The program also offers courses in literature in translation, with an emphasis on the relevance of these literatures to the sociopolitical, historical, and cultural aspects of the Asian and Middle Eastern peoples. The languages offered by the division are designed to serve the individual needs of students in various departments and disciplines. The undergraduate student may seek a minor in Asian and Middle Eastern languages and cultures. At the present time, there is no major available, but the courses can be combined with courses in other departments for an interdisciplinary degree in Asian studies or Middle East studies. The faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures are recognized scholars, researchers, and teachers with national and international reputations in their respective fields, dedicated to their fields and to teaching their students.
Faculty members are easily accessible for consultation outside of the classroom.
In order to provide as much individualized attention as possible to students new to the languages, they maintain a small student-teacher ratio in all of their courses. Students There are more than five hundred students taking language courses through the Division of Asian and Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures. A significant percentage of minors go on to graduate or professional schools. Many work in numerous governmental, federal, and congressional agencies, and national and international corporations. The center contains many audio visual materials which are used to help bring the culture surrounding our different languages alive for the students.