Asian Studies

The Department of Asian Studies offers programs of study that lead to the degrees of Doctor of Philosophy, Master of Arts, and Bachelor of Arts.

Please visit the Department for current offerings.

For information on advanced degrees see graduate Asian Studies.

The courses offered at the undergraduate level fall into two categories:

  1. Category 1: Courses on the contemporary and historical cultures of South, Southeast, and East Asia, that do not require knowledge of an Asian language (these are listed under the heading Asian Studies); and
  2. Category 2: Courses in language, including advanced reading courses, which introduce the student to literary, philosophical, and historical works in their original language (these courses are listed under the specific language headings).

Study of the necessary languages should begin as early as possible in a student's academic career. A good foundation in language studies is a prerequisite for admission to graduate studies. Those who do not have the necessary preparation when they apply will be asked to make up this deficiency.

Combining Areas of Study

Students interested in broadening their understanding of Asia are permitted to pursue up to two specializations in Asian Studies. See Department website. The following rules apply:

  • At least one of the specializations must be a Major or Honours.
  • Students may not combine two specializations that focus on the same area of Asia, such as two specializations focused on South Asia or two specializations focused on China (such as a minor specialization on Hong Kong with a major specialization on China).
  • The Minor in Asian Area Studies may not be combined with any other specialization in Asian Studies.

Major in Asian Area Studies

The Major in Asian Area Studies requires 48 total credits of coursework, of which at least 30 must be upper-level credits.

Total ASIA or ASIX credits: 27

  • 6 credits: ASIA or ASIX 200 level (this may include ASTU 201/202)
  • 12 credits: ASIA or ASIX 300-level or higher (this may include up to 6 credits of CHIN 388/389/449, or JAPN 422/423)
  • 9 credits: ASIA or ASIX 400-level

Total language credits: 12

  • 12 credits: any ONE language offered in the department

ASIA or ASIX or Language Option credits: 6

  • 6 credits: ASIA or ASIX 300-level or higher and/or 300-level or higher in the SAME language of study

Total R (Research Intensive) credits: 3

  • 3 credits: ASIA or ASIX Research Intensive Course+

*Credits taken to satisfy the Research-Intensive requirement may not also be applied towards the upper-level ASIA or ASIX requirement. A maximum of 3 credits of ASIA or ASIX R courses is permitted in the degree.

 

Major in Asian Language and Culture

The Major in Asian Language and Culture requires 48 total credits of prescribed coursework focused on a specific area of Asian language/culture.

The areas of focus available are:

  • China
  • Chinese Literature
  • Japan
  • Korea
  • South Asia (focusing on one of Hindi-Urdu, Persian, Punjabi, Sanskrit)

Major in Asian Language and Culture - Area of Focus: China

ASIA or ASIX credits: 18*

  • 6 credits: ASIA or ASIX 200-level (this may include ASTU 201/202)
  • 9 credits: ASIA or ASIX 300-level or higher*
  • 3 credits: ASIA or ASIX 400-level*

*At least 9 upper-level (300+) ASIA or ASIX credits must be related to China.

Classical Chinese credits:

  • 3 credits: CHIN 388/389/449, or CHIN 491/493

Language (CHIN) credits: 24

  • 12 credits: 300-level
  • 12 credits: 400-level (excluding CHIN 449/491/493)

R (Research Intensive) credits:

  • 3 credits: ASIA or ASIX Research Intensive Course+

+Credits taken to satisfy the Research-Intensive requirement may not also be applied towards the upper-level ASIA or ASIX requirement. A maximum of 3 credits of ASIA or ASIX R courses is permitted in the degree.

Major in Asian Language and Culture - Area of Focus: Chinese Literature

ASIA or ASIX credits: 24-27*

  • 6 credits: ASIA or ASIX 200-level (this may include ASTU 201/202)
  • 12-15 credits: ASIA or ASIX 300-level or higher*
  • 6 credits: ASIA or ASIX 400-level*

*At least 9 upper-level (300+) ASIA or ASIX credits must be related to China, and at least 6 upper-level ASIA or ASIX credits must be in a different cultural area.

