Twin Cities campus

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Twin Cities Campus

Asian and Middle Eastern Studies B.A.

Asian and Middle Eastern Studies
College of Liberal Arts
  • Program Type: Baccalaureate
  • Requirements for this program are current for Fall 2024
  • Required credits to graduate with this degree: 120
  • Required credits within the major: 32 to 52
  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts
The Asian and Middle Eastern regions play integral roles in global culture, trade and commerce, and geopolitics. This major provides students with comprehensive approaches to understanding the cultures, histories, politics, and societies of these diverse regions. This interdisciplinary approach to the study of Asia and the Middle East is combined with rigorous language study to produce advanced proficiency in one of the following languages: Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Hmong, Japanese, Korean, or Urdu. Students' chosen language of study will determine their subplan. Study abroad is encouraged and can contribute credit to the major.
Program Delivery
This program is available:
  • via classroom (the majority of instruction is face-to-face)
Admission Requirements
Complete the introductory 4-semester sequence (or its equivalent) of Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Hmong, Japanese, Korean or Urdu. Placement testing is required for students who wish to begin with the second semester or higher language courses and have no previous University courses. Study abroad or transfer courses may be approved by the Directors of Language Instruction.
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 Arabic, or Chinese, or Hindi, or Hmong, or Japanese, or Korean, or Urdu. with a grade of C-, or better, or S, or demonstrate proficiency in the language(s) as defined by the department or college.
CLA BA degrees require 18 upper-division (3xxx-level or higher) credits outside the major designator. These credits must be taken in designators different from the major designator and cannot include courses that are cross-listed with the major designator. The major designator for the Asian and Middle Eastern Studies BA is AMES. At least 17 upper division credits in the major must be taken at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus. Students with advanced or native language ability may substitute AMES 3xxx-5xxx literature/culture courses in lieu of the major language requirement; see departmental advisor for final consent. Students may earn a BA or a minor in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, but not both. All incoming CLA first-year (freshmen) must complete the First-Year Experience course sequence. All incoming CLA first-year (freshmen) students earning a BA, BS, or BIS degree must complete the second-year career management course CLA 3002. All students must complete a capstone in at least one CLA major. The requirements for double majors completing the capstone in a different CLA major will be clearly stated. Students must also complete all major requirements in both majors to allow the additional capstone to be waived. Students who complete the capstone in another major must take one more course from Group A in lieu of AMES 4901W. Students completing an additional degree must complete the capstone in each degree program.
Reading Asian Cultures
AMES 3001 is only offered in the Fall.
Take exactly 1 course(s) totaling exactly 3 credit(s) from the following:
· AMES 3001 - Concepts in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (3.0 cr)
AMES and AMES-related Courses
Majors take at least 7 courses from Groups A, B and C. At least 4 of the 7 courses must be from Group A. Courses from Group B and C are optional. No more than 1 course may be from Group C.
Take 7 or more course(s) totaling 20 or more credit(s) from the following:
Upper-Division Courses
At least 6 of the 7 courses from Groups A, B and C must be upper-division courses worth at least 3 credits.
Take 6 or more course(s) totaling 18 or more credit(s) from the following:
Group A. Upper Division AMES Courses
Take 4 - 7 course(s) totaling 12 or more credit(s) from the following:
· AMES 3232W - "Short" Poetry in China and Japan [WI] (3.0 cr)
· AMES 3256 - Graphic Novels: Conflict, Peace and Protest [AH, GP] (3.0 cr)
· AMES 3265W - The Fantastic in East Asia: Ghosts, Foxes, and the Alien [LITR, WI] (3.0 cr)
· AMES 3336 - Revolution and Modernity in Chinese Literature and Culture [LITR, GP] (3.0 cr)
· AMES 3337 - Contemporary Chinese Literature and Popular Culture [LITR, GP] (3.0 cr)
· AMES 3351 - Martial Arts in Chinese Literature and Film [AH, GP] (3.0 cr)
· AMES 3356W - Chinese Film [AH, WI] (3.0 cr)
· AMES 3357 - Taiwan Film (3.0 cr)
· AMES 3362 - Women Writers in Chinese History [AH, GP] (3.0 cr)
· AMES 3374 - Patterns in Chinese Cultural History (3.0 cr)
· AMES 3433 - Traditional Japanese Literature in Translation [LITR] (3.0 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 3458 - Japanese Animation [GP] (3.0 cr)
· AMES 3467 - Science Fiction, Empire, Japan (3.0 cr)
· AMES 3468 - Environment, Technology and Culture in Modern Japan [ENV] (3.0 cr)
· AMES 3536 - Modern Korean Literature [LITR, GP] (3.0 cr)
· AMES 3558 - Korean Popular Culture [AH, GP] (3.0 cr)
· AMES 3576 - Language & Society of the Two Koreas (3.0 cr)
· AMES 3586 - Cold War Cultures in Korea (3.0 cr)
· AMES 3587 - Current Affairs and Everyday Life in Two Koreas (3.0 cr)
· AMES 3637W - Modern Indian Literature [LITR, GP, WI] (3.0 cr)
· AMES 3651 - Ghosts of India [GP] (3.0 cr)
· AMES 3673 - Voices of India: Languages, Literature, and Film [GP] (3.0 cr)
· AMES 3679 - Religion and Society in Modern South Asia [AH, GP] (3.0 cr)
· AMES 3720 - Topics in Southeast Asian Culture (1.0-3.0 cr)
· AMES 3756 - Southeast Asian Cinema [AH, GP] (3.0 cr)
· AMES 3772 - Hmong Language and Culture Immersion in China (4.0 cr)
· AMES 3773 {Inactive} [GP] (4.0 cr)
· AMES 3800 - Topics in Arab Literature (3.0 cr)
· AMES 3820 - Topics in Middle Eastern Cultures (3.0 cr)
· AMES 3832 - The Politics of Arabic Poetry [LITR, GP] (3.0 cr)
· AMES 3833 - Jinn, Ghosts, and Demons in Arabic Literature [GP, LITR] (3.0 cr)
· AMES 3837 - Orienting Hebrew Literature [LITR, GP] (3.0 cr)
· AMES 3856W - Palestinian Literature and Film [GP, WI] (3.0 cr)
· AMES 3867 - Orientalism and the Arab World [AH, DSJ] (3.0 cr)
· AMES 3886 - Petrofictions: Oil Wars, Wealth, and Waste in the Middle East [AH] (3.0 cr)
· AMES 3900 - Topics in Asian Literature (3.0 cr)
· AMES 3920 - Topics in Asian Culture (3.0 cr)
· AMES 5351 - Chinese New Media (3.0 cr)
· AMES 5358 - Realism, Revolution, and the Moving Image (3.0 cr)
· AMES 5359 - Early Shanghai Film Culture (3.0 cr)
· AMES 5374 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
· AMES 5446 - Kabuki: A Pop, Queer, and Classical Theater in Japan (3.0 cr)
· AMES 5486 - Images of "Japan" (3.0 cr)
· AMES 5620 - Topics in South Asian Culture (3.0 cr)
· AMES 5820 - Topics in Middle Eastern Cultures (3.0 cr)
· AMES 5837 - Arab Prison Writing (3.0 cr)
· AMES 5866 - Gender and Sexuality in Modern Arabic Literature (3.0 cr)
· AMES 5920 - Topics in Asian Culture (3.0 cr)
· AMES 3372 - History of Women and Family in China, 1600-2000 (3.0 cr)
or HIST 3469 - History of Women and Family in China, 1600-2000 (3.0 cr)
· AMES 3373 - Religion and Society in Imperial China [HIS] (3.0 cr)
or HIST 3466 - Religion and Society in Imperial China [HIS] (3.0 cr)
or RELS 3373 - Religion and Society in Imperial China [HIS] (3.0 cr)
· AMES 3377 - A Thousand Years of Buddhism in China: Beliefs, Practices, and Culture (3.0 cr)
or RELS 3377 - A Thousand Years of Buddhism in China: Beliefs, Practices, and Culture (3.0 cr)
· AMES 3478 - Modern Japan, Meiji to the Present (1868-2000) [HIS] (3.0 cr)
or EAS 3471 - Modern Japan, Meiji to the Present (1868-2000) [HIS] (3.0 cr)
or HIST 3471 - Modern Japan, Meiji to the Present (1868-2000) [HIS] (3.0 cr)
· AMES 3556 - Korean Film and Media [AH, GP] (3.0 cr)
or AMES 5556 - Korean Film and Media (3.0 cr)
· AMES 3636 - South Asian Women Writers (3.0 cr)
or AMES 5636 - South Asian Women Writers (3.0 cr)
· AMES 3672 - Buddhism [GP] (3.0 cr)
or RELS 3371 - Buddhism [GP] (3.0 cr)
· AMES 3877 - The Arab Renaissance: Narrating Modernity [AH, GP] (3.0 cr)
or AMES 5877 - The Arab Renaissance: Narrating Modernity (3.0 cr)
· CHN 5211 - Introductory Classical Chinese I (3.0 cr)
or JPN 5211 - Introductory Classical Chinese I (3.0 cr)
or KOR 5211 - Introductory Classical Chinese I (3.0 cr)
· Group B: Other Upper Division Courses
Take no more than 3 course(s) from the following:
· ARAB 3811 - Egyptian Colloquial Arabic I (2.0-3.0 cr)
· ARAB 3900 - Topics in Arabic (1.0-4.0 cr)
· CHN 5212 - Introductory Classical Chinese II (3.0 cr)
· GEOG 3211 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
· HIST 3476 - War and Peace in Japan Through Popular Culture (4.0 cr)
· HIST 3477 - Samurai, Geisha, and How They Became Japanese (3.0 cr)
· HIST 3505 - Survey of the Modern Middle East [GP] (3.0 cr)
· HIST 3507 - History of Modern Egypt (3.0 cr)
· HIST 3509 - Approaches to the Study of the Middle East (3.0 cr)
· HIST 3514W - Water and Oil: An Environmental History of the Middle East [HIS, ENV, WI] (3.0 cr)
· HNDI 5040 - Readings in Hindi Texts (3.0 cr)
· LANG 3501 - Introduction to Korean Civilization (3.0 cr)
· LANG 3502 - Introduction to Korean History (3.0 cr)
· LANG 3503 - Traditional Korean Poetry: Sijo (3.0 cr)
· POL 4465 - Democracy and Dictatorship in Southeast Asia [GP] (3.0 cr)
· URDU 5040 - Readings in Urdu Texts (3.0 cr)
· AAS 3486 - Hmong Refugees from the Secret War: Becoming Americans (3.0 cr)
or HIST 3486 - Hmong Refugees from the Secret War: Becoming Americans (3.0 cr)
· ARTH 3014W - Art of India [AH, GP, WI] (3.0 cr)
or RELS 3415W - Art of India [AH, GP, WI] (3.0 cr)
· AMES 3771 - History of Southeast Asia [GP] (3.0 cr)
or HIST 3485 - History of Southeast Asia [GP] (3.0 cr)
· AAS 3483 - Hmong History Across the Globe (3.0 cr)
or HIST 3483 - Hmong History Across the Globe (3.0 cr)
· AMES 3871 - Islam: Religion and Culture (3.0 cr)
or HIST 3493 - Islam: Religion and Culture (3.0 cr)
or RELS 3712 - Islam: Religion and Culture (3.0 cr)
· AMES 3872 - The Cultures of the Silk Road (3.0 cr)
or HIST 3504 - The Cultures of the Silk Road (3.0 cr)
or RELS 3708 - The Cultures of the Silk Road (3.0 cr)
· ANTH 3023 {Inactive} [GP, SOCS] (3.0 cr)
or GLOS 3961 {Inactive} [GP, SOCS] (3.0 cr)
· ARTH 3015W - Art of Islam [AH, GP, WI] (3.0 cr)
or RELS 3706W - Art of Islam [AH, GP, WI] (3.0 cr)
· CNRC 3074 - Exploring the Quran: An intellectual odyssey with Islam's holy scripture [AH] (3.0 cr)
or RELS 3704 - Exploring the Quran: An intellectual odyssey with Islam's holy scripture [AH] (3.0 cr)
· EAS 3461 - Introduction to East Asia I: The Imperial Age (3.0-4.0 cr)
or HIST 3461 - Introduction to East Asia I: The Imperial Age (3.0-4.0 cr)
· EAS 3462 - From Subjects to Citizens: The History of East Asia From 1500 to the Present [HIS, GP] (3.0-4.0 cr)
or EAS 3462H - Honors: From Subjects to Citizens: The History of East Asia from 1500 to the Present [HIS, GP] (3.0-4.0 cr)
or HIST 3462 - From Subjects to Citizens: The History of East Asia From 1500 to the Present [HIS, GP] (3.0-4.0 cr)
or HIST 3462H - Honors: From Subjects to Citizens: The History of East Asia from 1500 to the Present [HIS, GP] (3.0-4.0 cr)
· GEOG 3145 - The Islamic World [SOCS, GP] (3.0 cr)
or GLOS 3645 {Inactive} [SOCS, GP] (3.0 cr)
or RELS 3711 - The Islamic World [SOCS, GP] (3.0 cr)
· GLBT 3404 - Transnational Sexualities [GP] (3.0 cr)
or GWSS 3404 - Transnational Sexualities [GP] (3.0 cr)
· GLOS 3643 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
or HIST 3546 - Islam and the West (3.0 cr)
or RELS 3714 - Islam and the West (3.0 cr)
· GLOS 3969 - Democracy and popular politics in India (3.0 cr)
or HIST 3489 - Democracy and popular politics in India (3.0 cr)
· HIST 3513 - North Africa since 1500: Islam, Colonialism, and Independence (3.0 cr)
or RELS 3721 - North Africa since 1500: Islam, Colonialism, and Independence (3.0 cr)
· HIST 3547 - The Ottoman Empire [HIS, GP] (3.0 cr)
or RELS 3722 - The Ottoman Empire [HIS, GP] (3.0 cr)
· Advanced language and Reading courses may only count towards Group B if they are not already counting towards a student's sub-plan.
Take 0 or more course(s) from the following:
· ARAB 5040 - Readings in Arabic Texts (2.0-4.0 cr)
· ARAB 5041 - Classical and Modern Arabic Prose (3.0 cr)
· ARAB 5101 - Advanced Arabic I (4.0 cr)
· ARAB 5102 - Advanced Arabic II (4.0 cr)
· CHN 4041 - Advanced Readings in Modern Chinese I (4.0 cr)
· CHN 4042 - Advanced Readings in Modern Chinese II (4.0 cr)
· CHN 5041 - Media Chinese (3.0 cr)
· CHN 5042 - Contemporary Chinese Texts 1949-present (3.0 cr)
· CHN 5214 - Classical Chinese Language and Culture (3.0 cr)
· HMNG 5040 - Readings in Hmong Texts (3.0-4.0 cr)
· HMNG 5041 - Readings in Hmong Social and Cultural Experience (3.0 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)
· JPN 5041 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
· KOR 4041 - Advanced Readings in Modern Korean I (4.0 cr)
· KOR 4042 - Advanced Readings in Modern Korean II (4.0 cr)
· KOR 5140 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
· Intermediate language courses may only count towards Group B if they are different from the student's sub-plan language.
