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Asian Humanities BA

Old opened chinese books on the table

Asian Humanities BA

About the Major

Asian Humanities majors choose their main language concentration in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, South Asian, or Southeast Asian languages, while simultaneously acquiring broad cultural competence by taking courses from at least four countries or areas across Asia. This provides students with a combination of strong language skills and the knowledge necessary to engage with various aspects of multiple Asian societies. Students who complete this major have the linguistic and cultural competence to work in various fields related to Asia, including business, finance, trade, journalism, diplomacy, cultural institutions and non-profit organizations, education, and academia.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Identification of major elements of cultures in Asia, with particular attention to chosen regions of expertise
  2. Assessment of the social contours of a given Asian society, and explanation of ways in which dynamics within communities and other social structures shape the course of events
  3. Understanding of the role that language and literature play in reflecting and influencing Asian societies, across time and different literary genres
  4. Formulation of effective written and oral arguments that address important themes and issues in Asian arts and cultures, in ways that are historically appropriate and relevant to particular contexts
  5. Conduct research on Asian languages, literatures, and other cultural elements, making effective and critical use of primary and secondary source materials
  6. Appreciation of the central place of religion in Asian cultures, with focus on chosen region of expertise and tradition of focus

Curriculum & Requirements

All students who wish to take an Asian language course at UCLA must take the appropriate language placement exam. The exam determines which course is most appropriate for the student’s current level of proficiency. Students who have obtained college credit for a class may not repeat those courses for credit.

The Asian Humanities Major allows students to concentrate in one Asian language while learning about Asia through an interdisciplinary program of study.

  • All majors will graduate with at least a 3rd-year level of an Asian language, having acquired advanced-level proficiency or beyond
  • Majors will take one Asia-based General Education (GE) course.
  • Majors are required to take at least four upper-division electives spread across four different areas: Asian, China, Japan, Korea, South Asia, or Southeast Asia (includes Filipino and Vietnamese electives)

Lower Division Preparation

Lower Division

  • Intermediate-level language: Level 6, 6A, or equivalent in an Asian language
  • One (1) of the civilization/religion courses offered by the department

The Major

Upper Division (11 Courses)

  • Five (3) upper division language courses in one Asian language
  • Eight (8) upper division courses offered by the ALC department. At least one course is required from four out of the six subject areas (Asian, China, Japan, Korea, South Asia, Southeast Asia)

To plan for the Asian Humanities Major, please consult the UCLA Registrar Catalog and the ALC Department Asian Humanities Major Worksheet:

Download the Asian Humanities Major Worksheet

Faculty in Asian Humanities