Apr 30, 2024  
2024-2025 General Catalog 
  
2024-2025 General Catalog

Asian Studies - BA


College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Department of World Languages and Cultures

About This Degree

The Asian studies program focuses on the study of peoples, cultures, and institutions of Asia. Coursework is multidisciplinary, consisting of history, geography, and Asian language classes. Through the program, students obtain an understanding of the foundation and functioning of political, economic, and social institutions of Asia. They also gain proficiency in at least one Asian language and develop an understanding of similarities and differences among Asian nations with respect to ethnicity, history, culture, religion, and institutions.

It is highly recommended, but not required, that students spend at least one term of their education participating in a study abroad program. Living and studying in Asia provides students with a greater depth of knowledge and experience that cannot be gained in a classroom setting.

Minimum University Requirements


Admission Requirements For This Program


  • New freshmen must be admitted to USU in Good Standing
  • Transfer students from other institutions or other programs at USU must have a 2.50 GPA
  • Grade Point Average to Declare Major: 2.5 Career GPA

Additional Information


  • Grade Point Average to Graduate with Major: 2.50 GPA within major coursework.
  • USU Credit Requirement: At least half (50 percent) of the credits earned for this major must be earned at USU.
  • Minimum Grade Requirement: All courses for the major require a minimum grade of C- or better. Courses for the major may not be taken on a pass/fail basis.
  • Total Credits for Asian Studies Minor: 20

Students desiring to apply study abroad credits (CHIN 1800 CHIN 2800 CHIN 3800 CHIN 4800 ) toward these degrees must obtain approval from the World Languages and Cultures office prior to participating.

CHIN 2050  is a required transition course that is intended for students who have not had extensive experience living in a Chinese community. CHIN 2050  is required after CHIN 2010  and before CHIN 3010  and does not count towards the Chinese minor. For students with at least one year of extensive experience speaking Mandarin Chinese in a Mandarin-speaking environment (e.g., returned missionaries), CHIN 2050  is waived and the student should take CHIN 3010  after they have tested in the World Languages and Cultures Department (Cantonese speakers should take CHIN 2050 ).

Major Requirements (33-34 credits)


To graduate with a BA degree in Asian Studies, students must complete a minimum of 33-34 credits approved by the Asian Studies program director. The program must include a minimum of 18 credits selected from the Core Requirements, 12 credits from the General Electives, and 3-4 credits of one upper-division grammar course from the language of the student’s choice. Course selections may need consultation with the Asian Studies program advisor. 

A. Core Requirements (18 credits)


B. General Elective Requirements (12 credits)


CHIN 3800 - Chinese III Study Abroad  and  CHIN 4800 - Chinese IV Study Abroad  are repeatable for credit.

C. Language Requirements (3-4 credits)


Students must have completed the equivalent of one of the 3010/3020 third year language courses from an Asian language, including Arabic, Chinese, Japanese and Korean (see the department for questions regarding other languages). The following are languages courses that will help fulfill that requirement:

Bachelor of Arts Degree Language Requirement


A Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree signifies proficiency in one or more foreign languages. Specifically, the BA requirement may be completed in one of the following ways:

  • Demonstration of proficiency in one foreign language by successful completion of one course at the 2020-level or higher (or its equivalent). 
    OR
  • Demonstration of proficiency in American Sign Language by successful completion of COMD 4920  and COMD 4780 , and by passing an exit interview.
    OR
  • Demonstration of proficiency in two foreign languages by successful completion of the 1020 course level in one language and the 2010 course level in the second language (or its equivalent).
    OR
  • Completion of an upper-division (3000-level or higher) foreign language grammar or literature course requiring the 2020 course level (or its equivalent) as a prerequisite. Conversation courses cannot be considered for satisfying this requirement.

For nonnative English-speaking students only:

  • To meet the requirement of Asian studies major, non-native English speakers who are skipping third year language courses in Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean need to take the same amounts of credits (3-4 credits) from courses in Section A Core Requirements or Section B General Elective Requirements.
  • Non-native English-speaking students may also consider the following options:
  • Successful completion of the Intensive English Language Institute (IELI) program for international students.

OR

  • TOEFL, Michigan, or IELI placement scores high enough to meet the University admission criteria.

Open Electives


Total elective credit is determined by General Education courses taken, degree type selected, additional credits earned, and any additional math or other prerequisite courses needed. Please consult your  Academic Advisor for details.

Total Credits: 120


Suggested Degree Map - Asian Studies BA