Take 0 or more course(s) from the following:
· ARAB 3101 - Intermediate Arabic I (5.0 cr)
· ARAB 3102 - Intermediate Arabic II (5.0 cr)
· CHN 3016 - Accelerated Intermediate Modern Chinese (5.0 cr)
· CHN 3021 - Intermediate Modern Chinese I (5.0 cr)
· CHN 3022 - Intermediate Modern Chinese II (5.0 cr)
· CHN 3031 - Advanced Modern Chinese I (4.0 cr)
· CHN 3032 - Advanced Modern Chinese II (4.0 cr)
· HMNG 3016 - Accelerated Intermediate Hmong (5.0 cr)
· HMNG 3021 - Intermediate Hmong I (5.0 cr)
· HMNG 3022 - Intermediate Hmong II (5.0 cr)
· HMNG 3031 - Advanced Hmong I (4.0 cr)
· HNDI 3016 {Inactive} (5.0 cr)
· HNDI 3021 - Intermediate Hindi I (5.0 cr)
· HNDI 3022 - Intermediate Hindi II (5.0 cr)
· HNDI 3031 - Advanced Hindi I (4.0 cr)
· HNDI 3032 - Advanced Hindi II (4.0 cr)
· JPN 3021 - Intermediate Japanese I (5.0 cr)
· JPN 3022 - Intermediate Japanese II (5.0 cr)
· JPN 3031 - Third Year Japanese I (4.0 cr)
· JPN 3032 - Third Year Japanese II (4.0 cr)
· KOR 3021 - Intermediate Korean I (5.0 cr)
· KOR 3022 - Intermediate Korean II (5.0 cr)
· KOR 3031 - Third Year Korean I (4.0 cr)
· KOR 3032 - Third Year Korean II (4.0 cr)
· URDU 3016 {Inactive} (5.0 cr)
· URDU 3021 - Intermediate Urdu I (5.0 cr)
· URDU 3022 - Intermediate Urdu II (5.0 cr)
· URDU 3032 - Advanced Urdu II (4.0 cr)
· URDU 3031 - Advanced Urdu I (4.0 cr)
· Group C: Other Electives
Take no more than 1 course(s) from the following:
· AMES 1001 - Asian Film and Animation [AH, GP] (3.0 cr)
· AMES 1201 - Arrow, Fist, and Sword: Conceptions of the Hero in Asian Cultures [LITR, GP] (3.0 cr)
· AMES 1601 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
· AMES 1806 - Modern Middle Eastern Cultures and Societies [AH, GP] (3.0 cr)
· AMES 1836 - Modern Middle Eastern Literature [LITR, GP] (3.0 cr)
· AMES 19xx - Freshman Seminar
· ARTH 1004W - Introduction to Asian Art [HIS, WI] (4.0 cr)
· CHN 3201 - Chinese Calligraphy (2.0 cr)
· CHN 3202 - Intermediate Chinese Calligraphy (2.0 cr)
· CHN 3203 - Advanced Chinese Handwriting (2.0 cr)
· Up to one 1xxx-level language course may count towards Group C, only if it is different from a student's sub-plan language.
Take 0 - 1 course(s) from the following:
· ARAB 1101 - Beginning Arabic I (5.0 cr)
· ARAB 1102 - Beginning Arabic II (5.0 cr)
· CHN 1011 - Beginning Modern Chinese I (5.0 cr)
· CHN 1012 - Beginning Modern Chinese II (5.0 cr)
· CHN 1015 - Accelerated Beginning Modern Chinese (5.0 cr)
· HMNG 1011 - Beginning Hmong I (5.0 cr)
· HMNG 1012 - Beginning Hmong II (5.0 cr)
· HMNG 1015 - Accelerated Beginning Hmong (5.0 cr)
· HNDI 1011 - Beginning Hindi I (5.0 cr)
· HNDI 1012 - Beginning Hindi II (5.0 cr)
· HNDI 1015 {Inactive} (5.0 cr)
· JPN 1011 - Beginning Japanese I (5.0 cr)
· JPN 1012 - Beginning Japanese II (5.0 cr)
· KOR 1011 - Beginning Korean I (5.0 cr)
· KOR 1012 - Beginning Korean II (5.0 cr)
· URDU 1011 - Beginning Urdu I (5.0 cr)
· URDU 1012 - Beginning Urdu II (5.0 cr)
· URDU 1015 {Inactive} (5.0 cr)
Capstone
The capstone project in the department of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies is meant to demonstrate the cumulative language and critical thinking and analysis skills developed by students over the course of their undergraduate studies. It consists of a thesis at least 6000 words long, in which students must synthesize research in primary language sources (i.e. texts, films, or other forms of cultural production in the original language of students’ declared subplan) with secondary research.
Students who double major and choose to complete the capstone requirement in their other major may waive the Asian and Middle Eastern Studies capstone, but must take another course from Group A to replace AMES 4901W. All major requirements in both majors must be completed in order to waive the Asian and Middle Eastern Studies capstone. AMES 4901W is always offered in the Spring. Fall offerings will depend upon instructor availability.
Take exactly 1 course(s) totaling exactly 3 credit(s) from the following:
· 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 3232W - "Short" Poetry in China and Japan [WI] (3.0 cr)
· AMES 3265W - The Fantastic in East Asia: Ghosts, Foxes, and the Alien [LITR, WI] (3.0 cr)
· AMES 3356W - Chinese Film [AH, WI] (3.0 cr)
· AMES 3441W - Japanese Theater [AH, WI] (3.0 cr)
· AMES 3637W - Modern Indian Literature [LITR, GP, WI] (3.0 cr)
· AMES 3856W - Palestinian Literature and Film [GP, WI] (3.0 cr)
· 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 Studies
Prerequisite Courses
Take 0 - 4 course(s) totaling 0 - 20 credit(s) from the following:
CHN 1011 - Beginning Modern Chinese I (5.0 cr)
CHN 1012 - Beginning Modern Chinese II (5.0 cr)
or CHN 1015 - Accelerated Beginning Modern Chinese (5.0 cr)
CHN 3021 - Intermediate Modern Chinese I (5.0 cr)
CHN 3022 - Intermediate Modern Chinese II (5.0 cr)
or CHN 3016 - Accelerated Intermediate Modern Chinese (5.0 cr)
Advanced Language Courses
Take 2 or more course(s) totaling 6 or more credit(s) from the following:
· CHN 3031 - Advanced Modern Chinese I (4.0 cr)
· CHN 3032 - Advanced Modern Chinese II (4.0 cr)
· CHN 4041 - Advanced Readings in Modern Chinese I (4.0 cr)
· CHN 4042 - Advanced Readings in Modern Chinese II (4.0 cr)
· CHN 5041 - Media Chinese (3.0 cr)
· CHN 5042 - Contemporary Chinese Texts 1949-present (3.0 cr)
· CHN 5214 - Classical Chinese Language and Culture (3.0 cr)
Japanese Studies
Prerequisite Courses
Take 0 - 4 course(s) totaling 0 - 20 credit(s) from the following:
· JPN 1011 - Beginning Japanese I (5.0 cr)
· JPN 1012 - Beginning Japanese II (5.0 cr)
· JPN 3021 - Intermediate Japanese I (5.0 cr)
· JPN 3022 - Intermediate Japanese II (5.0 cr)
Advanced Language Courses
Take 2 or more course(s) totaling 7 or more credit(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)
· JPN 5041 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
Korean Studies
Prerequisite Courses
Take 0 - 4 course(s) totaling 0 - 20 credit(s) from the following:
· KOR 1011 - Beginning Korean I (5.0 cr)
· KOR 1012 - Beginning Korean II (5.0 cr)
· KOR 3021 - Intermediate Korean I (5.0 cr)
· KOR 3022 - Intermediate Korean II (5.0 cr)
Advanced Language Courses
Take 2 or more course(s) totaling 7 or more credit(s) from the following:
· KOR 3031 - Third Year Korean I (4.0 cr)
· KOR 3032 - Third Year Korean II (4.0 cr)
· KOR 4041 - Advanced Readings in Modern Korean I (4.0 cr)
· KOR 4042 - Advanced Readings in Modern Korean II (4.0 cr)
· KOR 5140 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
Middle Eastern Studies
Arabic or other Middle Eastern languages by exception.
Prerequisite Courses
Take 0 - 4 course(s) totaling 0 - 20 credit(s) from the following:
· ARAB 1101 - Beginning Arabic I (5.0 cr)
· ARAB 1102 - Beginning Arabic II (5.0 cr)
· ARAB 3101 - Intermediate Arabic I (5.0 cr)
· ARAB 3102 - Intermediate Arabic II (5.0 cr)
Advanced Language Courses
Take 2 or more course(s) totaling 6 or more credit(s) from the following:
· ARAB 5040 - Readings in Arabic Texts (2.0-4.0 cr)
· ARAB 5041 - Classical and Modern Arabic Prose (3.0 cr)
· ARAB 5101 - Advanced Arabic I (4.0 cr)
· ARAB 5102 - Advanced Arabic II (4.0 cr)
South Asian Studies
Hindi or Urdu or other South Asian languages by exception.
Hindi or Urdu
Hindi
Prerequisite Courses
Take 0 - 4 course(s) totaling 0 - 20 credit(s) from the following:
HNDI 1011 - Beginning Hindi I (5.0 cr)
HNDI 1012 - Beginning Hindi II (5.0 cr)
or HNDI 1015 {Inactive} (5.0 cr)
HNDI 3021 - Intermediate Hindi I (5.0 cr)
HNDI 3022 - Intermediate Hindi II (5.0 cr)
or HNDI 3016 {Inactive} (5.0 cr)
Advanced Language Courses
Take 2 or more course(s) totaling 8 or more credit(s) from the following:
· HNDI 3031 - Advanced Hindi I (4.0 cr)
· HNDI 3032 - Advanced Hindi II (4.0 cr)
-OR-
Urdu
Prerequisite Courses
Take 0 - 4 course(s) totaling 0 - 20 credit(s) from the following:
URDU 1011 - Beginning Urdu I (5.0 cr)
URDU 1012 - Beginning Urdu II (5.0 cr)
or URDU 1015 {Inactive} (5.0 cr)
URDU 3021 - Intermediate Urdu I (5.0 cr)
URDU 3022 - Intermediate Urdu II (5.0 cr)
or URDU 3016 {Inactive} (5.0 cr)
Advanced Language Courses
Take 2 or more course(s) totaling 8 or more credit(s) from the following:
· URDU 3031 - Advanced Urdu I (4.0 cr)
· URDU 3032 - Advanced Urdu II (4.0 cr)
Southeast Asian Studies
Hmong or other Southeast Asian languages by exception.
Prerequisite Courses
Take 0 - 4 course(s) totaling 0 - 20 credit(s) from the following:
HMNG 1011 - Beginning Hmong I (5.0 cr)
HMNG 1012 - Beginning Hmong II (5.0 cr)
or HMNG 1015 - Accelerated Beginning Hmong (5.0 cr)
HMNG 3021 - Intermediate Hmong I (5.0 cr)
HMNG 3022 - Intermediate Hmong II (5.0 cr)
or HMNG 3016 - Accelerated Intermediate Hmong (5.0 cr)
Advanced Language Courses
Take exactly 2 course(s) totaling exactly 8 credit(s) from the following:
· HMNG 3031 - Advanced Hmong I (4.0 cr)
· HMNG 3993 - Directed Studies (1.0-5.0 cr)
 
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· Chinese Studies
· Japanese Studies
· Korean Studies
· Middle Eastern Studies
· South Asian Studies
· Southeast Asian Studies

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· Asian and Middle Eastern Studies B.A.
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AMES 3001 - Concepts in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Introduction to questions of modernity in Asia and the Middle East and foundational course for the major and the minor in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies. Reflecting the range of geography covered by the department, it will cover topics related to the Middle East, South Asia, and East Asia, and highlight connections among them. Our primary goal is to become versed in a number of key concepts and issues that are essential to being a successful student in upper-division AMES courses. Furthermore, we will engage with theoretical, literary, and filmic texts concerning various regions of the Asian continent and develop the ability to respond to major questions in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies through the close reading of primary and secondary materials and the practical employment of key terms and concepts. There will be a strong focus on proper definitions and historical contextualization, and on analytical application and interpretation.
AMES 3232W - "Short" Poetry in China and Japan (WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Short poetic forms of China and Japan. Chinese quatrains and octets. Japanese tanka and haiku. Translations by modern poets. Texts in original languages (with provided glosses). Art of translation. Translators' conceptions of East Asian 'exoticism.'
AMES 3256 - Graphic Novels: Conflict, Peace and Protest (AH, GP)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
This course will examine a particular medium?graphic novel?which is inherently rich in visual, narrative, and linguistic components. The materials chosen for this course are driven by wars and conflicts in the following four regions: East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. Through these selected works, we will explore histories of political conflicts, state violence, anticipation for peace as well as understandings and praxes of protest in various forms, namely, social movements; mourning; remembrance; art making; and writing. Given the nature of conflict that always goes above and beyond the question of nation-state, this course will also discuss its amplification to the question of migration, refugee crisis, displacement, and multi-generational trauma among diasporic subjects. Located at the intersection of conflict, peace, and protest, this course not only introduces students to historical processes and complexities of these conflicts?both from the national and international points of view?but also challenges students to question the potentials of graphic novels in mediating these histories and discourses around human rights for readers. Finally, this class explores ways in which we can engage with each other via our shared history and vulnerability, and questions whether peace and resolution promised to our generation via the discourse of human rights are, or will ever be, attainable.
AMES 3265W - The Fantastic in East Asia: Ghosts, Foxes, and the Alien (LITR, WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
How the strange/alien is constructed in premodern Chinese/Japanese literature. East Asian theories of the strange and their role in the classical tale, through the works of Pu Songling, Edo-era storytellers, and others. Role of Buddhist cosmology and salvation. prereq: Some coursework in East Asia recommended
AMES 3336 - Revolution and Modernity in Chinese Literature and Culture (LITR, GP)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Introduction to modern Chinese literature, visual culture, and critical thought from beginning of 20th century to end of Mao era. Examples of literature/culture, parallel readings of Chinese critical essays. Readings are in English translation.
AMES 3337 - Contemporary Chinese Literature and Popular Culture (LITR, GP)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Contemporary Chinese literature, popular culture. End of Mao era to present. Creative results of China's "opening and reform." Commercialization and globalization of culture. Literature, visual culture, popular music.
