The undergraduate minor in Asian languages and literature is offered with three emphases: Chinese, Japanese, and Sanskrit. The minor requires 15-17 s.h. of credit. Students must maintain a g.p.a. of at least 2.00 in all courses for the minor and in all UI courses for the minor. Coursework in the minor may not be taken pass/nonpass. 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 undergraduate minor includes courses in language, literature and culture. Language courses focus on developing the four communicative skills –speaking, listening, reading, and writing, while upper level courses expand upon these skills and help to foster critical analysis skills through the study of cultural products and phenomenon, including literary texts, and films.

Listed below are the general categories of track-required coursework; for more specific information on courses, curriculum, and requirements of the minor in Asian languages and literature, visit the UI General Catalog.

Chinese Emphasis

The minor in Asian languages and literature with Chinese emphasis requires 15 s.h., including 12 s.h. earned in courses considered advanced for the minor taken at the University of Iowa. The minor must include the following coursework. Some of these courses have prerequisites; students must complete all of a course's prerequisites before they may register for that course.

Coursework Requirements
Title Hours
Third-Year Chinese (First and Second Semester) 6
Fourth-Year Chinese (First and Second Semester) 6
Additional elective 3
Total Hours 15

Japanese Emphasis

The minor in Asian languages and literature with Japanese emphasis requires 17 s.h., including 12 s.h. earned in courses considered advanced for the minor taken at the University of Iowa. Furthering Language Incentive Program (FLIP) credit may not be counted toward the Japanese emphasis.

Coursework Requirements
Title Hours
Third-Year Japanese (First and Second Semester) 8
One course in literature and translation 3
One course in linguistics and advanced language studies 3
One course in literature and translation, or in linguistics and advanced language studies, or in cultural studies 3
Total Hours 17

Sanskrit Emphasis

The minor in Asian languages and literature with Sanskrit emphasis requires 15 s.h., including 11 s.h. earned in courses considered advanced for the minor taken at the University of Iowa. The course SOAS:2901/CLSA:2901 First-Year Sanskrit: First Semester does not count as an advanced course for the minor. The advanced courses must be chosen from the following list.

Coursework Requirements
Title Hours
First-Year Sanskrit (First Semester) 4
Second-Year Sanskrit (First and Second Semester) 6
Additional South Asian studies courses numbered 3000 or above, including 1-3 s.h. of independent study 5
Total Hours 15

Minor in Asian Languages and Literature (General Catalog)