Add a Minor in Asian Languages and Literature

The undergraduate Minor in Asian Languages and Literature is offered with two emphases: Chinese or Japanese. The minor requires 15-17 semester hours of credit. Students must maintain a grade-point average (GPA) of at least 2.00 in all courses for the minor and in all UI courses for the minor. Coursework in the minor may not be taken pass/nonpass. Furthering Language Incentive Program (FLIP) credit may not be counted toward the major.

The Chinese Language and Culture Advanced Placement (AP) exam with a score of 4 or higher may be used to complete the General Education Program: World Languages component, or used as elective hours. Students with previous knowledge of Chinese language, should take the World Languages Placement Test (WLPT) to determine the best level for your first enrollment in a language course.

The Japanese Language and Culture Advanced Placement (AP) exam with a score of 4 or higher may be used to complete the General Education Program: World Languages component, or used as elective hours. Students with previous knowledge of Japanese language, should take the World Languages Placement Test (WLPT) to determine the best level for your first enrollment in a language course.

The undergraduate minor includes courses in language, literature and culture. Language courses focus on developing the four communicative skills–speaking, listening, reading, and writing, while upper level courses expand upon these skills and help to foster critical analysis skills through the study of cultural products and phenomenon, including literary texts, and films.

Areas of study

Chinese emphasis

The Minor in Asian Languages and Literature with Chinese emphasis requires 15 semester hours, including 12 semester hours earned in courses considered advanced for the minor taken at the University of Iowa. The minor must include the following coursework. Some of these courses have prerequisites; students must complete all of a course's prerequisites before they may register for that course.

Coursework Requirements
TitleHours
Third-Year Chinese (First and Second Semester)6
Fourth-Year Chinese (First and Second Semester)6
Additional elective3
Total hours15

Japanese emphasis

The Minor in Asian Languages and Literature with Japanese emphasis requires 17 semester hours, including 12 semester hours earned in courses considered advanced for the minor taken at the University of Iowa. Furthering Language Incentive Program (FLIP) credit may not be counted toward the Japanese emphasis.

Coursework Requirements
TitleHours
Third-Year Japanese (First and Second Semester)8
One course in literature and translation3
One course in linguistics and advanced language studies3
One course in literature and translation, or in linguistics and advanced language studies, or in cultural studies3
Total hours17

Advanced Placement Credit Policy

Iowa offers credit for more than 30 Advanced Placement (AP) Program exams. You can earn 3 to 8 semester hours of credit per test, depending on the subject and your score. For additional information, please visit the University of Iowa's Advanced Placement Program.

Chinese Language and Culture exam

  • Students achieving a test score of 4 or 5 are given 3 semester hours and credit for the General Education Program: World Languages component.
  • May be used to complete the General Education Program: World Languages component, or used as elective hours.

Japanese Language and Culture exam

  • Students achieving a test score of 4 or 5 are given 3 s.h. and credit for the General Education Program: World Languages component.
  • May be used to complete the General Education Program: World Languages component, or used as elective hours.
Advanced Placement Chinese and Japanese Credit
 ScoreCreditAsian Languages and Literatures Major/Minor
AP Chinese Language and Culture4-53 semester hoursGE Program: World Languages component or Elective credit
AP Japanese Language and Culture4-53 semester hoursGE Program: World Languages component or Elective credit

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