Asian and Middle Eastern Studies
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Academic Requirements
The Asian and Middle Eastern Studies Program (AMES) consists of a group of Whitman College faculty who specialize in a variety of disciplines and study Asian or Middle Eastern cultures. AMES oversees majors and minors in Chinese and Japanese, as well as a major in South Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (SAME). In addition, AMES oversees the annual David Deal Lecture series.
AMES at Whitman
Chinese
The coursework for Chinese language and literature is designed to help students develop communication competence in Mandarin Chinese and foster an in-depth understanding of Chinese literature, film and culture. Students will develop oral and written proficiency in Chinese language as well as analytical skills through courses in language, literature and culture.
Students with previous experiences in Chinese language studies are required to take a diagnostic placement test, which matches them to the course suitable for their level. Placement exams in Chinese consist of both written and oral components. Please contact Professor Donghui He to arrange the test: hed@whitman.edu
2017 Summer Whitman Crossroads educational trip to China. Photo by Sally Bormann.
Japanese
The courses in Japanese language and literature will provide an opportunity for an in-depth study of modern Japanese language and acquiring literary and cultural knowledge of Japan. Students will gain both oral and written language proficiency and literary analysis skills.
Link for language placement: Students with previous language experience in Japanese must take a placement test in order to enroll. Contact Professor Shigeto to arrange a meeting.
shigety@whitman.edu
(509) 527-5785
Prof. Shigeto (top right) with 4th year Japanese students, 2019
South Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (SAME)
The South Asian and Middle Eastern Studies(SAME) major cultivates understanding of South Asian and Middle Eastern cultures and their place in the world through an integrated, multidisciplinary course of study. Students will attain broad familiarity with both regions and more focused understanding of one of them. The major also exposes students to a variety of disciplinary perspectives and approaches. Study abroad and/or language study is strongly encouraged when available. Guidance will be provided by an advisor chosen from among the faculty who regularly offer South Asia and Middle East-related courses.