Classical Chinese credits:

  • 6 credits: CHIN 388/389/449, or CHIN 491/493

Language (CHIN) credits: 12-15

  • 12-15 credits: 400-level (excluding 491/493)

R (Research Intensive) credits:

  • 3 credits: ASIA or ASIX or CHIN Research Intensive Courses+

+Credits taken to satisfy the Research-Intensive requirement may not also be applied towards the upper-level ASIA or ASIX requirement (for ASIA or ASIX R courses) or upper-level language requirement (for CHIN R courses). A maximum of 3 credits of ASIA or ASIX R courses is permitted in the degree.

Major in Asian Language and Culture - Area of Focus: Japan

ASIA or ASIX credits: 18-24*

  • 6 credits: ASIA or ASIX 200-level (this may include ASTU 201/202)
  • 9-15 credits: ASIA or ASIX 300-level or higher*
  • 3 credits: ASIA or ASIX 400-level*

*At least 9 upper-level (300+) ASIA or ASIX credits must be related to Japan.

Language (JAPN) credits: 21-27

  • 12 credits: 300-level
  • 6 credits: JAPN 400 and JAPN 401
  • 3-9 credits: 400-level

R (Research Intensive) credits:

  • 3 credits: ASIA or ASIX or JAPN Research Intensive Course+

+Credits taken to satisfy the Research-Intensive requirement may not also be applied towards the upper-level ASIA or ASIX requirement (for ASIA or ASIX R courses) or upper-level language requirement (for JAPN R courses). A maximum of 3 credits of ASIA or ASIX R courses is permitted in the degree.

Major in Asian Language and Culture - Area of Focus: Korea

ASIA or ASIX credits: 21-30*

  • 6 credits: ASIA or ASIX 200-level (this may include ASTU 201/202)
  • 12-21 credits: ASIA or ASIX 300-level or higher*
  • 3 credits: ASIA or ASIX 400-level*

*At least 9 upper-level (300+) ASIA or ASIX credits must be related to Korea.

Language credits: 15-24

  • 6 credits: any East Asian language (CHIN, JAPN, CNTO)
  • 6-15 credits: KORN 300-level or higher
  • 3 credits: KORN 400-level

R (Research Intensive) credits:

  • 3 credits: ASIA or ASIX or KORN Research Intensive Course+

+Credits taken to satisfy the Research-Intensive requirement may not also be applied towards the upper-level ASIA or ASIX requirement (for ASIA or ASIX R courses) or upper-level language requirement (for KORN R courses). A maximum of 3 credits of ASIA or ASIX R courses is permitted in the degree.

Major in Asian Language and Culture - Area of Focus: South Asian Languages

South Asian Languages: PERS (Persian), PUNJ (Punjabi), HINU (Hindi-Urdu), SANS (Sanskrit)

ASIA or ASIX credits: 21-30*

  • 6 credits: ASIA or ASIX 200-level (this may include ASTU 201/202)
  • 9-18 credits: ASIA or ASIX 300-level or higher*
  • 6 credits: ASIA or ASIX 400-level*

*At least 12 upper-level (300+) ASIA or ASIX credits must be related to South Asia, and at least 3 upper-level ASIA or ASIX credits must be in a different cultural area.

Language credits (300 or above): 15-24

If language is HINU, PERS or PUNJ:

  • 6 credits: SANS 300-level (first year)
  • 9-18 credits: 300-level or above, any other South Asian Language (PERS, PUNJ, HINU)

If language is SANS:

  • 12 credits: SANS 300-level or above
  • 3-12 credits: other South Asian Language (PERS, PUNJ, HINU) 200-level or above

R (Research Intensive) credits:

  • 3 credits: ASIA or ASIX Research Intensive Course+

+Credits taken to satisfy the Research-Intensive requirement may not also be applied towards the upper-level ASIA or ASIX requirement. A maximum of 3 credits of ASIA or ASIX R courses is permitted in the degree.

Minor in Asian Area Studies

The Minor in Asian Area Studies requires a total of 30 credits of coursework, as follows:

ASIA or ASIX credits:

  • 6 credits: ASIA or ASIX 100-level or above (this may include ASTU 201/202 or CHIN 388/389/449)
  • 18 credits: ASIA or ASIX 300-level or above (this may include CHIN 388/389/449)

Language credits:

  • 6 credits: one Asian language

Minor in Asian Language and Culture

The Minor in Asian Language and Culture requires 30 total credits of coursework focused on a specific area of Asian language/culture.

