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The study of Asia provides a broad understanding of civilizations that extend back thousands of years. It includes ancient and modern languages and the history, art, literature, politics, anthropology, geography, religion, and drama of China, India, Russia, and Japan.
Why
Study Asian and Slavic Languages and Literature at Iowa?
Iowa's programs give you the opportunity to learn about all aspects of an Asian or Slavic culture while you build skill in a related language. You'll be able to expand your opportunities for professional careers or advanced study by supplementing your major with a Certificate in International Business. You also may add a second major or an emphasis in any number of subjects, such as anthropology, art, art history, cinema, comparative literature, history, international studies, political science, pre-law, or religious studies.
The major in Asian languages and literature is primarily for students who want to concentrate on one language and literature area. It allows development of advanced Asian language skills.
Students often use the Russian major to complement broad-based training. Many pursue a double major, developing skills in fields such as international studies, history, communication, political science, and global health.
The number of Americans who can speak Asian or Slavic languages is still small. Many career opportunities exist for individuals trained in these areas.
Course Work
Students majoring in Asian languages and literature and in Russian earn a Bachelor of Arts degree. The BA requires a minimum of 120 semester hours, including credit for the major. If you're interested in secondary school teaching, you'll need to complete the College of Education's Teacher Education Program. Licensure is available in Chinese, Japanese, and Russian.
Major in Asian Languages and Literature
The major in Asian languages and literature requires 30–34 s.h. (included in the minimum of 120 s.h. you'll earn for the BA). The major is designed for students who want to achieve proficiency in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing Chinese, Japanese, or Hindi or in reading Sanskrit.
You'll study one language for three years as you learn about the culture and history of China, Japan, or South Asia. Requirements will vary depending on which track you choose: Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, or Sanskrit.
Major in Russian
The major in Russian requires 31 s.h. (included in the minimum of 120 s.h. you'll complete for the BA). Employers give preference to applicants who couple a well-rounded background in area studies with strong language proficiency, so you'll be strongly encouraged to take a variety of courses outside the Russian program.
For the major, you'll take these courses:
- Beginning Composition and Conversation
- Third-Year Russian I–II
- Fourth-Year Russian I–II
- Four courses on Russian/East European Culture
For More Details
See Asian and Slavic Languages and Literatures in the UI General Catalog to learn more about the department's majors and for information about graduating with honors or earning a minor in Asian languages or Russian.
Resources
The University’s Main Library contains approximately 80,000 volumes in Asian languages and about 140,000 Western-language volumes on Asian subjects, as well as periodicals, films, and a Chinese-Japanese computer terminal that gives students and faculty access to the growing Research Libraries Information Network in Asian languages. Since 1975, The University of Iowa has been a member of the Library of Congress acquisition program for Indian books and periodicals.
The Language Media Center in Phillips Hall contains programs to help you learn the language of your choice.
Student
Activities
You'll have the opportunity to participate in any of several student and community organizations related to your major. They include the Asian American Coalition, Slavic Cultural Association, Chinese Students and Scholars Association, Indian Student Alliance, Japanese Cultural Association, Russian Circle, Thai Student Association, Taiwanese Student Association, Vietnamese Student Association, and Amnesty International. Group activities include holiday celebrations, international movie screenings, and other cultural events; field trips; helping international students make the transition to Iowa; and promoting language learning. Russian majors also stage Russian plays and hold festivals, dinners, and open houses.
Learning Outside the
Classroom
You might enjoy living in the Global Village Living-Learning Community in the residence halls. You'll broaden your knowledge of international issues, languages, and cultures while living in a close-knit group.
Study
Abroad
The department strongly encourages study abroad in Asia. Agreements with several universities and institutes in Japan, China, Taiwan, Russia, and India will give you a choice of programs to consider. Well-established Chinese language study abroad programs are offered by the Iowa in Tianjin Summer Study Abroad Program and the East China Normal University Exchange Program. The University of Iowa is a member of the American Institute of Indian Studies and runs a study abroad program in the city of Mysore.
More than 80 percent of Russian majors at Iowa study abroad in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Vladimir, Russia, through programs such as the American Councils for International Education. These direct institutional programs with Russia’s leading universities offer intensive study programs for the summer, semester, and academic year. Scholarships are available, and student financial aid packages through Iowa may be applied directly toward the program costs in Russia.
The Pomerantz Career Center also maintains lists of internships in Asia and the United States.
Careers
These programs offer solid career preparation. Graduates pursue careers in education, government, communication, business, and other fields in the United States and beyond. The undergraduate programs also provide an excellent background for advanced study in a variety of fields in the humanities and social sciences and in professional schools such as law and business.
Scholarships
Consult multiple sources for scholarship information, including the Office of Admissions, the Office of Student Financial Aid, and departmental web sites.
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