture, Sephardic and Israeli Culture), East Asian Studies, and Religious Studies.
Study Abroad
The Department has established links with the following universities and programs.
Rikkyo University (Tokyo)
Sichuan University (Chengdu)