The areas of focus available are:

  • China
  • Hong Kong
  • Japan
  • Korea
  • South Asia (focusing on one of Hindi, Persian, Punjabi, or Sanskrit)

Below each area of focus is highlighted.

The Minor in Asian Language and Culture with a focus on China requires the completion of a total of 30 credits of coursework, as follows:

ASIA or ASIX credits: 12-18*

  • 0-6 credits: ASIA or ASIX 100-level or above (this may include ASTU 201/202 or CHIN 388/389/449)
  • 12-18 credits: ASIA or ASIX 300-level or above* (this may include CHIN 388/389/449)

*At least 12 upper-level (300+) ASIA or ASIX credits must be related to China.

Language credits:

  • 12-18 credits of CHIN and/or CNTO, of which 6 credits must be at or above the 300-level

The Minor in Asian Language and Culture with a focus on Hong Kong requires the completion of a total of 30 credits of coursework, as follows:

  • 12–18 credits of CHIN or CNTO, of which at least 6 credits must be CNTO at or above the 300-level
  • 12–18 credits of ASIA or ASIX, of which at least 12 upper-level (300+) credits must be related to Hong Kong. See the Department of Asian Studies or Hong Kong Studies Initiative for a list of courses.

If the Major and Minor are in 2 different languages, the Minor can be combined with:

  • Major or Honours in Asian Languages and Culture
  • Major or Honours in Asian Area Studies

The Minor in Asian Language and Culture with a focus on Japan requires the completion of a total of 30 credits of coursework, as follows:

ASIA or ASIX credits: 12-18*

  • 0-6 credits of ASIA or ASIX 100-level or above (this may include ASTU 201/202 or CHIN 388/389/449)
  • 12 -18 credits: ASIA or ASIX 300-level or above* (this may include CHIN 388/389/449)

*At least 12 upper-level (300+) ASIA or ASIX credits must be related to Japan.

Language credits:

  • 12 -18 credits of JAPN, of which 6 credits must be at or above the 300-level

The Minor in Asian Language and Culture with a focus on Korea requires the completion of a total of 30 credits of coursework, as follows:

ASIA or ASIX credits: 12-18*

  • 0-6 credits of ASIA or ASIX 100-level or above (this may include ASTU 201/202 or CHIN 388/389/449)
  • 12-18 credits: ASIA or ASIX 300-level or above* (this may include CHIN 388/389/449)

*At least 12 upper-level (300+) ASIA or ASIX credits must be related to Korea.

Language credits:

  • 12 -18 credits of KORN, of which 6 credits must be at or above the 300-level

The Minor in Asian Language and Culture with a focus on South Asia requires the completion of a total of 30 credits of coursework, as follows:

ASIA or ASIX credits: 12-18*

  • 0-6 credits of ASIA or ASIX 100-level or above (this may include ASTU 201/202)
  • 12-18 credits: ASIA or ASIX 300-level or above*

*At least 12 upper-level (300+) ASIA or ASIX credits must be related to South Asia.

Language credits:

  • 12 -18 credits of any SANS, HINU, PERS, or PUNJ, of which 6 credits must be at or above the 300-level

Honours Program in Asian Studies

The Honours program is designed to provide preparation for outstanding students who intend to pursue graduate studies. Admission to the Honours program is by permission of the Department and requires that students demonstrate a strong overall performance in recently completed departmental courses with a particular focus on either cultural content courses (ASIA or ASIX) or language-based courses (ASLA, CHIN, CNTO, HINU, INDO, JAPN, KORN, NEPL, PERS, PUNJ, SANS, SOAL, and TIBT) depending on program of study.

Honours in Asian Area Studies

ASIA or ASIX credits:

  • 6 credits: ASIA or ASIX 200 level (this may include ASTU 201/202)
  • 12 credits: ASIA or ASIX 300 level or higher (this may include up to 6 credits of CHIN 388/389/449, or JAPN 422/423)
  • 12 credits: ASIA or ASIX 400 level
  • ASIA or ASIX 499 - Honours Thesis

Language credits:

  • 12 credits: Of any ONE language offered in the department

ASIA or ASIX or Language Option credits:

  • 6 credits: ASIA or ASIX 300 level or higher AND/OR 300 level or higher in the SAME language of study

R (Research Intensive) credits:

  • 3 credits: ASIA or ASIX Research Intensive course+

+Credits taken to satisfy the Research-Intensive requirement may not also be applied towards the upper-level ASIA or ASIX requirement. A maximum of 3 credits of ASIA or ASIX R courses is permitted in the degree.

