Graduate Programs
Ph.D. Admission Requirements
East Asia: Students who plan to specialize in East Asia normally have a Masters of Arts in Chinese or Japanese language and literature or an area studies degree with a concentration in East Asia. The applicant must also have demonstrated ability to use Chinese or Japanese sources in research.
South Asia: Students who wish to be admitted to the doctoral program with a concentration in South Asia should have a Master of Arts in area studies or a related discipline that includes significant coursework in a relevant South Asian language.
Asian Cultures and Languages Ph.D. Degree Requirements
The Ph.D. in Asian Cultures and Languages is designed for students who intend to pursue a career in scholarly research and university teaching on Asia. A total of 10 courses, or 30 credit hours (beyond M.A. coursework and not including credit hours for dissertation) are required. The student must complete coursework for one major area of specialization, a minor area, and methodology. The minor must be a different topic than the major; a student may have a secondary language or a relevant graduate portfolio program as his/her minor. The theory and methodology courses must pertain to the student's major discipline. At least five courses are required for the major area, at least three courses are required in the minor, and at least two courses in methodology. Major and minor areas must be approved by the Graduate Adviser. For exact degree requirements, please download a copy of the Ph.D. handbook.
Sample Degree Plans
Note: Sample Degree Plans are also located at the bottom of this page.
Candidacy
To become a doctoral candidate, the student must take a Comprehensive Examination in the three areas in which he or she has done coursework. Students should complete coursework and take the Comprehensive Examination no later than the second semester of the fourth year after they enter the program.
Language Requirements
Each student must demonstrate advanced ability in the language or languages of their primary specialization and reading ability in at least one modern research language. Students are strongly encouraged to achieve advanced competence in a second Asian language in addition to the language of their area of specialization. Specific language requirements vary depending on the student's field and should be defined in consultation with the Graduate Adviser and the faculty in the student's principal area.
Sample Degree Plan for a South Asia Student (Classical India)
Major Area of Specialization: Cultures and Religions of India
- Historical Traditions of India
- The Buddha and the Non-Buddhists
- India before Colonialism
- Bodhisattva Imagery
- Traditions of Expert Knowledge of India
Minor Area of Specialization: Hindi
- Contemporary Hindi Narratives
- Language and Identity at Margins of Hindi Fiction
- Hindi Drama and Film
Theory and Methodology
- Translating India
- Methods in the Study of Religion
Research Language
- German for Graduate Students
Other Language Course Work
- Advanced Readings in Sanskrit
- Advanced Sanskrit Readings and Composition
- Hindi Readings, Composition, and Conversation
- Practice in Spoken Urdu
Sample Degree Plan for a Japan Student (Literature and Gender Studies)
Major Area of Specialization: Japanese Literature/Gender Studies
- Readings in Japanese
- Gender and Power in Japanese Society
- Reading Japanese Literature
- The Practice and Theory of Censorship
- Feminist Ethnography
Minor Area of Specialization: Japanese Religion
- Religion and Ritual in Japan
- Readings in the History and Practice of Japanese Religion
- Zen Art
Theory and Methodology
- Theories of Literary Criticism
- Feminist Theory
Research Language
- French for Graduate Students
Other Course Work
- Core Readings in Japanese Studies - NOTE: This course is required of all Japan program students
- Third Year Korean I
- Third Year Korean II
- Civil Society in East Asia
- Women and Gender in China
Sample Degree Plan for a China Student (Chinese Film and Literature)
Major Area of Specialization: Chinese Film and Literature
- Modern Chinese Literature
- Modern and Postmodern Chinese Literary Culture
- Postcoloniality And Cinema
- Chinese Film and Literature
- World Literature and Globalism
Minor Area of Specialization: Chinese Culture
- High & Popular Culture in Modern China
- Globalization in East Asia
- Globalization, Culture, and Social Movements
Theory and Methodology
- Theories of Literary Criticism
- 20th Century Literary Theory
Research Language
- French for Graduate Students
Other Course Work
- Deleuze
- Literary Translation: Theory and Practice
- Introduction to Comparative Literature
- Cinematography