Majors, minors and certificate programs in the Department of Asian and Middle Eastern Languages and Studies help prepare students for careers that require a global outlook and expertise.
Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies
Develop the language skills in Chinese, Japanese and Korean and the interdisciplinary knowledge needed for careers and professions ranging from business and government to education and the media. Visit the Asian Studies program website to learn more about the program!
Major or Minor in Chinese
China is one of the most important players in today’s world. Prepare yourself with the language skills and cultural knowledge needed to thrive in careers that engage with China in the public, private and nonprofit sectors. Develop the Chinese language skills and knowledge needed for careers and professions that engage with China in the public, private and nonprofit sectors.
Studying Chinese
Our language program strives to meet the needs and interests of students with different backgrounds and levels of proficiency in Mandarin. Our goal is for our students to develop the linguistic proficiency, sociolinguistic knowledge and strategies to enable them to communicate effectively in Chinese and to support their lifelong language learning.
Are you a true beginner?
Chinese 1001 requires no previous background or knowledge of Mandarin. The course introduces you to the sound and writing systems as well as basic grammar and vocabulary.
As you progress …
Each higher level of instruction continues to build on your knowledge and skills. You’ll focus on developing linguistically accurate, communicatively effective control over the material you study—while, at the same time, gaining insight into how to use the language in culturally and socially appropriate ways.
Do you already have some knowledge of Chinese?
If your academic or home background in Mandarin would place you at a level higher than Chinese 1001, please contact us (chinese@temple.edu) before the beginning of the fall or spring semester for a language evaluation so we can find the right course for you.
Develop the advanced Chinese language skills and knowledge of China that will prepare you for careers and professions in the public, private and nonprofit sectors.
Minor in Japanese
The Minor in Japanese emphasizes language study while recognizing the importance of learning about Japan through literature, history, anthropology and religion. This program is designed for students seeking careers in education, business, government or other professions where Japanese language proficiency is important. As a Japanese minor, you’ll complete 18 credits: nine credits in Japanese and nine credits in Japan-related courses.
Required courses include Intermediate Japanese II, Advanced Japanese I, Advanced Japanese II and three specified content courses. Students who place out of one or more Japanese language courses must replace those requirements with electives approved by the Japanese minor faculty advisor.
Japanese courses in literature, film and popular culture—all given in translation—invite students from any major to develop familiarity with the cultures of Japan. We strongly encourage our students to study in Japan for a semester or more so they can make the most of their Japanese education. Combine Japanese language study with courses in fields such as literature, film, history and religion that focus on Japan.
- Learn more about the Minor in Japanese
Minor in Arabic
This program is ideal for students considering careers in international business, government service, teaching or other professions where foreign language proficiency is important. Students who place out of one or more of the Arabic language courses may replace those requirements with independent study or electives as approved by the Arabic faculty advisor. Electives must focus exclusively on Arab literature, film, history or culture.
Courses in literature, film and popular culture—all given in translation—invite students from any major to develop familiarity with the cultures of the Middle East. We strongly encourage our students to study for a semester or more in countries where Arabic is the main language of communication.
Combine Arabic language study with courses focusing on the Arab world in fields such as literature, film, history, anthropology and religion.
- Learn More About the Minor in Arabic
Studies in Hebrew, Hindi and Korean
We offer courses to help you develop a usable proficiency in Hebrew, Hindi and Korean. With these skills, our students go on to careers in education, government, business and more. Students also use their knowledge of these languages to pursue advanced studies.
Certificates
Certificates of specialization in Arabic, Chinese, and Japanese help students develop a strong foundation for the effective use of these languages socially and professionally. Our certificate programs are designed to enhance career opportunities. Certificates require completion of six skill-based courses, starting with basic language studies for the true beginner.
If you are interested in taking a course as a non-matriculated student, please contact the Office of Continuing Education.