Note: The Department Waitlist policy for all courses is 2 - Go to the department office to get on a waitlist, and then attend the first class meeting. Policies and procedures for handling the waitlist will be explained there.
Students wanting to begin language study, at a level other than first year, must take a placement exam to be held on September 2.
Take me to the Fall Time Schedule
Culture Courses
225/Rel. 225. Hinduism.
(3). (HU).
Hinduism is a major world religion practiced by over a billion
people, primarily in South Asia, but it also was the precursor
of Buddhism, and along with Buddhism it had a major impact on the civilizations in East and Southeast Asia. This class will
cover its origins and development, its literature, its belief
and practices, its unique social structures and doctrines, its
interactions with other religions, and finally its confrontation
with and accommodation of "modernity." We will use reading
materials, lectures, discussions, and audio and video resources.
WL:2 (Deshpande)
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Times, Location, and Availability
250. Undergraduate Seminar
in South and Southeast Asian Culture. No knowledge
of any Asian language required. (3). (HU). May be repeated with
department permission.
See Asian Studies 253.
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Times, Location, and Availability
303/Rel. 303. Sikhism.
(3). (HU).
The aim of this course is to study Sikh religious beliefs, practices, and institutions. The emphasis will be on the teachings of the
founder, Guru Nanak, and the major doctrinal developments under
subsequent Gurus. Particular attention will be paid to the scripture, the Adi Granth, and other Sikh texts as means to understanding the evolution of the Sikh community. The course begins with the
examination of the formation of early Sikh tradition in the socio-religious
context of North India and ends with the analysis of the historical
and social processes through which the Khalsa Panth was consolidated.
Course Requirements: An essay of 3,000 words will carry 30% of the course marks. There will be two tests: a midterm worth 20%, and a final worth 30%. The remaining 20% of marks will be allotted
to the presentation and participation in tutorial discussions.
WL:2 (Singh)
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Times, Location, and Availability
S&SEA Language Courses
101. Beginning Thai.
(5). (LR).
Standard Thai, the language of Thailand, is typical of several
Asian languages in its grammar and tonal pronunciation. The class
teaches the four skills of speaking, listening, reading, and writing
of Thai. Focus of the course is the use of language in everyday
situations. Upon successful completion of the two-term sequence, students will be able to conduct conversation dealing with several
survival concerns, e.g., introduction, ordering food, transportation, banking, post-office trip, shopping, etc.
From the first day of class, students will learn Thai scripts
and will be able to read course materials and short passages in
Thai at the end of the term. Writing assignments are also assigned.
Thai cultures, history, geography, etc., will be offered
both in the content of the language lessons and supplementary
presentations. Placement test required before registration. This
is an introductory course, for students who have never
had any exposure to the Thai language. Students who can speak, understand, or read Thai already cannot take this course.
WL:2 (Krishnamra)
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Times, Location, and Availability
103. Beginning Indonesian.
(5). (LR).
This course is an introduction to the speaking, reading, and writing
of modern Indonesian. Students with previous experience with Indonesian
or Malay should contact the department for placement into course.
Indonesian is the national language of Indonesia, a country noted
for its rich and deep cultural heritage as well as for its remarkable
cultural diversity. With its 200 million speakers, Indonesian
is the sixth most prevalently spoken of the world's languages.
The relatively simple syntactic and grammatical structures that
characterize Indonesian make it an accessible language for native
speakers of English. The elementary course comprises a two-term
sequence designed to provide the student with a basic working
knowledge of the Indonesian language. The course aims at the acquisition
of the four basic language skills – listening, speaking, reading, and writing – in modern Indonesian. The class emphasizes aural-oral
exercises and practice and the learning of culture throughout the course. The text used is keyed to a set of tapes for use in the language lab and concentrates on practical knowledge of the
language. Evaluation is based on classroom performance, homework
assignments, tests, and a final exam. WL:2
(Sudarsih)
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Times, Location, and Availability
105. Elementary Hindi-Urdu.
No credit granted to those who have completed or
are enrolled in S&SEA 315 or 365. (4). (LR).
