Campuses:
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Twin Cities Campus
Asian Languages and Literatures B.A.Asian and Middle Eastern Studies
College of Liberal Arts
Asia is an increasingly important part of world politics, economics, and culture. The program prepares students to interact with the people and cultures of Asia.
Students in this program study an Asian language - Chinese, Hindi and Urdu, Japanese, Korean, or Hmong - as well as methods of literary and cultural analysis. The language study provides advanced spoken and written skills that allow students direct access to the people and cultures of Asia, where more than half the world's population lives. The analytical courses give a theoretically sophisticated understanding of the rich literary and cultural texts, from the accepted literary canon to popular culture and film.
The major has five sub-plans based on language of concentration: Chinese, Hindi and Urdu, Japanese, Korean, Hmong. Each introduces a broad range of language, literary, and cultural texts. The deeper, concentrated study in upper-level courses leads to the senior project. Study abroad is strongly encouraged and can contribute credit to the major.
Program Delivery
This program is available:
Admission Requirements
Complete the introductory 4-semester sequence (or its equivalent) of Chinese, or Hindi/Urdu, or Japanese, or Korean, or Hmong. Note: these credits do not factor into the overall length in credits of the minor.
For information about University of Minnesota admission requirements, visit the
Office of Admissions
website.
General Requirements
All students in baccalaureate degree programs are required to complete general University and college requirements including writing and liberal education courses. For more information about University-wide requirements, see the
liberal education requirements.
Required courses for the major, minor or certificate in which a student receives a D grade (with or without plus or minus) do not count toward the major, minor or certificate (including transfer courses).
Program Requirements
Students are required to complete 4 semester(s) of
Chinese, or Hindi/Urdu, or Japanese, or Korean, or Hmong.
with a grade of C-, or better, or S, or demonstrate proficiency in the language(s) as defined by the department
or college.
Note: Students must elect a sub-plan based on their language of concentration. Each sub-plan requires a minimum of two courses of the same language at the advanced level (third year) or above. Students with advanced or native language ability may substitute ALL 3xxx-5xxx literature/culture courses in lieu of the major language requirement; see departmental adviser for final consent. All major coursework must be taken A-F. An overall GPA of 2.00 must be maintained across all major coursework. At least 18 of the total 35 credits required for the major must be completed in residence at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities campus.
Students may earn a B.A. or a minor in Asian languages and literatures, but not both.
Beginning fall 2012, all incoming CLA freshmen must complete the appropriate First Year Experience course sequence. Specific information about this collegiate requirement can be found at: http://class.umn.edu/degree_requirements/index.html
Reading Asian Cultures
AMES 3001 - Concepts in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies
(3.0 cr)
Asian Languages and Literatures (ALL) Courses
Transfer or study abroad credit may NOT be used to fulfill this sub-requirement.
Take 2 or more course(s) totaling 6 or more credit(s) from the following:
