Our departmental mission includes the study of numerous religious traditions of Central Asia, Southwest Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. Such traditions include Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Jainism. The graduate study of such traditions, whether in their past or present forms, is generally conducted within the Religions of Asia option. Interdisciplinary approaches are encouraged. 

Major Language Requirement

3 years (6 semesters) of an Asian language offered by the Department. An examination of the student's competence will be Part One of the student's PhD preliminary examination. The form of the examination will be determined by the faculty member administering the examination. Elementary and intermediate languages taken in the course of fulfilling this language requirement cannot be counted toward the "credit requirement" described below. 

Minor Language Requirement

Two 2 years (4 semesters) of another Asian language, or 1 year (2 semesters) of two other Asian languages offered by the Department. Elementary and intermediate languages taken in the course of fulfilling this language requirement cannot be counted toward the "credit requirement" described below. 

Additional Language/s

It will be the responsibility of the student's PhD adviser to establish at the beginning of a student's PhD program additional language requirements (if any). At that time the Department Chair, the student's PhD adviser (if different from the Chair), and the student will sign an Adviser/Additional Language Form that will be filed with the Graduate Coordinator. The student must complete the additional language/s requirement before taking any part of the PhD preliminary examination. 

Credit Requirement

39 credits taken in courses numbered 300 or higher. Course work taken for the MA count towards the 39 credits. Elementary and intermediate language courses do not count toward the 39 credits. "Directed Study" and "Independent Study" courses are not accepted toward the fulfillment of the 39 credits unless approved in writing in advance by the Academic Programs Committee. The 39 credits include: 

1. Two courses in Literature, one of which may be taken in either the Department of Linguistics or in the Department of Comparative Literature.
2. Four seminars or pro-seminars in the Department of Languages and Cultures of Asia. At least three must deal with one or more religious traditions.
3. (Optional) Up to 3 credits in Research and Thesis (990) from preparation used to satisfy the M.A. research requirement; however these credits do not satisfy the requirements in a or b.
4. Additional courses in the Department of Languages and Cultures of Asia to bring the total to 39 credits. With prior approval in writing by the Academic Programs Committee, courses with 25% or more Languages and Cultures of Asia content can be taken in other Departments to bring the total to 39 credits.

PhD Minor – Optional

The purpose of the minor is to give breadth to a PhD major. The course work for the minor is in addition to the course work required for the PhD major. A PhD Minor Agreement Form must be on file with the Graduate Coordinator prior to taking the preliminary examination. There are two kinds of minors: Option A and Option B. 

• PhD Minor Option A and Option B
• Preliminary Examination
• Dissertator Status