Area Studies: Asia
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Asian Studies |
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A certificate in Asian Studies indicates particular knowledge of one or more of the societies of Asia. Currently, almost 300 graduate students are taking advantage of this valuable certificate program. The certificate is designed for students who wish to intensify their study of a particular region either because they intend to use their knowledge of that critical part of the world in their careers after graduation, or because they realize the importance of an understanding of regional history, language, and culture as part of their education. Successful completion of the advanced certificate program in Asian Studies is noted on the Students' official academic transcript upon graduation.
Requirements:
- Demonstration of proficiency in reading and speaking in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Hindi or another approved Asian Language related to one of the student's countries of interest. Proficiency is interpreted to mean at least three years of study or the equivalent and may be demonstrated by successfully completing courses or by passing a special examination.
- A minimum of five upper-level courses or graduate seminar dealing with Asia, in at least two departments. The five courses must include at least one seminar outside of the School of Law.
- A research paper. The student can fulfill this requirement by presenting either a seminar paper or thesis. The paper can be used to complete departmental requirements for a graduate degree as well as for the certificate, but must include research using the student's approved Asian language. (Often, this paper is written as part of an upper level seminar that the student is taking to fulfill the previously mentioned course work denoted above in requirement 1.) The term "using" means that the student will have enough skill to research original works in the Asian language. The paper does not need to be written in an Asian language.
Contact Dianne F. Dakis, Assistant Director for Student Affairs, at 412-648-7367 or dakis@ucis.pitt.edu for more information.