Additional credits in Asian Studies:

  • 12 credits of upper-level courses taught in the department, such as ASIA or ASIX, ASLA, CHIN, CNTO, HINU, INDO, JAPN, KORN, NEPL, PERS, PUNJ, SANS, SOAL, and TIBT.

Honours in Asian Language and Culture - Area of Focus: China

ASIA or ASIX credits: 24*

  • 6 credits: ASIA or ASIX 200 level (this may include ASTU 201/202)
  • 9 credits: ASIA or ASIX 300 level or higher*
  • 6 credits: ASIA or ASIX 400 level*
  • ASIA or ASIX 499 - Honours Thesis

*at least 9 upper-level (300+) ASIA or ASIX credits must be related to China.

Classical Chinese credits:

  • 3 credits: CHIN 388/389/449, or CHIN 491/493

Language (CHIN) credits: 24

  • 12 credits: 300 level
  • 12 credits: 400 level (excluding CHIN 449/491/493)

R (Research Intensive) credits:

  • 3 credits: ASIA or ASIX Research Intensive course+

+Credits taken to satisfy the Research-Intensive requirement may not also be applied towards the upper-level ASIA or ASIX requirement. A maximum of 3 credits of ASIA or ASIX R courses is permitted in the degree.

Additional credits in Asian Studies:

  • 6 credits of upper level courses taught in the department, such as ASIA or ASIX, ASLA, CHIN, CNTO, HINU, INDO, JAPN, KORN, NEPL, PERS, PUNJ, SANS, SOAL, and TIBT.

Honours in Asian Language and Culture - Area of Focus: Chinese Literature

ASIA or ASIX credits: 30-33*

  • 6 credits: ASIA or ASIX 200 level (this may include ASTU 201/202)
  • 12-15 credits: ASIA or ASIX 300 level or higher*
  • 9 credits: ASIA or ASIX 400 level*
  • ASIA or ASIX 499 - Honours Thesis

*at least 9 upper level (300+) ASIA or ASIX credits must be related to China, and at least 6 upper-level ASIA or ASIX credits must be in a different cultural area.

Classical Chinese credits:

  • 6 credits: CHIN 388/389/449, or CHIN 491/493

Language (CHIN) credits: 12-15

  • 12-15 credits: 400-level (excluding CHIN 449/491/493)

R (Research Intensive) credits:

  • 3 credits: ASIA or ASIX or CHIN Research Intensive courses+

+Credits taken to satisfy the Research-Intensive requirement may not also be applied towards the upper-level ASIA or ASIX requirement (for ASIA or ASIX R courses) or upper-level language requirement (for CHIN R courses). A maximum of 3 credits of ASIA or ASIX R courses is permitted in the degree.

Additional credits in Asian Studies:

  • 6 credits of upper level courses taught in the department, such as ASIA or ASIX, ASLA, CHIN, CNTO, HINU, INDO, JAPN, KORN, NEPL, PERS, PUNJ, SANS, SOAL, and TIBT.

Honours in Asian Language and Culture - Area of Focus: Japan

ASIA or ASIX credits: 24-30*

  • 6 credits: ASIA or ASIX 200 level (this may include ASTU 201/202)
  • 9-15 credits: ASIA or ASIX 300 level or higher* (this may include up to 3 credits of CHIN 388/389/449)
  • 6 credits: ASIA or ASIX 400 level*
  • ASIA or ASIX 499 - Honours Thesis

*at least 9 upper level (300+) credits must be related to Japan.

Language (JAPN) credits: 21-27

  • 12 credits: 300 level
  • 6 credits: JAPN 400 and JAPN 401
  • 3-9 credits: 400 level

R (Research Intensive) credits:

  • 3 credits: ASIA or ASIX or JAPN Research Intensive course+

+Credits taken to satisfy the Research-Intensive requirement may not also be applied towards the upper-level ASIA or ASIX requirement (for ASIA or ASIX R courses) or upper-level language requirement (for JAPN R courses). A maximum of 3 credits of ASIA or ASIX R courses is permitted in the degree.

