This paper traces some of the historical background of Asian studies programs in American universities and outlines various ways that Asian studies has functioned up to the present. It sketches a new role for Asian studies and suggests how language departments can help develop this role. (Author/CFM)

After presenting evidence that there is a wide gap between teaching a language and translating a language, reasons for proposing a program in Russian translation are offered. The proposed program for Iowa State University will be selective in admission of undergraduate Russian majors. The program will lead to a certificate in conjunction with the…