AMES 3351 - Martial Arts in Chinese Literature and Film (AH, GP)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Investigation of the martial arts motif in Chinese literature and its cinematic descendants. Class materials include ancient stories about sage kings, assassin-retainers, lady knights-errant; recent blockbusters such as "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," "Hero," and "Kung Fu Hustle;" the careers and stardoms of Bruce Lee, Jet Li, and Jackie chan; and American animated films featuring martial arts themes, such as "Mulan" and the "Kung Fu Panda" series. While reflecting cultural transformations across history, these examples manifest a consistent poetics of emptiness, due to the genre's thematic preoccupation with resistance and transcendence, as well as its roots in Confucian-Daoist-Buddhist philosophies. In these regards, the martial arts genre, other than being a pop culture phenomenon, offers a meaningful gateway toward rediscovering the Chinese tradition's cosmopolitan potentials.
AMES 3356W - Chinese Film (AH, WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Survey of Chinese cinema from China (PRC), Taiwan, and Hong Kong. Emphasizes discussion/comparison of global, social, economic, sexual, gender, psychological, and other themes as represented through film.
AMES 3357 - Taiwan Film
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
This course examines the history of Taiwan film from the Japanese colonial period to the early 21st century along with the increased (though still quite limited) availability of pre-1980s films on DVD with English subtitles. We will cover topics such as dialect films; Nationalist propaganda; "healthy realism;" connections with the Hong Kong, Hollywood, and mainland Chinese film industries; the aesthetics of New Taiwan Cinema; the imagination of Taiwan as a postcolonial Southeast Asian rather than East Asian or Chinese polity; and the battle for commercial viability in the global film market. Throughout the course, we will closely analyze cinematic form and narrative structure in addition to broader issues of nation, society, politics, and ecology.
AMES 3362 - Women Writers in Chinese History (AH, GP)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
This class surveys the surprisingly diverse and vibrant tradition of women writers in Chinese cultural history, which during its long imperial period (221 B.C.E.-1911 C.E.) was dominated by a male-centered cultural order. The class situates individual women writers within their specific historical settings and larger cultural backdrops, thus introducing students to literary themes, gender dynamics, and conditions of cultural production in Chinese history. The class also addresses complex shifts in female writing and its social presence across the premodern-modern transition. Taught in English and no prerequisites.
AMES 3374 - Patterns in Chinese Cultural History
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
A survey course of Chinese cultural history across its long evolution. It connects historical and cultural knowledge to the Chinese literary and intellectual traditions, and unveils larger trends in the developments of Chinese culture and society during the pre-20th-century period and across the tradition-modern divide. Taught in English and no prerequisites.
AMES 3433 - Traditional Japanese Literature in Translation (LITR)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Survey of texts in different genres, from 8th to early 19th centuries, with attention to issues such as "national" identity, gender/sexuality, authorship, popular culture. No knowledge of Japanese necessary.
AMES 3436 - Postwar Japanese Literature in Translation (LITR, GP)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
This is an introductory survey of modern Japanese literature and its role in the postwar debates around Japanese culture, aesthetics, politics, and environment. Beginning with the occupation of Japan by the US military and ending with the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (postponed by a global pandemic), students will analyze the main movements in postwar Japanese literary production and the core issues featured in this literature. We will explore national genres in Japan, their premodern precursors, and postmodern manifestations. The course has no prerequisite and assumes no prior knowledge of Japanese cultures or experience with literary analysis. All materials, lectures, and discussions are in English.
AMES 3437 - The Japanese Novel (LITR, GP)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Survey of the principal authors of the period spanning Japan's opening to the West (1860s) to World War II. Writers include Natsume Soseki, Shiga Naoya, Kawabata Yasunari, Edogawa Rampo, Hayashi Fumiko, and Tanizaki Junichiro.
AMES 3441W - Japanese Theater (AH, WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Japanese performance traditions. Emphasizes noh, kabuki, and bunraku in their literary/cultural contexts. Relationship between these pre-modern traditions and modern theatrical forms (e.g., Takarazuka Revue).
AMES 3456 - Japanese Film (GP)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Themes, stylistics, and genres of Japanese cinema through work of classic directors (Kurosawa, Mizoguchi, and Ozu) and more recent filmmakers (Itami, Morita). Focuses on representations of femininity/masculinity.
AMES 3458 - Japanese Animation (GP)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
This course takes up the technologies, genres, and themes of Japanese animation. By examining the works of important directors alongside media theories and other related writings, the course will cover not only the major genres and recurrent themes of anime, but also the cultural and critical contexts for apprehending anime.
AMES 3467 - Science Fiction, Empire, Japan
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Premised on its historical position as a non-Western colonial empire, this course takes up Japan as a focal point for examining the relations between science fiction and imperialism. Discussions center on the colonial underpinnings of Japanese science fiction and how particular motifs (future war, time travel, posthuman bodies) critically interrogate this history.
AMES 3468 - Environment, Technology and Culture in Modern Japan (ENV)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Read/view historical, literary, visual texts to discover guiding ideas about nature, environment, technology use in Japan. No prior knowledge of Japan is necessary.
AMES 3536 - Modern Korean Literature (LITR, GP)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Modern Korean literature in English translation from the colonial period until the 1990s. Read literary texts critically, using genre categories, theories of narrative voice, different understandings of modern literary subjectivity, and historical contextualization.
AMES 3558 - Korean Popular Culture (AH, GP)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
This course is an introduction to contemporary Korean popular culture, with a focus on television, video, and online media. We will learn how to think critically about a variety of popular culture phenomena, including dramas, variety shows, comedy performances, video games, food-related programs and videos, political satire and commentary, and music videos. By engaging with the academic scholarship on popular culture, we will learn how to analyze the stories, images, and sounds of Korean popular culture, while situating these within their various cultural and social contexts. Topics covered will include the Korean Wave (hallyu), the culture industry, digital platforms and economies, celebrity, fandom, and globalization. Attention will be given both to the local conditions of cultural production and the transnational influences of Korean media on East and Southeast Asia, as well as Europe and the Americas.
AMES 3576 - Language & Society of the Two Koreas
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
This course is designed to offer an introduction and contrastive analysis of the language and society of the two Koreas; the Republic of Korea (better known as South Korea) and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (better known as North Korea). This course will introduce the growing divide of the past 70 years between North and South Korea in the areas of language, society, and culture.
AMES 3586 - Cold War Cultures in Korea
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
In this course we will analyze the Cold War (1945-1989) not only as an era in geopolitics, but also as a historical period marked by specific cultural and artistic forms. We focus on the Korean peninsula, looking closely at the literary and film cultures of both South Korea and North Korea. We discuss how the global conflict between U.S.-centered and Soviet-centered societies affected the politics, culture, and geography of Korea between 1945 and 1989, treating the division of Korea as an exemplary case extending from the origins of the Cold War to the present. We span the Cold War divide to compare the culture and politics of the South and the North through various cultural forms, including anti-communist and socialist realist films, biography and autobiography, fiction, and political discourse. We also discuss the legacy of the Cold War in contemporary culture and in the continued existence of two states on the Korean peninsula. The primary purpose is to be able to analyze post-1945 Korean cultures in both their locality and as significant aspects of the global Cold War era.
AMES 3587 - Current Affairs and Everyday Life in Two Koreas
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
This course is designed to offer an in-depth look at current affairs and social, cultural, and economic interactions that are influenced by everyday hierarchical structures in both North and South Korea. This course will specifically deal with issues that affect individuals and small groups in the two Koreas rather than focusing on issues at the state and international level. The course will take macro-level issues such as hierarchical structures that are remnant of the feudal era and examine their impact at the micro-level for people in the two Koreas. The two Koreas share centuries upon centuries of common socio-cultural structures and ways of being that, despite the recent separation, continue to exert a powerful influence on individuals' daily life even though they may inhabit drastically different political and economic states.
AMES 3637W - Modern Indian Literature (LITR, GP, WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: ALL 3637W/GloS 3637W
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Survey of 20th century literature from South Asian countries, including India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. All readings in English. Focuses on colonialism, post-colonialism, power, and representation.
AMES 3651 - Ghosts of India (GP)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Writers, filmmakers, and other creative art practitioners from almost every corner of this living world use the figure of the ghost to address questions of ethics, justice, violence, and repression. This course focuses on India's modern ghosts as well as ghosts and spirits from classical Indian literature. In every sphere of our lives, public and private, we are chased by various ghosts that often appear in forms of memory, remembrance, nostalgia, and forgetfulness. Ghosts scare us, enchant us, and capture our imagination. Our intellectual engagement will consist of theorizations around the figure of the ghost and its various conceptual offshoots (hauntology, specter, the uncanny, etc.) as encountered through literary and filmic texts. The course will also connect these ghostly tales with issues of nationalism, gender, communal and ethnic violence, and capitalism.
AMES 3673 - Voices of India: Languages, Literature, and Film (GP)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
A course on Indian languages and literatures that studies the languages of India from genealogical, linguistic, typological, historical, and sociological perspectives. Diachronic analysis of the languages of India in relation to some structural features will be also investigated. This course will also provide an overview of literatures of several main South Asian languages with a focus on Hindi - Urdu literatures. We will address the origin of Hindi-Urdu literatures, periodization, and naming of each period. We will also examine the important writers and their representative work, along with the literary trends and influences of each period, including political, social, and cultural situations which helped to shape the writers and their work. Among the representative literary works in Hindi-Urdu, some have been made into films.
AMES 3679 - Religion and Society in Modern South Asia (AH, GP)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Survey of religious formations in modern South Asia (Hindu, Islamic, Sikh, Buddhist). Transformation of religious practice/thought in modernity. Relation between religion and nationalism. Geopolitical dimensions of religious transformation in South Asia.
AMES 3720 - Topics in Southeast Asian Culture
Credits: 1.0 -3.0 [max 9.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Selected topics in Southeast Asian culture. Topics specified in the Class Schedule.
AMES 3756 - Southeast Asian Cinema (AH, GP)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
This course examines the social life and political functions of cinema in Southeast Asia in relation to various contexts in which cinema emerged and circulate. The course is attentive to the impact of historical processes on cinema as well as to how film and media process historical events?colonialism, militarism, religious conflict, ideological wars, economic turmoil. The course is guided by three different problematics: the arrival of cinema as an imported technology that coincided with and was arguably contingent upon the European colonial presence in the region; the ideological conflicts of the Cold War, anti-Communist sentiments; and the emergence of national film industries vis-à-vis independent cinema in the contemporary time. The latter sees cinema as a recuperative means, on the one hand, from political trauma and, on the other hand, from the ongoing human rights crises and the decline of democracy in the region.
AMES 3772 - Hmong Language and Culture Immersion in China
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Periodic Summer
This instructor-led study abroad course in Kunming, China, focuses on Hmong language and culture in the trans-historical context of China. Students will gain a deeper understanding of the intricate differences within the Hmong linguistic and cultural diaspora through a comparative approach examining the complexity of Hmong dialects and regional cultural shifts. Instructors will work with all student levels, and instruction is oriented towards helping students learn to use the language effectively. All aspects of linguistic performance - speaking, reading, writing and listening - will be addressed. Open to all students interested in Hmong language and culture, regardless of language level.
AMES 3800 - Topics in Arab Literature
Credits: 3.0 [max 9.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Topics specified in Class Schedule.
AMES 3820 - Topics in Middle Eastern Cultures
Credits: 3.0 [max 9.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Topics specified in Class Schedule.
AMES 3832 - The Politics of Arabic Poetry (LITR, GP)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
This course engages with Arabic poetry in its socio-political context. How have Arab poets from the pre-Islamic era till the present time used their verse as a tool to affirm the structure of their society, or to struggle with it? What roles did Arabic poetry play at the Abbasid imperial courts? How does Arabic poetry participate in the constitution and promulgation or subversion of political ideologies? And what presence has it had in Arab peoples' struggles for independence or reform, historically and today as part of the Arab Spring?
AMES 3833 - Jinn, Ghosts, and Demons in Arabic Literature (GP, LITR)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Jinn, also known as genies, are supernatural beings intrinsic to Islamic cosmology and culture: neither human nor divine, of our world but (usually) invisible to us. This course traces the trope of the jinni in Arabic literature: from the place of jinn in the Quran and Islamic tradition, through their role in the composition of the greatest poetry, to their reincarnation in modern works of literature. Following a survey of classic texts and contexts, we will ask why modern authors summon demons and resurrect ghosts, and what political and cultural work these unruly beings are called to perform. More specifically, we will explore the manner in which jinn are latched onto modern debates on personal and collective trauma, memory, madness, relations between East and West (or North and South), political and state violence, gender relations and hierarchies, and virtual realities.
AMES 3837 - Orienting Hebrew Literature (LITR, GP)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: AMES 3837/ JwSt 3837
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
An introductory survey of Modern Hebrew Literature and its journey from Eastern Europe through Ottoman/British Palestine to the State of Israel. The class centers on the manner in which Hebrew literature has envisioned the Middle East or ?the Orient,? reflecting, manipulating, or challenging orientalist paradigms. The first part of the course focuses on Hebrew literature written by Eastern European writers, their fantasies of the East as well as their engagements with orientalist or anti-Semite prejudices. The second part examines Hebrew literature?s attempts to ?nativize? in Palestine. Finally, we will read a series of texts by Ashkenazi, Mizrahi, and Palestinian Israeli writers that complicate any attempt to position Hebrew within an Orient/Occident dichotomy. No prior familiarity with Hebrew literature is necessary. All texts will be read in English.
AMES 3856W - Palestinian Literature and Film (GP, WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
This course examines modern literature and film of the Palestinian people both for artistic significance and interactions with the broader historical and political situations confronted by Palestinians. We will ask how cultural production, namely literature and film, interacts with, responds to, and even anticipates historical and political events. At the same time, we will problematize a strictly historicist and political reading of literary and cinematic texts, which reduces such artistic works to mere sociological documents, overlooking their creative and artistic achievements. Ultimately, this leads us to a number of questions: what is the relationship between history/politics and art? Can artistic texts transcend the historical and political contexts in which they are produced? How has artistic production functioned within the context of Palestinian statelessness, exile, and anti-colonial struggle? All texts covered in the course will be in English translation, however those able to read texts in the original Arabic are encouraged to do so.
AMES 3867 - Orientalism and the Arab World (AH, DSJ)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
This course explores the various manners in which ?the Arab World? is constructed and re/presented in American and European discourses. Reading through scholarly writings, literature, visual arts, and popular media, this course illuminates the manner in which the idea of a monolithic ?Arab World? and quintessential ?Arab? subject are constructed and re/produced for western consumption. Crucially, this course also examines the manner in which this re/production of the ?Arab World/Subject? is integral to the construction of western identity itself ? serving as a foil to western self-conceptualization. The concept of orientalism was introduced into western scholarship by Edward Said through his seminal 1978 work, Orientalism, often credited as a foundational text in the field of postcolonial studies. In the first part of the course, we will closely read Orientalism and some of the influential critical engagements with Said?s book. We will also discuss how orientalist discourse has been subsumed under the debates on the ?Clash of Civilizations? and ?The War on Terror? in the 21st century. The second part of the course will look at orientalist representations in a variety of mediums, from literature and visual art to video games. In the final part of the course, we will try to ?inventory the traces? of Orientalism on the Oriental subject, or examine the manner Arab artists and writers have engaged with orientalism?s legacies.
