Founded in 1966, the South Asian Languages & Civilizations Department emphasizes the comprehensive humanistic understanding of the South Asian region. Historical, social, literary, and political issues of South Asia are addressed here through close textual analysis and detailed studies of South Asian cultural forms.  Preeminently, SALC emphasizes linguistic study and textual analysis; SALC's faculty, alumni, and students are at the forefront of the humanistic study of the region globally.  The department regularly offers instruction in seven South Asian languages (Bangla, Hindi, Marathi, Sanskrit, Tamil, Tibetan, and Urdu).