Asian Languages & Literatures

The Department of Asian Languages and Literatures offers introductory, intermediate, and advanced courses in Chinese and Japanese language, plus a variety of courses in traditional and modern Chinese and Japanese literature and culture in English translation and some linguistics courses related to Asian Languages. Accommodation can be made for students who can speak, but cannot read or write the languages. At the intermediate level, students are encouraged to participate in one of several approved academic programs in China or Japan. A major in Chinese or Japanese is available by petition.

Carleton graduates have been employed as translators and interpreters. Others have applied their Chinese and Japanese language training in such diverse areas as law, business, education, the arts, and diplomatic service, and in a wide variety of graduate and professional programs.

Students perform at Poetry Without Borders

Asian Languages and Literature Department Photo

Info for First-Year Students

Carleton’s Chinese and Japanese programs offers not only elementary, intermediate, and advanced language courses, but also a variety of content courses taught in English on literature, film, linguistics, and culture. Students can fulfill the general language requirement by taking Chinese or Japanese.

Chinese

Students may petition for a special major in Chinese. A Chinese minor is also available.

Japanese

Students may petition for a special major in Japanese. A Japanese minor is also available.

Chinese language, Japanese language, literature, and culture.

Chinese

Students interested in beginning study of Chinese should enroll in Chinese 101 in the Fall term. Students who have already studied Chinese should take the placement exam during New Student Week and enroll in the appropriate course.

Japanese

Students interested in beginning study of Japanese should enroll in Japanese 101 in the Fall term. Students who have already studied Japanese should take the placement exam during New Student Week and enroll in the appropriate course.

May 28, 2026