Departments & Programs

East Asian Languages and Cultures

Major in Language and Culture
Purpose

The major in language and culture emphasizes language training in one of the East Asian languages (Chinese, Japanese, or Korean). The Chinese, Japanese, and Korean Concentrations each require language study through the third-year level. In addition, there is also a fourth option called the Accelerated Chinese Concentration, which requires language study through the fourth-year level. In addition to language study, Language and Culture majors take courses on the society's culture, including in-depth study in one of two subject areas, according to the student's primary interest: "History, Literature and Culture"; or "Politics, Social Science and Business." (It is also possible to design an individualized subject area in accordance with a student's special interests or goals, depending on course availability, in consultation with the departmental advisor.) This major is intended for students who wish to develop a solid foundation of language skills and knowledge in one of the three culture areas or to prepare for graduate studies.

Requirements

For the Chinese and Japanese Concentrations, a minimum of 31 credit hours, and for the Korean Concentration, a minimum of 29 credit hours in department-approved courses, including:

  1. Third year, second-semester proficiency in Chinese, Japanese, or Korean (i.e., through the 302 level). First-year language courses (C101-C102, J101-J102, J110, K101-K102) are not credited toward the total number of hours in the major.
  2. At least five culture courses (15 credit hours) above the 100 level, one of which must be E200. Three culture courses must be at the 300–400 level, selected from the same subject area (either History, Literature and Culture or Politics, Social Science, and Business). Though it does not count toward the subject area requirement, one fourth-year language course may be counted as a required culture course. For courses by subject area, please see the section of this Bulletin entitled "East Asian Culture Courses by Subject Area," which can be found under the departmental listing for East Asian Languages and Cultures.

For the Accelerated Chinese Concentration, a minimum of 36 credit hours in department-approved courses, including:

  1. Fourth-year, second-semester proficiency in Chinese (i.e., through the 402 level) and two semesters of C457 and/or C467. First- and second-year language courses (C101-C102 and C201-202) are not credited toward the total number of hours in the major.
  2. At least five culture courses (15 credits) above the 100 level, including the following required courses: E200, two 300-level culture courses that accompany C457 and/or C467, and three credits of overseas study (C496). Students pursuing the Accelerated Chinese Concentration do not have to select a subject area concentration within the five culture courses.
  3. One semester of C498 (internship; 1–6 cr.).

Note that the Accelerated Chinese Concentration requires summer and overseas study. Because students are expected to have completed the equivalent of four years of language preparation by the end of their second college year, students with no prior background in Chinese who elect this concentration will be expected to take Chinese language courses during the summers after their freshman and sophomore years. Students with no prior background who enter the program after the freshman year should anticipate similar course work during the summer and a total of more than four years to graduate.

Students must complete the degree requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences. Students should also read Placement/Proficiency Examinations in this departmental section.