Using Asian Language Materials in Undergraduate Courses

• In Event: Librarianship in a Changing World: Google is Not Enough!

Abstract

While in the past, Asian language materials were used largely by graduate students and faculty, the development of Asian Studies on North American campuses has meant that instructors are increasingly encouraging undergraduate use of Asian language material. Although undergraduate courses require less research in the targeted languages, it is important for the students to learn how to find and use materials in Asian languages, even if they have only a limited language capability. Many undergraduates have high school preparation in an East Asian language and may have studied abroad, so some can do senior theses based on Asian language material. To meet the instructional goals for these different populations, Asian Studies librarians and Asian language instructors have developed programs and/or tools to support undergraduate research incorporating these languages. This presentation will provide several examples developed by librarians and instructors in Canada.

Author

• Hana Kim, University of British Columbia