AMES 3886 - Petrofictions: Oil Wars, Wealth, and Waste in the Middle East (AH)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: AMES 3886/AMES 5886
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
In 1992, the novelist Amitav Ghosh wondered why the "oil-encounter," the most significant, culture-altering development of the twentieth century, has not been narrativized. Twenty years later, in The Great Derangement, he concluded that our prevalent narrative forms are inadequate to narrate the slow catastrophe of climate change, simply because they are so implicated, even complicit, in the extractive logics of petromodernity. This course explores our contemporary modernity of oil dependence through critical engagement with Middle Eastern cultural production. It postulates that to think about oil is not solely to think about derricks or spectacular spills or barrel prices, but about the basic narratives, fictions, and ideologies that underline our daily lives; that reading fictions (conceived broadly) is both a method and resource to map and critique ways in which the world's resources are unevenly produced, extracted, and exploited on a global-local scale; and that humanistic inquiry can challenge the common assumption that existing energy systems are inevitably necessary in modern life. Throughout the semester, the students will engage in critical readings of novels, films, and visual art that emerge from and react to the networked reality of an oil-addicted world. They will critically analyze the narrative forms and visual vocabularies through which the petro-industry has been depicted, as well as learn about the violent history of oil extraction and its environmental effects. Finally, they will consider how creative works allow us to imagine and promote alternative and more sustainable energy futures.
AMES 3900 - Topics in Asian Literature
Credits: 3.0 [max 9.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Topics specified in Class Schedule.
AMES 3920 - Topics in Asian Culture
Credits: 3.0 [max 9.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Topics specified in Class Schedule.
AMES 5351 - Chinese New Media
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
This course explores new media and intermediality from specific moments in the history of modern China. The new visuality of the late Qing Dynasty offers examples of how new forms of visual culture became both reflexive and constitutive of modernity. Later, silent cinema of the Republican era both drew upon and defined itself against existing Chinese dramatic forms, particularly opera. In the 1930s, the arrival of sound in cinema provided a space for phonographic modernity to be expressed through film. In the People’s Republic, the productive interplay between traditional art forms and cinema entered a new era, culminating in the cinematic adaptations of the “model plays” of the Cultural Revolution. Finally, recent years have seen the explosive growth of digital cinema, computer animation, internet culture, and gaming communities.
AMES 5358 - Realism, Revolution, and the Moving Image
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Cinema associated with socialist realism as a global, transnational phenomenon at the heart of the aesthetics of the 20th-century's communist movement. The work of revolutionary filmmakers from China, Soviet Union, North Korea, Cuba, Eastern Europe, and Africa informs our exploration of socialist realism. Formalized by Maxim Gorky and other Soviet artists, theorists, and cultural officials in the early 1930s, socialist realism would become the official literary and artistic style of Communist revolutionary movements and resulting states throughout the world. Certain consistencies of style and theme spread to various sites across histories and geographies, yet much variation also was evident and will be explored in this class. Rejecting the dismissal of socialist realism as mere propaganda, we will take seriously its theorization and its aesthetic innovations, as well as its relationships with classical Hollywood narration, melodrama, and the psychoanalytic concept of sublimation. Through an examination of socialist realism?s variations and limits, we will grapple with larger questions of modernity, authority, and the function of art in modern societies.
AMES 5359 - Early Shanghai Film Culture
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Shanghai film culture, from earliest extant films of 1920s to end of Republican Era in 1949. Influences on early Chinese film, from traditional Chinese drama to contemporary Hollywood productions. Effects of leftist politics on commercial cinema. Chinese star system, material film culture.
AMES 5446 - Kabuki: A Pop, Queer, and Classical Theater in Japan
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Kabuki, an all-male theater of "song (ka)/dance (bu)/acting (ki)" that came into being in the 17th century, still boasts popularity in Japan. This course explores kabuki in several contexts: historical, theatrical, literary, and theoretical. It aims to historicize this performing art in its four-hundred-year dynamic trajectory against the static understanding that it is a national, high culture. No less importantly, we inquire into theoretical implications of subject matter, such as citationality, gender construction, and the like. Furthermore, this course attends to what is usually marginalized and overlooked in kabuki historiography: koshibai (unlicensed small troupes of kabuki); onna yakusha (women kabuki actors who mastered the acting techniques established by male kabuki actors--including the technique of female impersonation). Open to anyone with an interest, no previous knowledge of Japanese studies, theater studies, or Japanese is required. All of the readings will be available in English. Audio-visual materials will be used whenever available and appropriate.
AMES 5486 - Images of "Japan"
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
This course examines non-Japanese texts that deploy the imagination of "Japan" in their narratives. Discussions will take up such focal points as: ethnographic cinema, the politics of travel and translation, the intersections of race and gender, the cultural politics of alternate histories, and the ramifications of techno-orientalist discourse.
AMES 5620 - Topics in South Asian Culture
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Topics specified in Class Schedule.
AMES 5820 - Topics in Middle Eastern Cultures
Credits: 3.0 [max 9.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Topics specified in Class Schedule.
AMES 5837 - Arab Prison Writing
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
From colonial-era prisons to post-colonial regimes' widespread use of detention to neo-colonial spaces of confinement such as Guantanamo and Abu Ghraib, incarceration and its threat have been prominent features of modern Arab life spawning a distinct genre: prison writing. This course surveys novels and memoirs of this genre to examine the various forms imprisonment and incarceration take in Arab literature and the often surprising ways in which they are represented.
AMES 5866 - Gender and Sexuality in Modern Arabic Literature
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Survey of modern Arabic literature’s key role in the articulation, construction, and subversion of gendered subjectivities. Explores the construction of masculine and feminine subjectivities, as well as the blurring of the dichotomy between the two. Also explores how homoerotic desire is presented in modern Arabic novels. Engages the complex interplay between the gender politics of literary texts, and the broader historical and political contexts from which they emerge. All texts covered in this course will be in English translation, however those able to read texts in the original Arabic are encouraged to do so.
AMES 5920 - Topics in Asian Culture
Credits: 3.0 [max 12.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Topics specified in Class Schedule.
AMES 3372 - History of Women and Family in China, 1600-2000
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: ALL 3372/Hist 3469
Typically offered: Fall Even, Spring Odd Year
Marriage/family life, foot binding, cult of women's chastity. Women in nationalist/communist revolutions. Gender relations in post-socialist China. Effect of ideologies (Confucianism, nationalism, socialism) on women/family life. Differences between ideology and social practice.
HIST 3469 - History of Women and Family in China, 1600-2000
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: ALL 3372/Hist 3469
Typically offered: Fall Even, Spring Odd Year
Marriage/family life, foot binding, cult of women's chastity. Women in nationalist/communist revolutions. Gender relations in post-socialist China. Effect of ideologies (Confucianism, nationalism, socialism) on women/family life. Differences between ideology/social practice.
AMES 3373 - Religion and Society in Imperial China (HIS)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: ALL 3373/Hist 3466/RelS 3373
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Varieties of religious experience in imperial China. Religion as lived practices. Textual traditions. Buddhism, Daoism, Confucianism, relations among them. Western missionary enterprise in China.
HIST 3466 - Religion and Society in Imperial China (HIS)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: ALL 3373/Hist 3466/RelS 3373
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Varieties of religious experience in imperial China. Religion as lived practices. Textual traditions. Buddhism, Daoism, Confucianism, relations among them. Western missionary enterprise in China.
RELS 3373 - Religion and Society in Imperial China (HIS)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: ALL 3373/Hist 3466/RelS 3373
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Varieties of religious experience in imperial China. Religion as lived practices. Textual traditions. Buddhism, Daoism, Confucianism, relations among them. Western missionary enterprise in China.
AMES 3377 - A Thousand Years of Buddhism in China: Beliefs, Practices, and Culture
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: ALL 3377/RelS 3377
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Buddhism in China, 4th-15th centuries. Introduction of Buddhism to China. Relevance of Buddhist teaching to indigenous thought (e.g., Taoism, Confucianism). Major "schools": Tiantai, Huayan, Chan/Zen, etc.. Cultural activities of monks, nuns, and lay believers.
RELS 3377 - A Thousand Years of Buddhism in China: Beliefs, Practices, and Culture
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: AMES 3377 / RELS 3377
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Buddhism in China, 4th-15th centuries. Introduction of Buddhism to China. Relevance of Buddhist teaching to indigenous thought (e.g., Taoism, Confucianism). Major "schools": Tiantai, Huayan, Chan/Zen, etc.. Cultural activities of monks, nuns, and lay believers.
AMES 3478 - Modern Japan, Meiji to the Present (1868-2000) (HIS)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: ALL 3478/EAS 3471/Hist 3471
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Japan's development as industrial/imperial power after Meiji Restoration of 1868. Political developments in Taisho years. Militarization/mobilization for war in 1930s. Japan's war with China, Pacific War with US. American Occupation. Postwar economic recovery, high growth. Changing political/popular culture of 1980s, '90s.
EAS 3471 - Modern Japan, Meiji to the Present (1868-2000) (HIS)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: ALL 3478/EAS 3471/Hist 3471
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Japan's early development as industrial/imperial power after Meiji Restoration of 1868. Political developments in Taisho years: social, cultural, economic trends that supported them. Militarization/mobilization for war in 1930s. Japan's war with China, Pacific War with the United States. American occupation. Postwar economic recovery, high growth. Changing political/popular culture of 1980s, '90s.
HIST 3471 - Modern Japan, Meiji to the Present (1868-2000) (HIS)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: ALL 3478/EAS 3471/Hist 3471
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Japan's early development as industrial/imperial power after Meiji Restoration of 1868. Political developments in Taisho years: social, cultural, economic trends that supported them. Militarization/mobilization for war in 1930s. Japan's war with China, Pacific War with the United States. American Occupation. Postwar economic recovery, high growth. Changing political/popular culture of 1980s, '90s.
AMES 3556 - Korean Film and Media (AH, GP)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: AMES 3556 / AMES 5556
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
This course is an introduction to Korean film from the Japanese colonial period (1910-1945) to the present day. We discuss the emergence of the Korean film industry under the conditions of colonial modernity and the various political pressures put on film production in South Korea until the 1990s. We will then turn to the last twenty years, during which South Korean film and television have experienced a boom in popularity in East Asia and globally. Throughout, we will focus on the formal and technical aspects of film, representations of history and historical memory, genre borrowing and genre mixing, and the relationships between art-house and culture industry productions.
AMES 5556 - Korean Film and Media
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: AMES 3556 / AMES 5556
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
This course is an introduction to Korean film from the Japanese colonial period (1910-1945) to the present day. We discuss the emergence of the Korean film industry under the conditions of colonial modernity and the various political pressures put on film production in South Korea until the 1990s. We will then turn to the last twenty years, during which South Korean film and television have experienced a boom in popularity in East Asia and globally. Throughout, we will focus on the formal and technical aspects of film, representations of history and historical memory, genre borrowing and genre mixing, and the relationships between art-house and culture industry productions.
AMES 3636 - South Asian Women Writers
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: AMES 3636, AMES 5636
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Survey of South Asian women's writing, from early years of nationalist movement to present. Contemporary writing includes works by immigrant writers. Concerns, arguments, and nuances in works of women writing in South Asia and diaspora.
AMES 5636 - South Asian Women Writers
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: AMES 3636, AMES 5636
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Survey of South Asian women's writing, from early years of nationalist movement to present. Contemporary writing includes works by immigrant writers. Concerns, arguments, and nuances in works of women writing in South Asia and diaspora.
AMES 3672 - Buddhism (GP)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: AMES 3672/Rels 3371/RelS 5371
Typically offered: Periodic Summer
Historical and contemporary account of the Buddhist religion in Asia/world in terms of its rise, development, various schools, practices, philosophical concepts, and ethics. Current trends in the modern faith and the rise of "socially engaged" Buddhism.
RELS 3371 - Buddhism (GP)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: AMES 3672/Rels 3371/RelS 5371
Typically offered: Periodic Summer
Historical and contemporary account of the Buddhist religion in Asia/world in terms of its rise, development, various schools, practices, philosophical concepts, and ethics. Current trends in the modern faith and the rise of "socially engaged" Buddhism.
AMES 3877 - The Arab Renaissance: Narrating Modernity (AH, GP)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: AMES 3877/5877
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
The Nah?a, a word meaning renaissance, awakening, or simply the act of standing up, is the name Arab writers and intellectuals of the 19th c. gave their own historical period. What does it mean to view oneself as living through a revival? How does this view shape the contours of the past, or of the future? This class will address these questions through a survey of the political, intellectual, social, and cultural aspects of Arab modernity. We will examine how Arab thinkers of the late 19th and early 20th century produced new genres, identities, and communal affiliations to narrate their experience of modernity, which they often coded as ?the encounter with the West.? Our readings, all in English translation, will cover the first confrontations (and love affairs) with European powers, the self-professed urgency of projects of reforming language, literature, and cultural institutions, the growing schism between religious and secular thought, and the attempts to articulate indigenous alternatives to Western-style modernity.
AMES 5877 - The Arab Renaissance: Narrating Modernity
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: AMES 3877/5877
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
The Nah?a, a word meaning renaissance, awakening, or simply the act of standing up, is the name Arab writers and intellectuals of the 19th c. gave their own historical period. What does it mean to view oneself as living through a revival? How does this view shape the contours of the past, or of the future? This class will address these questions through a survey of the political, intellectual, social, and cultural aspects of Arab modernity. We will examine how Arab thinkers of the late 19th and early 20th century produced new genres, identities, and communal affiliations to narrate their experience of modernity, which they often coded as ?the encounter with the West.? Our readings, all in English translation, will cover the first confrontations (and love affairs) with European powers, the self-professed urgency of projects of reforming language, literature, and cultural institutions, the growing schism between religious and secular thought, and the attempts to articulate indigenous alternatives to Western-style modernity.