Additional credits in Asian Studies:

  • 6 credits of upper level courses taught in the department, such as ASIA or ASIX, ASLA, CHIN, CNTO, HINU, INDO, JAPN, KORN, NEPL, PERS, PUNJ, SANS, SOAL, and TIBT.

Honours in Asian Language and Culture - Area of Focus: Korea

ASIA or ASIX credits: 27-36*

  • 6 credits: ASIA or ASIX 200 level (this may include ASTU 201/202)
  • 12-21 credits: ASIA or ASIX 300 level or higher*
  • 6 credits: ASIA or ASIX 400 level*
  • ASIA or ASIX 499 - Honours Thesis

*at least 9 upper level (300+) ASIA or ASIX credits must be related to Korea.

Language credits: 15-24

  • 6 credits: Any East Asian language (CHIN, CNTO, JAPN)
  • 6-15 credits: KORN 300 level or higher
  • 3 credits: KORN 400 level

R (Research Intensive) credits:

  • 3 credits: ASIA or ASIX or KORN Research Intensive course+

+Credits taken to satisfy the Research-Intensive requirement may not also be applied towards the upper-level ASIA or ASIX requirement (for ASIA or ASIX R courses) or upper-level language requirement (for KORN R courses). A maximum of 3 credits of ASIA or ASIX R courses is permitted in the degree.

Additional credits in Asian Studies:

  • 6 credits of upper level courses taught in the department, such as ASIA or ASIX, ASLA, CHIN, CNTO, HINU, INDO, JAPN, KORN, NEPL, PERS, PUNJ, SANS, SOAL, and TIBT.

Honours in Asian Language and Culture - Area of Focus: South Asian Languages

South Asian Languages: PERS (Persian), PUNJ (Punjabi), HINU (Hindi), SANS (Sanskrit)

ASIA or ASIX credits: 27-36*

  • 6 credits: ASIA or ASIX 200 level(this may include ASTU 201/202)
  • 9-18 credits: ASIA or ASIX 300 level or higher*
  • 9 credits: ASIA or ASIX 400 level*
  • ASIA or ASIX 499 - Honours Thesis

*at least 12 upper level (300+) ASIA or ASIX credits must be related to South Asia, and at least 3 upper-level ASIA or ASIX credits must be in a different cultural area.

Language credits (300 or above): 15-24

  • If language is HINU, PERS or PUNJ:
  • 6 credits: SANS 300 level (first year)
  • 9-18 credits: 300 level or above, any other South Asian Language (HINU, PERS, PUNJ)

  • If language is SANS:
  • 12 credits: SANS 300-level or above
  • 3-12 credits: Other South Asian Language (HINU, PERS, PUNJ) 200 level or above

R (Research Intensive) credits:

  • 3 credits: ASIA or ASIX Research Intensive course+

+Credits taken to satisfy the Research-Intensive requirement may not also be applied towards the upper-level ASIA or ASIX requirement. A maximum of 3 credits of ASIA or ASIX R courses is permitted in the degree.

Additional credits in Asian Studies:

  • 6 credits of upper level courses taught in the department, such as ASIA or ASIX, ASLA, CHIN, CNTO, HINU, INDO, JAPN, KORN, NEPL, PERS, PUNJ, SANS, SOAL, and TIBT.

 

UBC Academic Calendar

Vancouver Campus

2016 1874 East Mall
Vancouver, BC Canada
V6T 1Z1

UBC Crest The official logo of the University of British Columbia. Urgent Message An exclamation mark in a speech bubble. Caret An arrowhead indicating direction. Arrow An arrow indicating direction. Arrow in Circle An arrow indicating direction. Arrow in Circle An arrow indicating direction. Chats Two speech clouds. Facebook The logo for the Facebook social media service. Information The letter 'i' in a circle. Instagram The logo for the Instagram social media service. Linkedin The logo for the LinkedIn social media service. Location Pin A map location pin. Mail An envelope. Menu Three horizontal lines indicating a menu. Minus A minus sign. Pencil A pencil indicating that this is editable. Telephone An antique telephone. Plus A plus symbol indicating more or the ability to add. Search A magnifying glass. Twitter The logo for the Twitter social media service. Youtube The logo for the YouTube video sharing service.