The Master of Arts in Asian Languages and Civilizations: Chinese
Introduction
The Faculty of East and Southeast Asian Languages and Cultures in the School of International Letters and Cultures offers a graduate program leading to a master of arts degree in Asian Languages and Civilizations-Chinese. The degree is meant for students interested in pursuing advanced study of the cultures and languages of China. The degree is meant to increase students' general knowledge as well as to prepare them for advanced careers in academics, government, business, and other areas of professional life.
All degree candidates are required to write a research thesis that demonstrates the student's ability to handle sources in the original language and to think critically and write clearly about a topic in Chinese language or culture. The thesis is intended to demonstrate a synthesis of linguistic competence, intellectual insight, and practical experience that every candidate is expected to achieve.
Application Procedures
Application for admission to a graduate degree program in Asian Languages and Civilizations must be made by one of two deadlines: December 15 if the applicant wishes to be considered for any form of financial aid; for all others, April 15. Applicants must submit an application form, fee, and other materials to the Admissions Office of the Graduate College. An application and list of guidelines are available online at www.asu.edu/graduate/ or by writing to:
Graduate Admissions Office
Arizona State University PO Box 871003
Tempe, AZ, 85287-1003
USA
A copy of the application materials (no fee involved) should be sent directly to the School. This should also include a representative undergraduate research or analytical paper, preferably in electronic format. If the applicant is applying from abroad, the paper must be submitted both in its original language and in a clear English translation. This material should be sent to:
Graduate Student Coordinator
Attn: Chinese MA Program
School of International Letters and Cultures
Arizona State University PO Box 870202
Tempe, AZ 85287-0202
USA
To qualify for regular admission, applicants must have completed a bachelor's degree and the equivalent of an undergraduate major in Chinese: 30 units of modern Chinese, 6 units of classical Chinese; 24 units must be in upper-division courses equivalent to ASU's 300-400 level. To be accepted students' grade point average must be at least the equivalent of 3.4 on a 4.00 scale. In some cases students who lack this background, but who show strong potential and meet Graduate College admissions requirements can be admitted with deficiencies and allowed to progress in the M. A. after completing those deficiencies with a grade of 3.5 or better.
Financial Assistance
There are some Teaching and Research Assistantships available through the School. Application forms for Teaching Assistants and Research Assistants are available online at www.asu.edu/graduate/forms/ and should be submitted to the School of International Letters and Cultures.
Loans and work-study aid are handled through the Graduate College Student Financial Assistance Office; applicants must fill out a FAFSA form. For general information on Graduate College fellowships and other financial aid, please go to: http://graduate.asu.edu/ financialsupport.html
For Further Information
Please contact:
Stephen West
Graduate Director, Asian Languages
School of International Letters and Cultures
Arizona State University
PO Box 870202
Tempe, AZ 85287-0202
Phone: (480) 965-2520
Email: Stephen.h.west@asu.edu