CHN 5211 - Introductory Classical Chinese I
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Chn 5211/Jpn 5211/Kor 5211
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Reading excerpts from canonical Chinese texts. Transnational nature of Classical Chinese/its importance in study of East Asian cultures. Taught in English. prereq: Two years of an East Asian language (Chinese, Japanese, Korean) or equivalent or instr consent
JPN 5211 - Introductory Classical Chinese I
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Chn 5211/Jpn 5211/Kor 5211
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Reading excerpts from canonical Chinese texts. Transnational nature of Classical Chinese/its importance in study of East Asian cultures. Taught in English. prereq: Two years of an East Asian language (Chinese, Japanese, Korean) or equivalent or instr consent
KOR 5211 - Introductory Classical Chinese I
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Chn 5211/Jpn 5211/Kor 5211
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Reading excerpts from canonical Chinese texts. Transnational nature of Classical Chinese/its importance in study of East Asian cultures. Taught in English. prereq: Two years of an East Asian language (Chinese, Japanese, Korean) or equivalent or instr consent
ARAB 3811 - Egyptian Colloquial Arabic I
Credits: 2.0 -3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: ARAB 3811/ARAB 4811
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall, Spring & Summer
This course is designed for students of Arabic who have taken a minimum of two semesters of Modern Standard Arabic (ARAB 1101 and 1102), or the equivalent thereof as determined by a placement test. The course provides training in the fundamentals of Egyptian Colloquial Arabic, one of the most widely-spoken and widely-understood Arabic vernaculars. Students practice the expression and comprehension of communicative needs in a variety of daily-life, informal situations. In addition, they are acquainted with a range of authentic cultural materials (film, TV broadcasts, songs) in Egyptian Arabic. The course relies heavily on oral practice and class periods are designed to be interactive. Credit will not be granted if student has already taken ARAB 3900 Fall 2015, Summer 2016
ARAB 3900 - Topics in Arabic
Credits: 1.0 -4.0 [max 6.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Topics specified in course guide.
CHN 5212 - Introductory Classical Chinese II
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Chn 5212/Jpn 5212/Kor 5212
Typically offered: Periodic Spring
Reading excerpts from canonical Chinese texts. Transnational nature of Classical Chinese/its importance in study of East Asian cultures. Taught in English. prereq: 5211 and two years of an East Asian language (Chinese, Japanese, Korean) or its equivalent or instr consent
HIST 3476 - War and Peace in Japan Through Popular Culture
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: ALL 3457/HIST 3476
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
War-related issues in Japan. Animation films, comics from 1940s to 1990s. Mobilization of culture for WWII. Conflict between constitutional pacifism and national security. Japan's role in cold war and post-cold war worlds.
HIST 3477 - Samurai, Geisha, and How They Became Japanese
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Spring
How samurai, geisha, and Zen Buddhism came to be considered as the quintessential Japanese tradition in 20th century. Modernity, nationalism, orientalism, international politics, globalization.
HIST 3505 - Survey of the Modern Middle East (GP)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: AMES3806/Arab/Hist/MELC3505/55
Typically offered: Every Fall
Political history of Middle East in modern era. Socio-economic/intellectual issues. Decline of Ottoman Empire. Imperialism. Nationalism, rise/development of states. Political Islam.
HIST 3507 - History of Modern Egypt
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Fall Odd, Spring Even Year
Main political events. Underlying social, economic, and intellectual issues. Impact of Egypt on region. Developments in Egypt compared with those of other leading Arab states.
HIST 3509 - Approaches to the Study of the Middle East
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Intensive reading/discussion course. Ways in which historians/social scientists have studied Middle East. Problems they have encountered. Paradigms, issues, and debates in Middle Eastern Studies.
HIST 3514W - Water and Oil: An Environmental History of the Middle East (HIS, ENV, WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Water and Oil focuses on the far?reaching impacts of environmental change upon Middle Eastern societies, culture, politics, economic development or underdevelopment, and violence. It offers a narrative of the Middle Eastern past that is not framed by a specific place, ethnic group, religion, or intellectual tradition. The course is designed to enable students to think deeply about technology and the environment across the Middle East, and the region?s development as shaped by local practices, global politics, economic interests, and the struggle for resource management.
HNDI 5040 - Readings in Hindi Texts
Credits: 3.0 [max 9.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Read authentic materials of various types to improve reading/speaking ability.
LANG 3501 - Introduction to Korean Civilization
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
CourseShare course hosted by the University of Michigan Received via video conferencing. Email the CLA Language Center at elsie@umn.edu for more information.
LANG 3502 - Introduction to Korean History
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
CourseShare course hosted by the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Received via video conferencing. Email the CLA Language Center at elsie@umn.edu for more information.
LANG 3503 - Traditional Korean Poetry: Sijo
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
CourseShare course hosted by Rutgers University. Received via video conferencing. Email the CLA Language Center at elsie@umn.edu for more information.
POL 4465 - Democracy and Dictatorship in Southeast Asia (GP)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Pol 4465/Pol 5465
Typically offered: Fall Even Year
A fundamental question of politics is why some regimes endure for many years while others do not. This course examines the "menu of manipulation" through which dictators and democrats claim and retain power, and the conditions under which average citizens mobilize to challenge their governments, despite the risks and in the face of what may seem to be insurmountable odds. We will explore these political dynamics in Southeast Asia, one of the most culturally and politically diverse regions of the globe. Composed of eleven countries, Southeast Asia covers a wide geographical region stretching from India to China. With a rich endowment of natural resources, a dynamic manufacturing base, and a strategic location on China's southern flank, the region has come to play an increasingly important role in the political and economic affairs of the globe. Culturally and ethnically diverse, hundreds of languages are spoken, and the religions practiced include Buddhism, Catholicism, Hinduism, and Islam. The region is similarly diverse in its political systems, which range from democratic to semi-democratic to fully authoritarian.
URDU 5040 - Readings in Urdu Texts
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Read authentic materials of various types to improve reading/speaking ability.
AAS 3486 - Hmong Refugees from the Secret War: Becoming Americans
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: AAS 3486/Hist 3486
Typically offered: Spring Odd Year
Socio-economic, political, gender, cultural/religious changes in Hmong American community during last three decades. How Hmong are racialized in American society. Impact to first/second generations.
HIST 3486 - Hmong Refugees from the Secret War: Becoming Americans
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: AAS 3486/Hist 3486
Typically offered: Spring Odd Year
Socio-economic, political, gender, cultural/religious changes in Hmong American community during last three decades. How Hmong are racialized in American society. Impact to first/second generations.
ARTH 3014W - Art of India (AH, GP, WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: ArtH 3014W/ RelS 3415
Typically offered: Every Spring
Indian sculpture, architecture, and painting from the prehistoric Indus Valley civilization to the present day.
RELS 3415W - Art of India (AH, GP, WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: ArtH 3014W/ RelS 3415
Typically offered: Every Spring
Indian sculpture, architecture, and paintings from the prehistoric Indus Valley civilization to the present day.
AMES 3771 - History of Southeast Asia (GP)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: ALL 3771/Hist 3485
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Origins of civilization/indigenous states. impact of world religions and Western colonialism on gender, social, political, and economic structures. Nationalism. Establishment of Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
HIST 3485 - History of Southeast Asia (GP)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Origins of civilization/indigenous states. impact of world religions and Western colonialism on gender, social, political, and economic structures. Nationalism. Establishment of Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
AAS 3483 - Hmong History Across the Globe
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: AAS 3483//ALL 3776/Hist 3483
Typically offered: Fall Odd, Spring Even Year
Hmong interaction with lowland Southeast Asian states (Laos, Vietnam) and Western colonial powers (French, American) since 19th century. Changes to religious, social, political, and gender institutions. Aspirations for political autonomy.
HIST 3483 - Hmong History Across the Globe
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: AAS 3483//ALL 3776/Hist 3483
Typically offered: Fall Odd, Spring Even Year
Hmong interaction with lowland Southeast Asian states (Laos, Vietnam) and Western colonial powers (French, American) since 19th century. Changes to religious, social, political, and gender institutions. Aspirations for political autonomy.
AMES 3871 - Islam: Religion and Culture
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: ALL 3871/Arab 3036/RelS 3715/H
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course is a brief survey of the religion and civilization of Islam. It introduces students to 1) Islamic history from its inception in the seventh century CE to the present, with emphasis on the life of the Prophet Muhammad and the early Caliphate; 2) The authoritative texts of Islam, i.e. the Quran and Prophetic traditions (Hadith); 3) The institutions and discourses characteristic of Islamic civilization; and 4) The transformation of Muslim life and thought in the modern period. By taking this course, students become familiar with the chief ideas, characters, narratives, rites, localities, and movements associated with Islam. prereq: Soph or jr or sr
HIST 3493 - Islam: Religion and Culture
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: ALL 3871/Arab 3036/RelS 3715/H
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course is a brief survey of the religion and civilization of Islam. It introduces students to 1) Islamic history from its inception in the seventh century CE to the present, with emphasis on the life of the Prophet Muhammad and the early Caliphate; 2) The authoritative texts of Islam, i.e. the Quran and Prophetic traditions (Hadith); 3) The institutions and discourses characteristic of Islamic civilization; and 4) The transformation of Muslim life and thought in the modern period. By taking this course, students become familiar with the chief ideas, characters, narratives, rites, localities, and movements associated with Islam. prereq: Soph or jr or sr
RELS 3712 - Islam: Religion and Culture
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: ALL 3871/Arab 3036/RelS 3715/H
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course is a brief survey of the religion and civilization of Islam. It introduces students to 1) Islamic history from its inception in the seventh century CE to the present, with emphasis on the life of the Prophet Muhammad and the early Caliphate; 2) The authoritative texts of Islam, i.e. the Quran and Prophetic traditions (Hadith); 3) The institutions and discourses characteristic of Islamic civilization; and 4) The transformation of Muslim life and thought in the modern period. By taking this course, students become familiar with the chief ideas, characters, narratives, rites, localities, and movements associated with Islam. prereq: Soph or jr or sr
AMES 3872 - The Cultures of the Silk Road
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: ALL 3872/Hist 3504/RelS 3708
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Past/present state of cultures that flourished in Central Asia (present-day CA republics, Iran, Afghanistan) after Alexander the Great. Decline with opening of sea routes.
HIST 3504 - The Cultures of the Silk Road
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: ALL 3872/Hist 3504/RelS 3708
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Past/present state of the cultures that flourished in Central Asia (present-day CA republics, Iran, Afghanistan) after Alexander the Great and declined with opening of sea routes.
RELS 3708 - The Cultures of the Silk Road
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: ALL 3872/Hist 3504/RelS 3708
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Past/present state of cultures that flourished in Central Asia (present-day CA republics, Iran, Afghanistan) after Alexander the Great. Decline with opening of sea routes.
ARTH 3015W - Art of Islam (AH, GP, WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: ArtH 3015W/ClCv 3015W/RelS 370
Typically offered: Every Fall
Architecture, painting, and other arts from Islam's origins to the 20th century. Cultural and political settings as well as themes that unify the diverse artistic styles of Islamic art will be considered.
RELS 3706W - Art of Islam (AH, GP, WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: ArtH 3015W/ClCv 3015W/RelS 370
Typically offered: Every Fall
Architecture, painting, and other arts from Islam's origins to the 20th century. Cultural and political settings as well as themes that unify the diverse artistic styles of Islamic art will be considered.
CNRC 3074 - Exploring the Quran: An intellectual odyssey with Islam's holy scripture (AH)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: CNES 3074/RelS 3704
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
This course explores the contents of the Quran and probes its place in the history of human civilization. Students will learn about, and critically reflect on, the following subjects: 1) the Quran's core ideas, stories, laws, parables, and arguments, 2) the historical context in which the Quran was first promulgated and codified, 3) the relationship between the Quran and the preceding literary traditions of the ancient world, in particular, the Bible and post-biblical Jewish and Christian writings, 4) Muslim utilization of the Quran towards intellectual, social, religious, cultural, and political ends, and 5) the pre-modern and modern scholarly traditions of interpreting the Quran.
RELS 3704 - Exploring the Quran: An intellectual odyssey with Islam's holy scripture (AH)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: CNES 3074/RelS 3704
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
This course explores the contents of the Quran and probes its place in the history of human civilization. Students will learn about, and critically reflect on, the following subjects: 1) the Quran's core ideas, stories, laws, parables, and arguments, 2) the historical context in which the Quran was first promulgated and codified, 3) the relationship between the Quran and the preceding literary traditions of the ancient world, in particular, the Bible and post-biblical Jewish and Christian writings, 4) Muslim utilization of the Quran towards intellectual, social, religious, cultural, and political ends, and 5) the pre-modern and modern scholarly traditions of interpreting the Quran.
EAS 3461 - Introduction to East Asia I: The Imperial Age
Credits: 3.0 -4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: EAS 3461/Hist 3461
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Comparative survey of early history of China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam; early Chinese thought; diffusion of Confucianism, Buddhism, and other values throughout East Asia; political and social history of region to 1600.
HIST 3461 - Introduction to East Asia I: The Imperial Age
Credits: 3.0 -4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: EAS 3461/Hist 3461
Typically offered: Every Fall
Comparative survey of early history of China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. Early Chinese thought. Diffusion of Confucianism, Buddhism, and other values throughout East Asia. Political and social history of region to 1600.
EAS 3462 - From Subjects to Citizens: The History of East Asia From 1500 to the Present (HIS, GP)
Credits: 3.0 -4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: EAS 3462/EAS 3462H/HIST 3462/H
Typically offered: Every Spring
How Asian states, societies, economies, and cultures linked with one another and with European powers. How period's historical effects still resonate. Covers India, China, Japan, Korea, and Indochina.
EAS 3462H - Honors: From Subjects to Citizens: The History of East Asia from 1500 to the Present (HIS, GP)
Credits: 3.0 -4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: EAS 3462/EAS 3462H/HIST 3462/H
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
How Asian states, societies, economies, cultures linked with one another/European powers. Historical effects. Covers India, China, Japan, Korea, Indochina.
HIST 3462 - From Subjects to Citizens: The History of East Asia From 1500 to the Present (HIS, GP)
Credits: 3.0 -4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: EAS 3462/EAS 3462H/HIST 3462/H
Typically offered: Every Spring
How Asian states, societies, economies, and cultures linked with one another and with European powers. How period's historical effects still resonate. Covers India, China, Japan, Korea, and Indochina.
HIST 3462H - Honors: From Subjects to Citizens: The History of East Asia from 1500 to the Present (HIS, GP)
Credits: 3.0 -4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: EAS 3462/EAS 3462H/HIST 3462/H
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
How Asian states, societies, economies, cultures linked with one another/European powers. Historical effects. Covers India, China, Japan, Korea, Indochina.