·
ALL 3xxx
·
ALL 5xxx
ALL Modern and Classical Courses
Classical Courses
Take 1 or more course(s) totaling 3 or more credit(s) from the following:
·
AMES 3014W {Inactive}
[AH, GP, WI]
(4.0 cr)
·
AMES 3232W - "Short" Poetry in China and Japan
[WI]
(3.0 cr)
·
AMES 3261W {Inactive}
[AH, WI]
(3.0 cr)
·
AMES 3265W - The Fantastic in East Asia: Ghosts, Foxes, and the Alien
[LITR, WI]
(3.0 cr)
·
AMES 3361W {Inactive}
[AH, GP, WI]
(3.0 cr)
·
AMES 3371 {Inactive}
(3.0-4.0 cr)
·
AMES 3373 - Religion and Society in Imperial China
[HIS]
(3.0 cr)
·
AMES 3433 - Traditional Japanese Literature in Translation
[LITR]
(3.0 cr)
·
AMES 3441W - Japanese Theater
[AH, WI]
(3.0 cr)
·
AMES 3671 - Hinduism
(3.0 cr)
·
AMES 3672 - Buddhism
[GP]
(3.0 cr)
·
AMES 3771 - History of Southeast Asia
[GP]
(3.0 cr)
·
AMES 3920 - Topics in Asian Culture
(3.0 cr)
·
CHN 5211 - Introductory Classical Chinese I
(3.0 cr)
·
CHN 5212 - Introductory Classical Chinese II
(3.0 cr)
·
AMES 5261 {Inactive}
(3.0 cr)
·
AMES 5920 - Topics in Asian Culture
(3.0 cr)
Modern Courses
Take 1 or more course(s) totaling 3 or more credit(s) from the following:
·
AMES 3232W - "Short" Poetry in China and Japan
[WI]
(3.0 cr)
·
AMES 3261W {Inactive}
[AH, WI]
(3.0 cr)
·
AMES 3337 - Contemporary Chinese Literature and Popular Culture
[LITR, GP]
(3.0 cr)
·
AMES 3356W - Chinese Film
[AH, WI]
(3.0 cr)
·
AMES 3361W {Inactive}
[AH, GP, WI]
(3.0 cr)
·
AMES 3371 {Inactive}
(3.0-4.0 cr)
·
AMES 3436 - Postwar Japanese Literature in Translation
[LITR, GP]
(3.0 cr)
·
AMES 3437 - The Japanese Novel
[LITR, GP]
(3.0 cr)
·
AMES 3441W - Japanese Theater
[AH, WI]
(3.0 cr)
·
AMES 3456 - Japanese Film
[GP]
(3.0 cr)
·
AMES 3466 {Inactive}
(3.0 cr)
·
AMES 3478 - Modern Japan, Meiji to the Present (1868-2000)
[HIS]
(3.0 cr)
·
AMES 3536 - Modern Korean Literature
[LITR, GP]
(3.0 cr)
·
AMES 3556 - Korean Film and Media
[AH, GP]
(3.0 cr)
·
AMES 3637W - Modern Indian Literature
[LITR, GP, WI]
(3.0 cr)
·
AMES 3671 - Hinduism
(3.0 cr)
·
AMES 3672 - Buddhism
[GP]
(3.0 cr)
·
AMES 3676 {Inactive}
[GP, SOCS]
(3.0 cr)
·
AMES 3771 - History of Southeast Asia
[GP]
(3.0 cr)
·
AMES 3920 - Topics in Asian Culture
(3.0 cr)
·
CHN 5211 - Introductory Classical Chinese I
(3.0 cr)
·
CHN 5212 - Introductory Classical Chinese II
(3.0 cr)
·
AMES 5261 {Inactive}
(3.0 cr)
·
AMES 5276 {Inactive}
(3.0 cr)
·
AMES 5920 - Topics in Asian Culture
(3.0 cr)
Major-related Electives
Take at least two major-related electives in the arts, humanities, or social sciences. Non-ALL, Asian language beyond the advanced level, study abroad or transfer courses may count with previous adviser approval. Note: up to one ALL 1xxx-level course may count toward the major.
Take 2 or more course(s) totaling 6 or more credit(s) from the following:
·
ALL 1xxx
·
ALL 3xxx
·
ALL 5xxx
Other Electives
Take at least one other Asian language, literature, or culture course. Additional coursework may be needed to meet the minimum 35-credit requirement for graduation. Students may also count non-ALL, learning abroad, transfer, and 1- or 2-credit courses towards 'Other Electives.' See department adviser for final consent. Note: up to one ALL 1xxx course may count toward the major.
Take 1 or more course(s) totaling 1 or more credit(s) from the following:
·
ALL 1xxx
·
ALL 3xxx
·
ALL 5xxx
Major Project
The major project is completed in ALL 4900W during the student's final year of coursework. Registrants must have senior status or instructor permission to enroll. Double majors who choose to complete the major project in their other major must still meet the minimum 35-credit requirement in ALL.
