<p>I'm going to be a high school junior this school year and I've been researching colleges with a Japanese major. Williams being one of them. Williams has everything I could ever want in a college. I really love the intimate, small setting and am planning to make a trip very soon.</p>
<p>I wanted to know if anyone knew first hand about how the Japanese department is. It seems very nice through the website. Maybe a student or parent's eye view of the curriculum. Many people think that Williams has a weak language department, I figure that it's only the romance languages. Seeing as how there were only about two threads in the archives addressing this issue, I thought I'd that bring it up too.</p>
<p>I've also been studing Japanese on my own and have become pretty proficient but I am not taking the Japanese SAT II. Is this something to note on my application next year?</p>
<p>From what I've heard, the strongest language programs at Williams are Chinese, Japanese, Russian ...and well, basically the non-romance languages. I hear the romance languages still aren't bad though. Anyways, I'm pretty sure I will be taking a mix of Chinese and Spanish while I'm there.</p>
<p>Is anyone familiar with the East Asian interdisciplinary study program? I want to do that with an emphasis on Chinese. What are Williams' strengths in the subcategories (economics, politics, religion, etc.)?</p>
<p>When we visited Willilams the information/adm. officer actually said that the french dept. was poor. Does anyone know that this statement was incorrect? Thanks.</p>
<p>I've heard the Romance languages are "improving," mommamia. I'm curious to know from current students about Spanish as well. My D is also very interested in Japanese which we've only heard wonderful things about.</p>
<p>I can say nothing of the French department, but having experienced the Spanish department, I'll throw in my two cents. At the beginning of my first year (just this last year), I placed out of the 100 level classes (language instruction) into RLSP 201-- essentially an introduction to Spanish literature. Unfortunately, my instructor was a visiting assistant professor who, though well-meaning and nice, didn't really know how to teach. Class time was often wasted on just discussing what to do for the lecture or the rest of the week and entire weeks were wasted on pointless, directionless oral presentations that hardly pushed us in terms of verbal skills and bore no relevance to the course material. Needless to say, I did not enjoy the class and I doubt the professor will gain tenure. However, that's merely my point of view based on one class taught by a bad teacher. I've heard that the 100 level classes are actually quite intensive, well-structured, and lively. Furthermore, others have told me that the department does have some gem or two; namely, a certain Professor Fox. So while I certainly can't comment on the entire department, I'd guess that the entire thing would be more hit or miss when you're talking about 200 level or higher courses.</p>
<p>I'm surprised at the amount of responses that have extended my first topic into something greater.</p>
<p>@ rhs06 - Have you looked at their Chinese Faculty website? It might prove worthwhile to look at. The course offerings for Asian Studies, might also give you an idea.</p>
<p>@ basil - There are so few who actually take in interest. I'm happy to see that your D is. I hope they dont drop the major anytime soon.</p>
<p>@ crnchycereal - I believe that the higher the level, the more the teacher is lacking. By this point they probably think you can study the textbook and materials on your own.</p>
<p>It's difficult to explain, but trust me, this instructor was not good. The course was fundamentally a literature class conducted in Spanish, so the emphasis obviously wasn't on language instruction. As I mentioned, I believe that in terms of language instruction, the Spanish department is supposed to be pretty good. However, I guess we just haven't attracted enough professors of quality to make the higher levels worth it. </p>
<p>I have heard, though, that the East Asian Studies departments are supposed to be very strong over all. I've heard nothing but good things and I myself will be taking Chinese 101 next semester.</p>