GEOG 3145 - The Islamic World (SOCS, GP)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Geog 3145/GloS 3645/RelS 3711
Typically offered: Every Fall
The Islamic World is an overarching course on the Muslim world that addresses the following intellectual concerns: 1. Islam and its contribution to the emergence of the modern world 2. Medieval Muslim civilization and their contribution to human culture 3. The relationship between Islam and gender roles in different Muslim cultures 4. The Muslim community?s struggle against colonialism and post-colonialism 5. Islam?s role in the struggle for Democracy and Development in the Muslim World 6. The relationships between Islam and the environment 7. The relationships between Islam and human rights 8. The relations between the West?s war on terror and the terror of War in the Muslim World
RELS 3711 - The Islamic World (SOCS, GP)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Geog 3145/GloS 3645/RelS 3711
Typically offered: Every Fall
The Islamic World is an overarching course on the Muslim world that addresses the following intellectual concerns: 1. Islam and its contribution to the emergence of the modern world 2. Medieval Muslim civilization and their contribution to human culture 3. The relationship between Islam and gender roles in different Muslim cultures 4. The Muslim community?s struggle against colonialism and post-colonialism 5. Islam?s role in the struggle for Democracy and Development in the Muslim World 6. The relationships between Islam and the environment 7. The relationships between Islam and human rights 8. The relations between the West?s war on terror and the terror of War in the Muslim World
GLBT 3404 - Transnational Sexualities (GP)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: GLBT 3404/GWSS 3404
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Lesbian/gay lives throughout world. Culturally-specific/transcultural aspects of lesbian/gay identity formation, political struggles, community involvement, and global networking. Lesbian/gay life in areas other than Europe and the United States.
GWSS 3404 - Transnational Sexualities (GP)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: GLBT 3404/GWSS 3404
Typically offered: Fall Odd, Spring Even Year
Lesbian/gay lives throughout world. Culturally-specific/transcultural aspects of lesbian/gay identity formation, political struggles, community involvement, and global networking. Lesbian/gay life in areas other than Europe and the United States.
HIST 3546 - Islam and the West
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: GloS 3643/Hist 3546/RelS 3714
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Cultural/intellectual trends that have defined fundamental differences between Islam and the West. Development of historical, philosophical, and intellectual mindset of both spheres. Factors in tension, anxiety, and hatred between Muslim world and Europe and the United States.
RELS 3714 - Islam and the West
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: GloS 3643/Hist 3546/RelS 3714
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Cultural/intellectual trends that have defined differences between Islam and the West. Development of historical, philosophical, and intellectual mindset of both spheres. Factors in tension, anxiety, and hatred between Muslim world and Europe and the United States.
GLOS 3969 - Democracy and popular politics in India
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Hist 3489/GloS 3969
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Democracy is not only a political order; it is also a popular culture and politics. This course explores three tumultuous moments of this politics and culture in India: the pluralist nationalism which characterized Gandhian nonviolence and the Indian constitution, the majoritarianism that was often this pluralism's undertow, and Hindutva or Hindu supremacism, the now dominant populist ideology.
HIST 3489 - Democracy and popular politics in India
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Hist 3489/GloS 3969
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Democracy is not only a political order; it is also a popular culture and politics. This course explores three tumultuous moments of this politics and culture in India: the pluralist nationalism which characterized Gandhian nonviolence and the Indian constitution, the majoritarianism that was often this pluralism?s undertow, and Hindutva or Hindu supremacism, the now dominant populist ideology.
HIST 3513 - North Africa since 1500: Islam, Colonialism, and Independence
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Hist 3513Hist 5513 /RelS 3721/
Typically offered: Spring Odd Year
History of Maghrib (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, disputed territories of Western Sahara) from time of Ottoman expansion/Sharifian dynasties (Sa'dian/'Alawid) in 16th/17th Centuries to end of 20th century. Focus on encounter of Islamic cultures/societies of Maghrib with Africa/Europe.
RELS 3721 - North Africa since 1500: Islam, Colonialism, and Independence
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Hist 3513Hist 5513 /RelS 3721/
Typically offered: Spring Odd Year
History of Maghrib (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, disputed territories of Western Sahara) from time of Ottoman expansion/Sharifian dynasties (Sa'dian/'Alawid) in 16th/17th Centuries to end of 20th century. Focus on encounter of Islamic cultures/societies of Maghrib with Africa/Europe.
HIST 3547 - The Ottoman Empire (HIS, GP)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Hist 3547/RelS 3722
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Survey of Islam's most successful empire, from its founding circa 1300 to its demise in 1923. Lands, institutions, peoples, historical legacy.
RELS 3722 - The Ottoman Empire (HIS, GP)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Hist 3547/RelS 3722
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Survey of Islam's most successful empire, from its founding circa 1300 to its demise in 1923. Lands, institutions, peoples, historical legacy.
ARAB 5040 - Readings in Arabic Texts
Credits: 2.0 -4.0 [max 9.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
Post-advanced study of extensive, complex original Arabic texts and development of students' Arabic discussion and writing skills in the realms of literature, academia, media and/or business. All primary and secondary readings, assignments, in-class analysis and discussion are done fully in Arabic. Topics specified in Class Schedule.
ARAB 5041 - Classical and Modern Arabic Prose
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
In this class, students read extensive, complex, original Arabic texts and develop their academic discussion and writing skills in Arabic. The course covers a substantial number of Arabic literary texts of different genres and time periods: excerpts of the Prophet's biography, classical treatises and travel writing, stories from the "1001 Nights," 20th-century short stories, and short novels. To contextualize the literary texts, students read secondary texts also composed in Arabic and engage with Arabic audiovisual materials (video clips, TV interviews, songs) in class and at home. In-class analysis and discussion of the texts is conducted exclusively in Arabic. prereq: ARAB 5102 or the equivalent thereof as established by a placement test
ARAB 5101 - Advanced Arabic I
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Advanced readings in classical/modern Arabic. Compositions based on texts. prereq: Grade B- or higher in 3102 or instr consent
ARAB 5102 - Advanced Arabic II
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Readings of Arabic texts. Writing compositions based on texts. Continuation of 5101.
CHN 4041 - Advanced Readings in Modern Chinese I
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Writings of different styles. Short stories/essays written since 1949 that reflect Chinese society. Internet writing, use of language. Writings reflection of contemporary Chinese society, its culture/philosophies. prereq: 3032 or instr consent
CHN 4042 - Advanced Readings in Modern Chinese II
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Writings of different styles. Short stories/essays written since 1949 that reflect Chinese society. Internet writing, use of language. Writings' reflection of contemporary Chinese society, its culture/philosophies. prereq: 3032 or instr consent
CHN 5041 - Media Chinese
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Conducted 100% in Mandarin Chinese, this course trains students to comprehend media Chinese by listening to and viewing Chinese television programs and online/internet resources. Course content includes international and Chinese national news, social issues, historical events, and interpersonal relations relevant to modern Chinese society, history, and culture. Students must have taken 3-4 years of college-level Chinese or demonstrate the same level of Chinese proficiency.
CHN 5042 - Contemporary Chinese Texts 1949-present
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Advanced Chinese language course focused on contemporary Chinese short stories, novelettes, and prose written since 1949, especially from 1978 to the present. These literary works explore various aspects of contemporary Chinese society, history, and culture including: social prejudices and discrimination against the mentally and physically disadvantaged, the Anti-Rightist Movement, the Cultural Revolution, the drug problem, male-female relationships, education, parental love (and lack thereof), traditional Chinese views of life, rape and sex, influence from the West, and more. Class discussion focuses on the use of the language, the social interpretation of the texts, and the Chinese cultural and philosophical implications found in those works. prereq: CHN 4042 or instructor consent. Recommended: CHN 5041
CHN 5214 - Classical Chinese Language and Culture
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Classical Chinese, or literary Chinese, was the formal written language in China until the early 20th century, and also, during various periods, in Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. It is closely related to the modern Chinese language, especially for formal writing, and its literary heritage has laid the cornerstone of Chinese cultural values and worldviews. This class guides the students to comprehend the linguistic and cultural characteristics of classical Chinese, introduces them to key aspects of the tradition, and develops skills for translating classical Chinese into modern Chinese and English texts. The prerequisite is fourth-year Chinese (CHN 4042) or above. Please note that this class is entirely taught in modern Mandarin Chinese, although English study guides will be provided throughout the course.
HMNG 5040 - Readings in Hmong Texts
Credits: 3.0 -4.0 [max 12.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Comprehensive, multidimensional overview of Hmong oral forms/traditions. Hmong legends, mythology, folksongs, birth, marriage/funeral rites. History, social/cultural anthropology. Values, life ways of traditional village society. Societal changes resulting from emigration to U.S.
HMNG 5041 - Readings in Hmong Social and Cultural Experience
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Students read a variety of authentic texts in Hmong, ranging from traditional folklore, folksongs, stories, research, news articles, and more. Utilizing these authentic texts, students will have in-depth discussions on Hmong literature, vocabulary, language applications and social/cultural structures. In-class discussions focus on language use, social interpretations of texts, and social applications. Class is conducted 80% Hmong, and 20% English. prereq: HMNG 3031 or instructor consent
JPN 4041 - Advanced Japanese Conversation and Composition I
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Practice in advanced spoken/written Japanese. Assignments include essays, summaries, formal interviews in Japanese. prereq: 3032 or instr consent
JPN 4042 - Advanced Japanese Conversation and Composition II
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Practice in advanced spoken/written Japanese. Typical assignments include essays, summaries, formal interviews in Japanese. prereq: 4041 or instr consent
JPN 5040 - Readings in Japanese Texts
Credits: 3.0 [max 9.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Students read authentic materials of various types to increase reading and speaking ability. Topics specified in Class Schedule. prereq: 4042 or equiv or instr consent
KOR 4041 - Advanced Readings in Modern Korean I
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Speaking, listening, reading, writing. Content/task-based course. Study vocabulary/read novels, journals, selections from Korean history/arts. Writing summaries, reports, simple reaction papers. prereq: 3032 or equiv or instr consent
KOR 4042 - Advanced Readings in Modern Korean II
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Speaking, listening, reading, writing. Content/task-based course. Study vocabulary/read novels, journals, selections from Korean history/arts. Writing summaries, reports, simple reaction papers. prereq: 4041 or equiv or instr consent
ARAB 3101 - Intermediate Arabic I
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Arab 3101/Arab 4121
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course is designed for students who have successfully completed two semesters of intensive Beginner Modern Standard Arabic. Like its prequels, Intermediate Arabic I focuses on the equal development of the fundamental skills of speaking, writing, reading, and listening in Modern Standard Arabic. This course is designed as a communicative and interactive learning environment, with a strong emphasis on practice. Presentations, oral interaction and writing samples are expected to become lengthier and more intricate. Students study increasingly complex grammar through engagement with authentic oral, print and digital texts. Pre-req: pass in ARAB-1102/4102 or equivalent experience as assessed through a placement test.
ARAB 3102 - Intermediate Arabic II
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Arab 3102/Arab 4122
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring & Summer
This course is designed for students who have successfully completed three semesters of intensive Modern Standard Arabic. Like its prequels, Intermediate Arabic II focuses on the equal development of the fundamental skills of speaking, writing, reading, and listening in Modern Standard Arabic. Thematic units, however, transcend the communicative needs of daily life to include communication about subjects of a broader cultural, historical and sociological relevance. This course is designed as a communicative and interactive learning environment, with a strong emphasis on practice. Presentations, oral interaction, and writing samples are expected to become lengthier and more intricate. Students study increasingly complex grammar through engagement with authentic oral, print, and digital texts. Pre-req: pass in ARAB-3101/4122 or equivalent experience as assessed through a placement test.
CHN 3016 - Accelerated Intermediate Modern Chinese
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Chn 1016/Chn 4006
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Continuation of CHN 1015. Mandarin Chinese course designed primarily for students with oral/aural skills but with little or no exposure to reading and writing. Also for speakers of other Chinese dialects and others with prior experience. Concentration on reading, writing, and standard pronunciation. Equivalent to two semesters, Chinese 3021-3022. Upon completion, student may enter Advanced Modern Chinese, Chinese 3031. prereq: 1012 or 1015; oral/aural skills or speaker of other Chinese dialect recommended
CHN 3021 - Intermediate Modern Chinese I
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Chn 3021/Chn 4003
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Modern standard Chinese skills developed further through conversations, writing, reading. prereq: 1012 or 1015 or equiv or instr consent
CHN 3022 - Intermediate Modern Chinese II
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Chn 3022/Chn 4004
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Modern standard Chinese skills developed further through conversation/reading. prereq: 3021
CHN 3031 - Advanced Modern Chinese I
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: CHN 3031/CHN 4007
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Reading/analysis of 20th-century texts. prereq: 3022 or equiv or instr consent
CHN 3032 - Advanced Modern Chinese II
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: CHN 3032/CHN 4008
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Reading/analysis of 20th-century texts. prereq: 3031 or equiv or instr consent
HMNG 3016 - Accelerated Intermediate Hmong
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Hmng 3016/Hmng 4006
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Review of grammar/usage, continued practice in reading/writing. Expanded introduction to Hmong literature/formal writing. Selected topics in Hmong culture. prereq: [1011 and 1012] or 1015 or instr consent
HMNG 3021 - Intermediate Hmong I
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Hmng 3021/4003
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Listening, speaking, reading, writing. Grammar review/elaboration. Authentic texts, cultural readings, basic compositions, oral presentations. prereq: Hmng 1002 or Hmng 1012 or Hmng 1015
HMNG 3022 - Intermediate Hmong II
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Hmng 3022/4004
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Continuation of 3021. Listening, speaking, reading, writing. Grammar review/elaboration. Authentic texts, cultural readings, basic compositions, oral presentations. prereq: Hmng 3021
HMNG 3031 - Advanced Hmong I
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Hmng 3031/Hmng 4007
Typically offered: Every Fall
Speaking, listening, reading, writing. Complex vocabularies, sentence structures from Hmong newspapers, magazine, folktales, folk songs, novels, poetry, proverbs, riddles. Concepts/terms from social/ritual settings. Idioms, slang, classifiers. prereq: 3022 or equiv or instr consent
HNDI 3021 - Intermediate Hindi I
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Hndi 3021/Hndi 4003
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Development of reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Grammar review, some basic compositions and oral presentations.
HNDI 3022 - Intermediate Hindi II
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Hndi 3022/Hndi 4004/3016/4016
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Development of reading, writing speaking, and listening skills. Grammar review, some basic compositions and oral presentations.
