Bachelor of Arts in Asian Languages and Literatures
The Bachelor of Arts with a major in Asian languages and literature requires a minimum of 120 s.h., including 27-32 s.h. of work for the major. Students choose one of three tracks: Chinese, Japanese, or Sanskrit. Credit required for the major depends on choice of track; requirements for each track are listed below. Students must maintain a g.p.a. of at least 2.00 in all courses for the major and in all UI courses for the major. They also must complete the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences GE CLAS Core. Furthering Language Incentive Program (FLIP) credit may not be counted toward the major.
The Chinese Language and Culture Advanced Placement (AP) exam with a score of 4 or higher may be used to complete the General Education Program: World Languages component, or used as elective hours. Students with previous knowledge of Chinese language, should take the World Languages Placement Test (WLPT) to determine the best level for your first enrollment in a language course.
The Japanese Language and Culture Advanced Placement (AP) exam with a score of 4 or higher may be used to complete the General Education Program: World Languages component, or used as elective hours. Students with previous knowledge of Japanese language, should take the World Languages Placement Test (WLPT) to determine the best level for your first enrollment in a language course.
The B.A. program in Asian languages and literature gives students the opportunity to develop advanced skills in an Asian language while they study the people, literatures, and cultures of Asia. Students choose one of two tracks: Chinese or Japanese.
Students interested in Asian studies may add a second major in international studies with an emphasis in Asian studies; see the B.A. in international studies in the Catalog. Many other disciplines work well as second majors for Asian languages and literature students, such as history, art history, political science, religion, sociology, journalism, business, and anthropology.
Listed below are the general categories of coursework required to earn the degree. For more specific information on courses, curriculum, and requirements of the Bachelor of Arts in Asian Languages and Literature, visit the UI General Catalog.
Chinese Track
Students in the Chinese track must complete the following coursework:
| Title | Hours |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite Chinese Language Courses (do not count toward track requirements) | (20) |
| Chinese Language Courses | 15 |
| Chinese Literature and Cinema Courses | 6 |
| Chinese Culture and Society Courses | 9 |
| Total Hours | 30 |
Japanese Track
Students in the Japanese track must complete the following coursework:
| Title | Hours |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite Japanese Language Courses (do not count toward track requirements) | (20) |
| Japanese Language Courses | 14 |
| Literature and Translation Courses | 9 |
| Linguistics and Advanced Language Studies Courses | 6 |
| Cultural Studies Course | 3 |
| Total Hours | 32 |
Teacher Licensure
Students interested in teaching in elementary and/or secondary schools should seek admission to the Teacher Education Program (TEP) in the College of Education.
Asian languages and literature majors must complete designated pedagogy and linguistics courses in the department in addition to the coursework required for their major.
To qualify for licensure in secondary teaching, students in the TEP complete a degree in education as well as a related College of Liberal Arts and Sciences degree. See Teacher Education Program Application and Admission on the College of Education website for details on requirements and deadlines for applying to the College of Education and about TEP choices of majors leading to licensure.