Japanese Tapes, 1929-2006 | University of Illinois Archives

The Center for Asian Studies is concerned with encouraging the study of Asian and Middle Eastern languages, literature, and related disciplines.¹ Its primary function is to offer courses and coordinate research at the graduate and undergraduate levels. The center was established in 1964 to implement programs of study in Asian language, society and culture.² In the academic year 1966-67, it became available as a minor for an undergraduate degree in the humanities and social sciences.³ A Master of Arts program in Asian Studies was established in 1970. A two-year interdisciplinary program, it focuses upon intensive language instruction coordinated with related area coursework. Regional concentrations in East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East are available.⁴ In 1973, Asian Studies as a field of concentration was established in the Sciences and Letters Curriculum in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The program was designed to allow students to focus upon one of three categories: geographic, language-literature and linguistics, or cross-cultural studies.⁵ In 1976, a program was authorized to enable selected students to study for a year in Japan.⁶

1. Board of Trustees Transactions, 56th Report, July 22, 1970, p. 14.

2. Ibid., 52nd Report, May 20, 1964, p. 1189.

3. Undergraduate Study Catalog, 1966-67, p. 332.

4. Board of Trustees Transactions, 56th Report, July 22, 1970, pp. 14-15.

5. Ibid., 57th Report, July 18, 1973, p. 329.

6. Ibid., 58th Report, March 17, 1976, p. 574.