HNDI 3031 - Advanced Hindi I
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Hndi 3031/HnUr 4005/Urdu 3031/
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Continued emphasis on development of communication skills, ability to comprehend both written/spoken texts. Speak, read, write in Hindi beyond intermediate level. prereq: 3022 or instr consent
HNDI 3032 - Advanced Hindi II
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Hndi 3032/Hndi 4006/Urdu 3032/
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
This course is the second half of the Advanced Hindi course sequence. Continued emphasis on development of communication skills, ability to comprehend both written/spoken texts. Speak, read, write in Hindi beyond intermediate level. prereq: HNDI 3031 or instr consent
JPN 3021 - Intermediate Japanese I
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Jpn 3021/4003
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Intermediate speaking, reading, writing in Japanese. prereq: 1012 or instr consent
JPN 3022 - Intermediate Japanese II
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Jpn 3022/Jpn 4004
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring & Summer
Intermediate speaking, reading, writing in Japanese. prereq: 3021 or instr consent
JPN 3031 - Third Year Japanese I
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Jpn 3031/Jpn 4005
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Advanced intermediate-level instruction in speaking, reading, writing Japanese. Development of reading proficiency in modern Japanese prose. prereq: 3022 or instr consent
JPN 3032 - Third Year Japanese II
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Jpn 3032/Jpn 4006
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Advanced intermediate-level instruction in speaking, reading, writing Japanese. Development of reading proficiency in modern Japanese prose. prereq: 3031 or instr consent
KOR 3021 - Intermediate Korean I
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Kor 3021/4003
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Speaking, reading, writing at intermediate level in modern colloquial Korean. Simple narration/written reports. Some basic Chinese characters may be introduced. prereq: 1012
KOR 3022 - Intermediate Korean II
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Kor 3022/4004
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Speaking, reading, writing at intermediate level in modern colloquial Korean. Narration/written reports. Introduction of additional basic Chinese characters. prereq: 3021
KOR 3031 - Third Year Korean I
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Kor 3031/Kor 4005
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Speaking, reading, writing at advanced level in modern colloquial Korean. Narration, written reports. Further Chinese characters introduced. prereq: 3022
KOR 3032 - Third Year Korean II
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Kor 3032/Kor 4006
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Speaking, reading, writing at advanced level in modern colloquial Korean. Narration, written reports. Further Chinese characters introduced. prereq: 3031
URDU 3021 - Intermediate Urdu I
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Urdu 3021/Urdu 4003
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Development of reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Grammar review, basic compositions, oral presentations.
URDU 3022 - Intermediate Urdu II
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Urdu 3016/Urdu 3022/4004/4016
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Development of reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Grammar review, basic compositions, oral presentations.
URDU 3032 - Advanced Urdu II
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Hndi 3032/Hndi 4006/Urdu 3032/
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
This course is intended for students who have already completed four semesters of study in Urdu or have an equivalent Hindi-Urdu proficiency. The course builds on the skills acquired in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in the first semester of Advanced Urdu instruction (URDU 3031/4005) and provides a more advanced foundation in Urdu. The course aims for the students to acquire an advanced-level proficiency in Urdu by developing language functions such as narration, description, and comparison. Students will be introduced to different genres and styles of spoken and written Urdu as well as grammatical details that facilitate accuracy and fluency. The students are expected to read and write coherent Urdu paragraphs and further develop and hone their conversational skills. We will also review and continue the study of Urdu grammar. prereq: URDU 3031 or instructor consent
URDU 3031 - Advanced Urdu I
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Hndi 3031/HnUr 4005/Urdu 3031/
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Continued emphasis on development of communication skills, ability to comprehend both written/spoken texts. Speak, read, write in Urdu beyond intermediate level. Prereq: 3022 or instr consent
AMES 1001 - Asian Film and Animation (AH, GP)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Various film styles within Asian film/animation production. Ways of analyzing film. Work of 20th-century directors in Asia.
AMES 1201 - Arrow, Fist, and Sword: Conceptions of the Hero in Asian Cultures (LITR, GP)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Concepts of the "hero" in Persian, Indian Chinese, Korean, and Japanese cultures: How did various societies in these countries define the ethos of the "hero" and his relationship to the community? How did versions of the hero change over time, and how was the hero redefined in the context of modern nationalism? What part have traditional gender roles played in defining the hero, and is a "female" hero possible within these traditions? And how has popular film allowed modern Asian societies to reinterpret their traditional conceptions of the hero? Specific explorations: the Persian hero Rostam in The Book of Kings; Rama and retellings of the Indian Ramayana; Mulan and the Chinese female warrior; the Korean hero Hong Gildong; and the Japanese story of the forty-seven ronin.
AMES 1806 - Modern Middle Eastern Cultures and Societies (AH, GP)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
What we commonly and monolithically refer to as ?the Middle East? in fact consists of many different individual nation-states, each with their own particular historical trajectory and a combined population of half a billion people encompassing a plethora of religious faiths, political orientations, social formations, and varied identities. This course provides a starting point for comprehending this frequently misunderstood part of the world, the diverse peoples who inhabit it, and the myriad cultures they practice. We will address the various problems we encounter when approaching such an unwieldy concept as ?the Middle East,? key moments that have shaped modern Middle Eastern cultures and societies, and examples of how cultural production functions in the context of modern Middle Eastern history and politics.
AMES 1836 - Modern Middle Eastern Literature (LITR, GP)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
This course introduces students to the diversity of contemporary Middle Eastern cultures, identities, and histories through readings in modern literature. Reading novels, stories, poetry, and memoirs translated from Arabic, Hebrew, Persian, and Turkish, we will follow a number of key concerns shaping Middle Eastern cultural production: legacies of colonialism and the manner they shaped the relationship between classical and modern literary forms, the ethical and aesthetic challenges of bearing testimony to violence, and the manner literature reflects and subverts racial hierarchies, ethnic divisions, and gender dynamics. These themes will be debated in a range of spaces and contexts: the desert, the city, and the ocean as quintessential environments in times of great social and ecological upheavals; migration flows and refugee identities; the alternating banality and grotesqueness of war; and the formation of intimate, personal relationships.
ARTH 1004W - Introduction to Asian Art (HIS, WI)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: ArtH 1004W/1004V/1016W/1016V
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
This one-semester course is an introduction to painting, sculpture, and architecture from South, Southeast, and East Asia. It will cover works from ancient cultures to those of contemporary Asian diasporas. Resisting the impossible task of covering everything, we will instead home in on specific objects in order to understand them in their broader cultural, religious, and social contexts. We will trace the ways in which common themes and problems appear in different art forms and in different places, and we will discover the ways in which seemingly disparate styles and objects may be productively understood in conversation with each other. We will work together to create an interpretive model that is synthetic, critical, and appreciative of the enormously diverse field that is Asian Art. Lectures will move from explanatory descriptions of objects and histories that are covered in the textbook to critical interpretations of the historiographies that shape the contemporary reception of Asian art.
CHN 3201 - Chinese Calligraphy
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Appreciation and execution of Chinese calligraphy through guided practice.
CHN 3202 - Intermediate Chinese Calligraphy
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Advanced techniques of composing Chinese characters using regular style of Chinese calligraphy. prereq: 3201 or instr consent
CHN 3203 - Advanced Chinese Handwriting
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
This course is designed for students participating in the Chinese Flagship program who have already completed CHN 3201 (Chinese Calligraphy). Students with a Chinese language background may also enroll with the instructor's permission. The course will be taught in Mandarin Chinese. Students will learn the proper methods of composing a Chinese character using pen/pencil. With this foundation, they will advance to writing ancient poetry, couplets, and classical and modern essays. As students learn to write beautiful characters in these texts, they will also gain a better understanding of Chinese culture and literature. Students will also have the opportunity to read and recognize characters written in the Running Script and Casual Script. A deeper understanding of the intricacies in written script allows students to better appreciate the beauty of Chinese literature and engage with its diverse philosophies.
ARAB 1101 - Beginning Arabic I
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Arab 1101/Arab 4101
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Summer
After learning the Arabic script, you will develop your ability to communicate in Arabic about yourself, your community, and your environment. You will learn to speak, write, read, and listen to meet the demands of daily life. You will learn to inquire about others and negotiate meaning with them, and to interpret concise print, oral, and digital texts. You will also begin to explore the rich cultural diversity of the Arab world. This class is taught following a communicative and interactive approach and is focused on practice.
ARAB 1102 - Beginning Arabic II
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Arab 1102/Arab 4102
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring & Summer
As the continuation of ARAB-1101, ARAB-1102 focuses on the equal development of the fundamental skills of speaking, writing, reading, and listening in Modern Standard Arabic. Content is tailored to meet the communicative demands of daily life. Class time is mostly devoted to practice. In addition to daily homework assignments, students give oral presentations, compose basic essays, and work on an oral or written project. Attendance of this class is required for all five weekly contact hours. Pre-req: pass in ARAB-1101/4101, or equivalent experience as assessed through a placement test.
CHN 1011 - Beginning Modern Chinese I
Credits: 5.0 [max 6.0]
Course Equivalencies: Chn 1011/Chn 4001
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Summer
Speaking/reading modern standard Chinese through structured practice.
CHN 1012 - Beginning Modern Chinese II
Credits: 5.0 [max 6.0]
Course Equivalencies: Chn 1012/Chn 4002
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring & Summer
Speaking/reading modern standard Chinese through structured practice. prereq: 1011 or equiv or instr consent
CHN 1015 - Accelerated Beginning Modern Chinese
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Chn 1015/Chn 4005
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Mandarin Chinese. Reading, writing, standard pronunciation. Meets with 4005. prereq: Oral/aural skills or speaker of other Chinese dialect recommended
HMNG 1011 - Beginning Hmong I
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Hmng 1011/4001
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Listening, speaking, reading, writing skills. Emphasizes development of communicative competence.
HMNG 1012 - Beginning Hmong II
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Hmng 1012/4002
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Continuation of 1011. Listening, speaking, reading, writing skills. Development of communicative competence. prereq: HMNG 1001 or 1011
HMNG 1015 - Accelerated Beginning Hmong
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Hmng 1015/Hmng 4005
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Summer
Review of grammar/usage, practice in reading/writing. Introduction to Hmong literature and formal writing. Topics in Hmong culture. prereq: Ability in basic spoken Hmong
HNDI 1011 - Beginning Hindi I
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Hndi 1011/Hndi 4001
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Basic listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Emphasis on the development of communicative competence.
HNDI 1012 - Beginning Hindi II
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Hndi 1012/Hndi 4002
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Basic listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Emphasizes communicative competence.
JPN 1011 - Beginning Japanese I
Credits: 5.0 [max 6.0]
Course Equivalencies: Jpn 1011/4001
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Summer
Introduction to speaking, reading, writing Japanese.
JPN 1012 - Beginning Japanese II
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Jpn 1012/4002
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring & Summer
Introduction to speaking, reading, writing Japanese. prereq: 1011
KOR 1011 - Beginning Korean I
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Kor 1011/4001
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Basic grammatical structure, vocabulary, expressions of modern colloquial Korean. Introduces Korean writing system.
KOR 1012 - Beginning Korean II
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Kor 1012/4002
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Basic grammatical structure, vocabulary, expressions of modern colloquial Korean. prereq: 1011
URDU 1011 - Beginning Urdu I
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Urdu 1011/Urdu 4001
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Basic listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Emphasizes development of communicative competence.
URDU 1012 - Beginning Urdu II
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Urdu 1012/1015/4002/4015
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Basic listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Emphasizes development of communicative competence.
AMES 4901W - Capstone Project in Asian & Middle Eastern Studies (WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
The capstone project in the department of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies is meant to demonstrate the cumulative language, critical thinking, and analysis skills developed by students over the course of their undergraduate studies. It consists of a thesis of at least 6000 words, in which students must synthesize research in primary language sources (i.e. texts, films, or other forms of cultural production in the original language of student's declared subplan) with secondary research. prereq: AMES major, sr
AMES 3232W - "Short" Poetry in China and Japan (WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Short poetic forms of China and Japan. Chinese quatrains and octets. Japanese tanka and haiku. Translations by modern poets. Texts in original languages (with provided glosses). Art of translation. Translators' conceptions of East Asian 'exoticism.'
AMES 3265W - The Fantastic in East Asia: Ghosts, Foxes, and the Alien (LITR, WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
How the strange/alien is constructed in premodern Chinese/Japanese literature. East Asian theories of the strange and their role in the classical tale, through the works of Pu Songling, Edo-era storytellers, and others. Role of Buddhist cosmology and salvation. prereq: Some coursework in East Asia recommended
AMES 3356W - Chinese Film (AH, WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Survey of Chinese cinema from China (PRC), Taiwan, and Hong Kong. Emphasizes discussion/comparison of global, social, economic, sexual, gender, psychological, and other themes as represented through film.
AMES 3441W - Japanese Theater (AH, WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Japanese performance traditions. Emphasizes noh, kabuki, and bunraku in their literary/cultural contexts. Relationship between these pre-modern traditions and modern theatrical forms (e.g., Takarazuka Revue).
AMES 3637W - Modern Indian Literature (LITR, GP, WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: ALL 3637W/GloS 3637W
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Survey of 20th century literature from South Asian countries, including India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. All readings in English. Focuses on colonialism, post-colonialism, power, and representation.
AMES 3856W - Palestinian Literature and Film (GP, WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
This course examines modern literature and film of the Palestinian people both for artistic significance and interactions with the broader historical and political situations confronted by Palestinians. We will ask how cultural production, namely literature and film, interacts with, responds to, and even anticipates historical and political events. At the same time, we will problematize a strictly historicist and political reading of literary and cinematic texts, which reduces such artistic works to mere sociological documents, overlooking their creative and artistic achievements. Ultimately, this leads us to a number of questions: what is the relationship between history/politics and art? Can artistic texts transcend the historical and political contexts in which they are produced? How has artistic production functioned within the context of Palestinian statelessness, exile, and anti-colonial struggle? All texts covered in the course will be in English translation, however those able to read texts in the original Arabic are encouraged to do so.
AMES 4901W - Capstone Project in Asian & Middle Eastern Studies (WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
The capstone project in the department of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies is meant to demonstrate the cumulative language, critical thinking, and analysis skills developed by students over the course of their undergraduate studies. It consists of a thesis of at least 6000 words, in which students must synthesize research in primary language sources (i.e. texts, films, or other forms of cultural production in the original language of student's declared subplan) with secondary research. prereq: AMES major, sr
CHN 1011 - Beginning Modern Chinese I
Credits: 5.0 [max 6.0]
Course Equivalencies: Chn 1011/Chn 4001
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Summer
Speaking/reading modern standard Chinese through structured practice.
CHN 1012 - Beginning Modern Chinese II
Credits: 5.0 [max 6.0]
Course Equivalencies: Chn 1012/Chn 4002
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring & Summer
Speaking/reading modern standard Chinese through structured practice. prereq: 1011 or equiv or instr consent
CHN 1015 - Accelerated Beginning Modern Chinese
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Chn 1015/Chn 4005
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Mandarin Chinese. Reading, writing, standard pronunciation. Meets with 4005. prereq: Oral/aural skills or speaker of other Chinese dialect recommended
CHN 3021 - Intermediate Modern Chinese I
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Chn 3021/Chn 4003
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Modern standard Chinese skills developed further through conversations, writing, reading. prereq: 1012 or 1015 or equiv or instr consent
CHN 3022 - Intermediate Modern Chinese II
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Chn 3022/Chn 4004
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Modern standard Chinese skills developed further through conversation/reading. prereq: 3021
CHN 3016 - Accelerated Intermediate Modern Chinese
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Chn 1016/Chn 4006
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Continuation of CHN 1015. Mandarin Chinese course designed primarily for students with oral/aural skills but with little or no exposure to reading and writing. Also for speakers of other Chinese dialects and others with prior experience. Concentration on reading, writing, and standard pronunciation. Equivalent to two semesters, Chinese 3021-3022. Upon completion, student may enter Advanced Modern Chinese, Chinese 3031. prereq: 1012 or 1015; oral/aural skills or speaker of other Chinese dialect recommended
CHN 3031 - Advanced Modern Chinese I
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: CHN 3031/CHN 4007
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Reading/analysis of 20th-century texts. prereq: 3022 or equiv or instr consent
CHN 3032 - Advanced Modern Chinese II
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: CHN 3032/CHN 4008
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Reading/analysis of 20th-century texts. prereq: 3031 or equiv or instr consent
CHN 4041 - Advanced Readings in Modern Chinese I
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Writings of different styles. Short stories/essays written since 1949 that reflect Chinese society. Internet writing, use of language. Writings reflection of contemporary Chinese society, its culture/philosophies. prereq: 3032 or instr consent
CHN 4042 - Advanced Readings in Modern Chinese II
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Writings of different styles. Short stories/essays written since 1949 that reflect Chinese society. Internet writing, use of language. Writings' reflection of contemporary Chinese society, its culture/philosophies. prereq: 3032 or instr consent
CHN 5041 - Media Chinese
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Conducted 100% in Mandarin Chinese, this course trains students to comprehend media Chinese by listening to and viewing Chinese television programs and online/internet resources. Course content includes international and Chinese national news, social issues, historical events, and interpersonal relations relevant to modern Chinese society, history, and culture. Students must have taken 3-4 years of college-level Chinese or demonstrate the same level of Chinese proficiency.
