Welcome to the Asian Languages and Literatures Homepage at Pomona College.       The objective of a major in Asian Languages and Literatures is to develop advanced language skills and to provide an introduction to the literary and cultural traditions of China and Japan, from early times to the present day. The emphasis is on oral proficiency, as well as literacy, in either Chinese or Japanese. Upper-division classes develop analytical skills through the critical study of literary texts.       To foster an awareness and understanding of Asian cultures, departmental courses are often interdisciplinary in approach, introducing historical background, social, philosophical, and political issues, and other cultural concerns. Students are also encouraged to broaden their knowledge of China and Japan by taking courses in other disciplines in the Asian Studies program. Many students of Chinese and Japanese study for a semester or more in China and Japan; opportunities currently include programs in Nanjing and Taipei, Kyoto and Tokyo. A multimedia center, with state-of-the-art audio, computer, and video equipment and a growing film library, further enriches the study of Asian languages, literatures, and cultures.