The College of Wooster

What you'll study

This interdisciplinary major blends language instruction, literary and cultural study, and core linguistics. Students typically take sequential language courses (beginner through advanced) in Chinese and/or Japanese, alongside courses in modern and classical East Asian literature, translation, and cultural studies. Core linguistics offerings cover areas such as phonetics and phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, sociolinguistics, and historical linguistics, with examples tailored to East Asian languages.

Typical modules and experiences include:

• Language sequences: Intensive year-by-year progression in spoken and written Chinese or Japanese, emphasising communicative competence, reading of authentic texts, and advanced composition.
• Literature and cultural courses: Modern and classical literature, film and media studies, religion and philosophy in East Asia, and comparative literary topics.
• Linguistics core: Introductory linguistics, phonetics and phonology, syntax, morphology, semantics, and sociolinguistics, often with projects analysing East Asian language data.
• Translation and pedagogy: Courses and practica in translation, interpretation, and methods for teaching East Asian languages.
• Research and independent study: A hallmark senior independent study (SIS) or equivalent mentored research project, where students design and carry out an original investigation—linguistic analysis, literature research, or applied language work.
• Study abroad and immersion: Supported opportunities for immersive study and internships in East Asia to develop fluency and cultural competence.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to have a strong academic record from secondary school. Successful candidates typically demonstrate a clear interest in languages, literature or linguistics through prior study, personal statement, or relevant activities. Placement in the appropriate language level is determined by prior experience and diagnostic testing when relevant.

Typical application materials include official transcripts, a personal statement outlining interest in the field, and at least one academic recommendation. Prior study of a modern language is helpful but not required; beginners are admitted into introductory sequences. Prospective students with questions about placement or preparation are encouraged to contact the department for guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates combine language proficiency, analytical skills and research experience that open diverse career paths. Common destinations include:

• Language education and teaching, including K–12 and higher education (often following teacher certification or graduate study).
• Translation, interpretation, publishing and localisation for multinational companies or cultural institutions.
• International business, diplomacy, government service and non-governmental organisations where language and regional expertise are valued.
• Research and academic careers in linguistics, literature and area studies, frequently pursued through graduate programmes.
• Technology and language-related roles such as computational linguistics, language data analysis, and content design in tech firms.

Why study at The College of Wooster

The College of Wooster is a liberal arts institution known for close faculty mentorship and a strong emphasis on mentored undergraduate research. Students in East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics benefit from small class sizes, personalised advising, and the college's signature independent study project, which provides sustained, faculty-supervised research experience. The programme is complemented by language resources, extracurricular language tables and cultural events, and supported study-abroad pathways to deepen linguistic immersion. Faculty combine disciplinary expertise with a commitment to undergraduate teaching, making the programme a good fit for students seeking rigorous language training alongside hands-on research opportunities.