East Asian Language Programs

Courses:  Click on the language in the menu on the left to access more information regarding each language program. In addition to coursework, most courses offer students cultural activities, such as preparation of authentic meals, opportunities for discussions with native speakers, film festivals, and field trips. Course descriptions and classroom locations can be found on the my.harvard portal.

Students:  East Asian Language courses are open to all registered Harvard students. If you are not a Harvard student, check with your university for cross-registration options, or contact the Harvard Division of Continuing Education for East Asian Languages courses offered by their division. No auditors allowed in any East Asian Language course. East Asian Language courses may not be taken pass/fail or SAT/UNSAT.

Students who need to satisfy the undergraduate language requirement must complete with a passing letter grade two semester-long language courses (4 credits each) in a single language before the start of their junior year.

Placement Exam:  Students beginning their language studies at Harvard above the elementary level must take a placement exam in the beginning of the fall semester. Exam schedules are posted in July. Students should speak to their advisor for information on Advance Placement, and consult the Handbook for Students about meeting their language requirements. Students may satisfy the undergraduate language requirement by taking the placement test and placing into the third-year level or higher.

Language Citations:  Students wishing to receive a Language Citation in an East Asian Language may view our page for information, but should also refer to the Handbook for Students for full details.

Independent Language Tutorials: Some East Asian languages not normally offered by the department (e.g. Taiwanese and Cantonese) may be offered as independent language tutorials if approved by the Director of the language program and the Office of Undergraduate Education. Students must submit a petition well in advance of the desired term of study to the Language Program Manager, Jennifer Crist. A rule of thumb would be by the start of midterms the previous semester. In the petition, students must demonstrate a strong academic need to take the language and explain how the language study would fit into their overall academic plan. Career and heritage interest in studying the language is not sufficient for approval.  

Teaching Positions:  Openings will be posted here as they become available. We accept applications for open positions by the deadline listed in the position posting. 

Please note that Tibetan language is taught in the Department of South Asian Studies.

See also: Language Resource Center

   1st Year:      Ba    Bb    Bx*

   2nd Year:     120a    120b    123xb*

   3rd Year:     130a    130b    130xa*    130xb*

   4th Year:     140a    140b    140xa*    140xb*     142a**    142b**    163**

   5th Year:     150a    150b

   Beyond the 5th Year: 166r    168r

   *Note: intensive courses designed for heritage learners, or students with significant listening and speaking backgrounds

   **Note: these courses may be taken out of sequence in the fifth year so long as students have demonstrated third year or above proficiency

   1st Year:      Ba    Bb   

   2nd Year:     120a    120b   

   3rd Year:     130a    130b

   4th Year:     140a    140b

   5th Year:     150a    150b

   Graduate seminar: 210a, 210b

   1st Year:      Ba    Bb    Bx*

   2nd Year:     120a    120b    123xb*

   3rd Year:     130a    130b

   4th Year:     140a    140b

   5th Year:     150a    150b

   *Note: intensive courses designed for heritage learners, or students with significant listening and speaking backgrounds

   1st Year:      Ba    Bb   

   2nd Year:     120a    120b   

   3rd Year:     130a    130b

   4th Year:     140a    140b

   Advanced tutorials: EASTD 90r