AMES 4901W - Capstone Project in Asian & Middle Eastern Studies
[WI]
(3.0 cr)
Upper-division Writing Intensive within the major
Students are required to take one upper-division Writing Intensive course within the major. If that requirement has not been satisfied within the core major requirements, students must choose one course from the following list. Some of these courses may also fulfill other major requirements.
Take 0 - 1 course(s) from the following:
·
AMES 4901W - Capstone Project in Asian & Middle Eastern Studies
[WI]
(3.0 cr)
Program Sub-plans
Students are required to complete one of the following sub-plans.
Chinese
Chinese Language
Take a minimum of 2 courses (7 credits) of Chinese at the advanced level or above.
Japanese
Japanese Language
Take a minimum of 2 courses (7 credits) of Japanese at the advanced level or above.
Take 2 or more course(s) from the following:
·
JPN 3031 - Third Year Japanese I
(4.0 cr)
·
JPN 3032 - Third Year Japanese II
(4.0 cr)
·
JPN 4041 - Advanced Japanese Conversation and Composition I
(4.0 cr)
·
JPN 4042 - Advanced Japanese Conversation and Composition II
(4.0 cr)
·
JPN 5040 - Readings in Japanese Texts
(3.0 cr)
Korean
Korean Language
Take a minimum of 2 courses (7 credits) of Korean at the advanced level or above.
Hindi-Urdu
Hindi & Urdu Languages
Take a minimum of 2 courses (7 credits) of Hindi-Urdu at the advanced level of above
Take 2 or more course(s) from the following:
·
HNDI 3031 - Advanced Hindi I
(4.0 cr)
·
HNUR 3032 {Inactive}
(4.0 cr)
Hmong
Hmong Language
Take a minimum of 2 courses (7 credits) of Hmong at the advanced level or above. Note: In order to fulfill this sub-requirement, HMNG 5040 must be taken for at least 3 credits.
Take 2 or more course(s) from the following:
·
HMNG 3031 - Advanced Hmong I
(4.0 cr)
·
HMNG 3032 {Inactive}
(4.0 cr)
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Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Periodic Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Periodic Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | ALL 3373/Hist 3466/RelS 3373 |
Typically offered: | Periodic Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Periodic Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Periodic Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | ALL 3671/Hist 3492/RelS 3671/R |
Typically offered: | Periodic Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | AMES 3672/Rels 3371/RelS 5371 |
Typically offered: | Periodic Summer |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | ALL 3771/Hist 3485 |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 9.0] |
Typically offered: | Periodic Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | Chn 5211/Jpn 5211/Kor 5211 |
Typically offered: | Periodic Fall |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | Chn 5212/Jpn 5212/Kor 5212 |
Typically offered: | Periodic Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 12.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Periodic Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Periodic Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Periodic Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Periodic Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Periodic Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Periodic Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Periodic Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Periodic Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | ALL 3478/EAS 3471/Hist 3471 |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Periodic Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | AMES 3556 / AMES 5556 |
Typically offered: | Periodic Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | ALL 3637W/GloS 3637W |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Periodic Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | ALL 3671/Hist 3492/RelS 3671/R |
Typically offered: | Periodic Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | AMES 3672/Rels 3371/RelS 5371 |
Typically offered: | Periodic Summer |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | ALL 3771/Hist 3485 |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 9.0] |
Typically offered: | Periodic Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | Chn 5211/Jpn 5211/Kor 5211 |
Typically offered: | Periodic Fall |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | Chn 5212/Jpn 5212/Kor 5212 |
Typically offered: | Periodic Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 12.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Periodic Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | CHN 3031/CHN 4007 |
Grading Basis: | OPT No Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | CHN 3032/CHN 4008 |
Grading Basis: | OPT No Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | Jpn 3031/Jpn 4005 |
Grading Basis: | OPT No Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | Jpn 3032/Jpn 4006 |
Grading Basis: | OPT No Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 9.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Periodic Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | Kor 3031/Kor 4005 |
Grading Basis: | OPT No Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | Kor 3032/Kor 4006 |
Grading Basis: | OPT No Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | Hndi 3031/HnUr 4005/Urdu 3031/ |
Grading Basis: | OPT No Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | Hmng 3031/Hmng 4007 |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |