Asian Languages and Cultures

Asian Studies Major | Asian Studies Minor | Chinese Language and Culture Major | Chinese Language and Culture Minor | Japanese Language and Culture Major | Japanese Language and Culture Minor

General Distribution Requirement

ASIA 124, ASIA 127, ASIA 140, ASIA 274, ASIA 275, ASIA 276, ASIA 277, and ASIA 378 count toward the general distribution requirement in humanities. ASIA 170, ASIA 171, ASIA 257, and ASIA 270 count toward the fine arts distribution requirement, and ASIA 150 and ASIA 256 counts toward the general distribution requirement in social science.

All courses in the Chinese language program (CHIN) and the Japanese language program (JAPA) count toward the general distribution requirement in humanities except for elementary and intermediate language courses, JAPA 150, JAPA 235 and JAPA 335. JAPA 150, JAPA 235 and JAPA 335 count toward the general distribution requirement in social science.

General Education Requirements

Courses that meet the general education requirements in writing, quantitative thinking, internationalism and multiculturalism will be posted on the Registrar’s web page in advance of registration for each semester.

Additional information regarding the general distribution requirement and the general education requirements can be found in the graduation requirements section of this catalog.

Policy on Chinese and Japanese Language Grades

In order to be accepted into the next higher Chinese or Japanese language course in a sequence, a student must have received a grade of C– or higher in the previous course.

Language Houses

Each semester, students may apply to live in either the Japanese House or the Chinese House. Students have the opportunity to improve their language skills in everyday situations, in a relaxed atmosphere. The residents also help Asian Languages and Cultures staff create programming such as festivals, movie nights, game nights, and host events at times significant in a traditional calendar such as moon festival, Setsubun, and Children’s Day.

Honors Program

The Asian Languages and Cultures department participates in the Honors Program. See the website for details.

Independent Study

The department offers independent study options in the form of tutorials (JAPA), independent projects (ASIA, CHIN, JAPA), internships (ASIA, CHIN, JAPA) and preceptorships (ASIA, CHIN, JAPA). For more information contact the department and review the Curriculum section of the catalog.

Asian Studies Major

Asian Studies Major Requirements

In consultation with an advisor from within the program, students develop a major plan with a focus on Japan, China or South Asia. All major plans will include:

1. ASIA 111 - Introduction to Asian Studies, a foundational course outlining some of the methods of studying Asia
2. Language study, with the goal of proficiency (Chinese or Japanese at Macalester; a South Asian language at the University of Minnesota or via study abroad). There are three options:
   1. 3 years Japanese (8 credits beyond intermediate level) minimum; 4th year encouraged
   2. 2 years Chinese (8 credits beyond elementary); 3rd year encouraged
   3. 2 years of a South Asian language (8 credits beyond elementary)
3. A semester of study abroad in an approved program. Students should choose a program in consultation with an advisor. In Japan, programs include Waseda, Sophia and Nanzan Universities; in China, programs include Harbin, Shanghai and Beijing; in India, the Associated Colleges of the Midwest’s program in Pune. Other locations are possible; check with an advisor.
4. Six course emphasis (24 credits), to include:
   • 4 courses on one focus area or country
   • 2 courses on another area or country in Asia or on diasporic movement(s)

Students should work with an advisor to determine appropriate courses in the area(s) of their focus.

5. Capstone experience: senior seminar or independent project focusing on Asia
6. A six-course focus in a discipline whose methods relate to the study of Asia (recommended disciplines include, but are not limited to, anthropology, economics, geography, history, linguistics, philosophy, religious studies, sociology, women’s, gender, and sexuality studies). Six courses in interdisciplinary programs (humanities and media and cultural studies, urban studies, etc.) do not fulfill this requirement. These six courses may overlap with those in category (D) above, but may not include courses from the Asian Languages and Cultures department.

Asian Studies Minor

Asian Studies Minor Requirements

A minor in Asian Studies includes courses chosen in consultation with an advisor from within the program.

Requirements include:

1. Language proficiency (at levels outlined in the major section)
2. Three courses on area of focus; one on another area in Asia or on diasporic movement(s). These courses may not include courses from the Asian Languages and Cultures department.
3. ASIA 111 - Introduction to Asian Studies

Chinese Language and Culture Major

Chinese Language and Culture Major Requirements

In consultation with an advisor from within the department, students develop a major plan with a focus on Chinese language and culture. All major plans will include:

1. 10 courses beyond CHIN 102. Required courses are:
   1. two intermediate level Chinese courses (CHIN 203 and CHIN 204)
   2. two advanced level Chinese courses (CHIN 303 and CHIN 304 )
   3. two beyond-advanced level Chinese course (CHIN 407 and CHIN 408)
   4. two Chinese literature/film courses within the department
   5. one history course (HIST 274 or HIST 275).
   6. one methodology course (approved by faculty advisor). Possible courses include MCST 110, MCST 128, and WGSS 105.

Courses taken as part of a study abroad program may substitute for required classes; faculty advisor's approval is required.

2. A capstone experience (a senior seminar or an independent research project).
3. A study abroad program in an approved institution in mainland China or Taiwan of one semester.

Chinese Language and Culture Minor

Chinese Language and Culture Minor Requirements

In consultation with an advisor from within the department, students develop a minor plan with a focus on Chinese language and culture. All minor plans will include:

1. two intermediate level Chinese courses (CHIN 203 and CHIN 204)
2. two advanced level Chinese courses  (CHIN 303 and CHIN 304)
3. three additional courses with focus on a Chinese-speaking culture (including at least one Chinese (CHIN) course).

Japanese Language and Culture Major

Japanese Language and Culture Major Requirements

In consultation with an advisor from within the department, students develop a major plan with a focus on Japanese language and culture. All major plans will include:

1. 9 courses beyond JAPA 102. Required courses are:
   1. two intermediate level Japanese courses (JAPA 203 and JAPA 204)
   2. two advanced level Japanese courses (JAPA 305 and JAPA 306)
   3. one beyond-advanced level Japanese course (JAPA 407 or JAPA 408)
   4. two literature, film, or linguistics courses (JAPA 235, JAPA 250, JAPA 255, JAPA 335, or topics courses) 
   5. one history course (HIST 276 or HIST 277).
   6. one final class of the student’s choice.

Courses taken in a study abroad program may substitute for required classes, with the approval of the chair.

2. A capstone experience (JAPA 335, JAPA 488 or a Japanese independent project).
3. A study abroad program of at least one semester.

Japanese Language and Culture Minor

Japanese Language and Culture Minor Requirements

A minor in Japanese Language and Culture includes courses chosen in consultation with an advisor from within the department. Requirements include:

1. two intermediate level Japanese courses (JAPA 203 and JAPA 204)
2. two advanced level Japanese courses (JAPA 305 and JAPA 306)
3. three additional courses with focus on Japan (including at least one Japanese (JAPA) course. Contact the chair for acceptable courses.)