University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

College of Letters and Science

Asian Studies

Andrea Joseph, Advisor, GAR 111, (414) 229-6925

The Certificate in Asian Studies is open to all students seeking a bachelor’s degree from UWM, to those who previously received a bachelor’s degree from UWM or any other accredited college or university, and to people who do not plan to pursue a college or university degree (non-degree students) but who have a strong interest in this subject area. To be admitted to the university as non-degree students, individuals must meet regular university admission requirements.

The certificate is designed in two forms: one that includes language study, another that does not. Language study, however, greatly deepens the student’s knowledge and capacities in Asian studies, and so the distinction is meaningful. Both forms of this certificate are designed for students majoring in any field in the University who wish to complement their majors with an additional concentration in Asian studies.

To obtain the Certificate in Asian Studies, the student must complete 18 credits in approved Asian studies courses with a minimum grade point average of 2.7. The student must take a gateway course, Geog 213 (112), Geography of Asia. A maximum of 6 credits in independent study or relevant Asian-focused courses from other schools and colleges may count toward the requirements of the program. Credits earned at other institutions in Asian studies programs, as well as credits earned and approved through study abroad, will be accepted in partial fulfillment of the requirements. Students are encouraged to begin or continue their study of an Asian language during their overseas studies in order to fulfill part or all of the foreign language aspect of an Asian studies certificate. Students wishing to transfer more than 9 credits to the certificate program must petition to the program committee. Exceptions to these requirements may be approved by the program committee.

To obtain the Certificate in Asian Studies (Specific Language), in addition to the Certificate in Asian Studies requirements, students must complete at least two years or 12 semester hours of language study in one Asian language with a grade point average of 2.5. Instruction in Asian languages (including those not regularly taught at UWM) at other institutions can be used to fulfill these requirements. Such study, however, normally must be transferable as at least 12 semester credit hours, fulfill the requirement of an average grade point of 2.5, and be verified by successful completion of a standard performance test administered at UWM. Exceptions to these requirements must be approved by the program committee.

Students are assigned an advisor from the Asian studies faculty. Interested students should contact the program coordinator for assignment of their individual advisor. The advisor’s function is to help the student design a program of study from among the available courses and to guide the student in completing that program.

The following courses have been approved for the Certificate in Asian Studies Program.