CHN 5042 - Contemporary Chinese Texts 1949-present
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Advanced Chinese language course focused on contemporary Chinese short stories, novelettes, and prose written since 1949, especially from 1978 to the present. These literary works explore various aspects of contemporary Chinese society, history, and culture including: social prejudices and discrimination against the mentally and physically disadvantaged, the Anti-Rightist Movement, the Cultural Revolution, the drug problem, male-female relationships, education, parental love (and lack thereof), traditional Chinese views of life, rape and sex, influence from the West, and more. Class discussion focuses on the use of the language, the social interpretation of the texts, and the Chinese cultural and philosophical implications found in those works. prereq: CHN 4042 or instructor consent. Recommended: CHN 5041
CHN 5214 - Classical Chinese Language and Culture
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Classical Chinese, or literary Chinese, was the formal written language in China until the early 20th century, and also, during various periods, in Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. It is closely related to the modern Chinese language, especially for formal writing, and its literary heritage has laid the cornerstone of Chinese cultural values and worldviews. This class guides the students to comprehend the linguistic and cultural characteristics of classical Chinese, introduces them to key aspects of the tradition, and develops skills for translating classical Chinese into modern Chinese and English texts. The prerequisite is fourth-year Chinese (CHN 4042) or above. Please note that this class is entirely taught in modern Mandarin Chinese, although English study guides will be provided throughout the course.
JPN 1011 - Beginning Japanese I
Credits: 5.0 [max 6.0]
Course Equivalencies: Jpn 1011/4001
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Summer
Introduction to speaking, reading, writing Japanese.
JPN 1012 - Beginning Japanese II
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Jpn 1012/4002
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring & Summer
Introduction to speaking, reading, writing Japanese. prereq: 1011
JPN 3021 - Intermediate Japanese I
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Jpn 3021/4003
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Intermediate speaking, reading, writing in Japanese. prereq: 1012 or instr consent
JPN 3022 - Intermediate Japanese II
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Jpn 3022/Jpn 4004
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring & Summer
Intermediate speaking, reading, writing in Japanese. prereq: 3021 or instr consent
JPN 3031 - Third Year Japanese I
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Jpn 3031/Jpn 4005
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Advanced intermediate-level instruction in speaking, reading, writing Japanese. Development of reading proficiency in modern Japanese prose. prereq: 3022 or instr consent
JPN 3032 - Third Year Japanese II
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Jpn 3032/Jpn 4006
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Advanced intermediate-level instruction in speaking, reading, writing Japanese. Development of reading proficiency in modern Japanese prose. prereq: 3031 or instr consent
JPN 4041 - Advanced Japanese Conversation and Composition I
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Practice in advanced spoken/written Japanese. Assignments include essays, summaries, formal interviews in Japanese. prereq: 3032 or instr consent
JPN 4042 - Advanced Japanese Conversation and Composition II
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Practice in advanced spoken/written Japanese. Typical assignments include essays, summaries, formal interviews in Japanese. prereq: 4041 or instr consent
JPN 5040 - Readings in Japanese Texts
Credits: 3.0 [max 9.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Students read authentic materials of various types to increase reading and speaking ability. Topics specified in Class Schedule. prereq: 4042 or equiv or instr consent
KOR 1011 - Beginning Korean I
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Kor 1011/4001
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Basic grammatical structure, vocabulary, expressions of modern colloquial Korean. Introduces Korean writing system.
KOR 1012 - Beginning Korean II
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Kor 1012/4002
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Basic grammatical structure, vocabulary, expressions of modern colloquial Korean. prereq: 1011
KOR 3021 - Intermediate Korean I
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Kor 3021/4003
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Speaking, reading, writing at intermediate level in modern colloquial Korean. Simple narration/written reports. Some basic Chinese characters may be introduced. prereq: 1012
KOR 3022 - Intermediate Korean II
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Kor 3022/4004
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Speaking, reading, writing at intermediate level in modern colloquial Korean. Narration/written reports. Introduction of additional basic Chinese characters. prereq: 3021
KOR 3031 - Third Year Korean I
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Kor 3031/Kor 4005
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Speaking, reading, writing at advanced level in modern colloquial Korean. Narration, written reports. Further Chinese characters introduced. prereq: 3022
KOR 3032 - Third Year Korean II
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Kor 3032/Kor 4006
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Speaking, reading, writing at advanced level in modern colloquial Korean. Narration, written reports. Further Chinese characters introduced. prereq: 3031
KOR 4041 - Advanced Readings in Modern Korean I
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Speaking, listening, reading, writing. Content/task-based course. Study vocabulary/read novels, journals, selections from Korean history/arts. Writing summaries, reports, simple reaction papers. prereq: 3032 or equiv or instr consent
KOR 4042 - Advanced Readings in Modern Korean II
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Speaking, listening, reading, writing. Content/task-based course. Study vocabulary/read novels, journals, selections from Korean history/arts. Writing summaries, reports, simple reaction papers. prereq: 4041 or equiv or instr consent
ARAB 1101 - Beginning Arabic I
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Arab 1101/Arab 4101
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Summer
After learning the Arabic script, you will develop your ability to communicate in Arabic about yourself, your community, and your environment. You will learn to speak, write, read, and listen to meet the demands of daily life. You will learn to inquire about others and negotiate meaning with them, and to interpret concise print, oral, and digital texts. You will also begin to explore the rich cultural diversity of the Arab world. This class is taught following a communicative and interactive approach and is focused on practice.
ARAB 1102 - Beginning Arabic II
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Arab 1102/Arab 4102
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring & Summer
As the continuation of ARAB-1101, ARAB-1102 focuses on the equal development of the fundamental skills of speaking, writing, reading, and listening in Modern Standard Arabic. Content is tailored to meet the communicative demands of daily life. Class time is mostly devoted to practice. In addition to daily homework assignments, students give oral presentations, compose basic essays, and work on an oral or written project. Attendance of this class is required for all five weekly contact hours. Pre-req: pass in ARAB-1101/4101, or equivalent experience as assessed through a placement test.
ARAB 3101 - Intermediate Arabic I
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Arab 3101/Arab 4121
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course is designed for students who have successfully completed two semesters of intensive Beginner Modern Standard Arabic. Like its prequels, Intermediate Arabic I focuses on the equal development of the fundamental skills of speaking, writing, reading, and listening in Modern Standard Arabic. This course is designed as a communicative and interactive learning environment, with a strong emphasis on practice. Presentations, oral interaction and writing samples are expected to become lengthier and more intricate. Students study increasingly complex grammar through engagement with authentic oral, print and digital texts. Pre-req: pass in ARAB-1102/4102 or equivalent experience as assessed through a placement test.
ARAB 3102 - Intermediate Arabic II
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Arab 3102/Arab 4122
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring & Summer
This course is designed for students who have successfully completed three semesters of intensive Modern Standard Arabic. Like its prequels, Intermediate Arabic II focuses on the equal development of the fundamental skills of speaking, writing, reading, and listening in Modern Standard Arabic. Thematic units, however, transcend the communicative needs of daily life to include communication about subjects of a broader cultural, historical and sociological relevance. This course is designed as a communicative and interactive learning environment, with a strong emphasis on practice. Presentations, oral interaction, and writing samples are expected to become lengthier and more intricate. Students study increasingly complex grammar through engagement with authentic oral, print, and digital texts. Pre-req: pass in ARAB-3101/4122 or equivalent experience as assessed through a placement test.
ARAB 5040 - Readings in Arabic Texts
Credits: 2.0 -4.0 [max 9.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
Post-advanced study of extensive, complex original Arabic texts and development of students' Arabic discussion and writing skills in the realms of literature, academia, media and/or business. All primary and secondary readings, assignments, in-class analysis and discussion are done fully in Arabic. Topics specified in Class Schedule.
ARAB 5041 - Classical and Modern Arabic Prose
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
In this class, students read extensive, complex, original Arabic texts and develop their academic discussion and writing skills in Arabic. The course covers a substantial number of Arabic literary texts of different genres and time periods: excerpts of the Prophet's biography, classical treatises and travel writing, stories from the "1001 Nights," 20th-century short stories, and short novels. To contextualize the literary texts, students read secondary texts also composed in Arabic and engage with Arabic audiovisual materials (video clips, TV interviews, songs) in class and at home. In-class analysis and discussion of the texts is conducted exclusively in Arabic. prereq: ARAB 5102 or the equivalent thereof as established by a placement test
ARAB 5101 - Advanced Arabic I
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Advanced readings in classical/modern Arabic. Compositions based on texts. prereq: Grade B- or higher in 3102 or instr consent
ARAB 5102 - Advanced Arabic II
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Readings of Arabic texts. Writing compositions based on texts. Continuation of 5101.
HNDI 1011 - Beginning Hindi I
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Hndi 1011/Hndi 4001
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Basic listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Emphasis on the development of communicative competence.
HNDI 1012 - Beginning Hindi II
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Hndi 1012/Hndi 4002
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Basic listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Emphasizes communicative competence.
HNDI 3021 - Intermediate Hindi I
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Hndi 3021/Hndi 4003
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Development of reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Grammar review, some basic compositions and oral presentations.
HNDI 3022 - Intermediate Hindi II
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Hndi 3022/Hndi 4004/3016/4016
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Development of reading, writing speaking, and listening skills. Grammar review, some basic compositions and oral presentations.
HNDI 3031 - Advanced Hindi I
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Hndi 3031/HnUr 4005/Urdu 3031/
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Continued emphasis on development of communication skills, ability to comprehend both written/spoken texts. Speak, read, write in Hindi beyond intermediate level. prereq: 3022 or instr consent
HNDI 3032 - Advanced Hindi II
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Hndi 3032/Hndi 4006/Urdu 3032/
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
This course is the second half of the Advanced Hindi course sequence. Continued emphasis on development of communication skills, ability to comprehend both written/spoken texts. Speak, read, write in Hindi beyond intermediate level. prereq: HNDI 3031 or instr consent
URDU 1011 - Beginning Urdu I
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Urdu 1011/Urdu 4001
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Basic listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Emphasizes development of communicative competence.
URDU 1012 - Beginning Urdu II
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Urdu 1012/1015/4002/4015
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Basic listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Emphasizes development of communicative competence.
URDU 3021 - Intermediate Urdu I
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Urdu 3021/Urdu 4003
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Development of reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Grammar review, basic compositions, oral presentations.
URDU 3022 - Intermediate Urdu II
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Urdu 3016/Urdu 3022/4004/4016
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Development of reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Grammar review, basic compositions, oral presentations.
URDU 3031 - Advanced Urdu I
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Hndi 3031/HnUr 4005/Urdu 3031/
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Continued emphasis on development of communication skills, ability to comprehend both written/spoken texts. Speak, read, write in Urdu beyond intermediate level. Prereq: 3022 or instr consent
URDU 3032 - Advanced Urdu II
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Hndi 3032/Hndi 4006/Urdu 3032/
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
This course is intended for students who have already completed four semesters of study in Urdu or have an equivalent Hindi-Urdu proficiency. The course builds on the skills acquired in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in the first semester of Advanced Urdu instruction (URDU 3031/4005) and provides a more advanced foundation in Urdu. The course aims for the students to acquire an advanced-level proficiency in Urdu by developing language functions such as narration, description, and comparison. Students will be introduced to different genres and styles of spoken and written Urdu as well as grammatical details that facilitate accuracy and fluency. The students are expected to read and write coherent Urdu paragraphs and further develop and hone their conversational skills. We will also review and continue the study of Urdu grammar. prereq: URDU 3031 or instructor consent
HMNG 1011 - Beginning Hmong I
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Hmng 1011/4001
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Listening, speaking, reading, writing skills. Emphasizes development of communicative competence.
HMNG 1012 - Beginning Hmong II
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Hmng 1012/4002
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Continuation of 1011. Listening, speaking, reading, writing skills. Development of communicative competence. prereq: HMNG 1001 or 1011
HMNG 1015 - Accelerated Beginning Hmong
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Hmng 1015/Hmng 4005
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Summer
Review of grammar/usage, practice in reading/writing. Introduction to Hmong literature and formal writing. Topics in Hmong culture. prereq: Ability in basic spoken Hmong
HMNG 3021 - Intermediate Hmong I
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Hmng 3021/4003
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Listening, speaking, reading, writing. Grammar review/elaboration. Authentic texts, cultural readings, basic compositions, oral presentations. prereq: Hmng 1002 or Hmng 1012 or Hmng 1015
HMNG 3022 - Intermediate Hmong II
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Hmng 3022/4004
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Continuation of 3021. Listening, speaking, reading, writing. Grammar review/elaboration. Authentic texts, cultural readings, basic compositions, oral presentations. prereq: Hmng 3021
HMNG 3016 - Accelerated Intermediate Hmong
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Hmng 3016/Hmng 4006
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Review of grammar/usage, continued practice in reading/writing. Expanded introduction to Hmong literature/formal writing. Selected topics in Hmong culture. prereq: [1011 and 1012] or 1015 or instr consent
HMNG 3031 - Advanced Hmong I
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Hmng 3031/Hmng 4007
Typically offered: Every Fall
Speaking, listening, reading, writing. Complex vocabularies, sentence structures from Hmong newspapers, magazine, folktales, folk songs, novels, poetry, proverbs, riddles. Concepts/terms from social/ritual settings. Idioms, slang, classifiers. prereq: 3022 or equiv or instr consent
HMNG 3993 - Directed Studies
Credits: 1.0 -5.0 [max 15.0]
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Guided individual study of Hmong language or linguistics. prereq: instr consent, dept consent, college consent