South and Southeast Asia 105-106 is the first year in the sequence
of Hindi-Urdu courses offered by the Department of Asian Languages
and Cultures. Hindi and Urdu are the respective national languages
of India and Pakistan. WL:2
Sections 001-004 – Elementary Hindi. This course concentrates on developing skills in reading, writing, speaking, and aural comprehension. Evaluation is based on attendance, written homework assignments, quizzes, dictations, and examinations. There are no prerequisites (no previous knowledge of Hindi is required). Only the Devanagari writing system is introduced. (Siddiqi)
Section 005 – Elementary Urdu. This course concentrates
on developing skills in reading, writing, speaking, and aural
comprehension. Evaluation is based on attendance, written homework
assignments, quizzes, dictations, and examinations. There are
no prerequisites (no previous knowledge of Urdu is required).
Only the Nastaliq writing system is introduced. (Bashir)
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Times, Location, and Availability
107. Beginning Tagalog.
(4). (LR).
Tagalog/Filipino is the national language of the Philippines.
Beginning Tagalog is a two-term sequence designed to give the
student who has little or no knowledge of Tagalog the necessary
basis for learning to speak it and to have an acquaintance with the cultural context in which it functions. Tagalog is particularly
interesting in the way it has integrated the broad influences
of both Spanish and English into its own syntactic and semantic
systems. The oral approach is greatly emphasized in the classroom, using questions and answers and short dialogues to develop active
use of the language in the most natural way possible. This is
complemented by the use of taped lessons. There are frequent short
quizzes, short dialogues, and a final examination. At the end
of the first year, the student should be able to handle brief
exchanges in common social situations and to read and write simple
dialogues and essays in Tagalog. Text is Conversational Tagalog:
A Functional-Situational Approach by Teresita Ramos. Supplementary
readings and audiovisual presentations will be provided when appropriate.
WL:2 (Agas Weller)
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Times, Location, and Availability
109. Beginning Sanskrit.
No credit granted to those who have completed or
are enrolled in S&SEA 369. (3). (LR).
This course will work toward developing a proficiency with the
basic tools necessary to read and write Sanskrit, the classical
language of India. Lessons will include study of the script (Devanagari),
elementary grammar and vocabulary. The grade will be based on
completion of regular homework assignments, weekly quizzes, a
midterm, and a final exam. WL:2
(Deshpande)
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Times, Location, and Availability
113. Elementary Tamil.
No credit granted to those who have completed or
are enrolled in S&SEA 373. (4). (LR).
This course begins an introduction to the language, land, history, culture, and traditions of Tamil Nadu, one of the states in India.
Tamil, the major Dravidian language spoken in Tamil Nadu and by the largest minority in Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Malaysia, is
one of the oldest languages of the world with a rich literary
tradition beginning in 3 B.C. All major language skills – listening, speaking, reading, and writing – are covered. The aim of this
course is achieving proficiency in speaking comprehension; to
enable the student to function effectively in everyday situations.
Class meets in a computer lab once or twice a week to practice
listening and reading using a multimedia HyperCard software implemented
for Tamil. A standard textbook is used, supplemented by reference
texts and additional materials selected or specially prepared
by the instructor. Recitation sections emphasize speaking and listening in native contexts at normal speed with near-native
pronunciation, intonation, rhythm, and appropriate body language.
Students learn to handle the script in which Tamil is written.
Reading materials introduce the students to the culture and the
religion of Tamil-speaking people. Evaluation is based on classroom
performance, homework assignments, tests, and a final exam. WL:2 (Radhakrishnan)
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Times, Location, and Availability
115. Beginning Vietnamese.
(5). (LR).
Vietnamese 115-116 is the introductory course in reading, listening, speaking, and writing the only language of more than 74 million
speakers, from the South to the utmost northern part of Vietnam.
This country now adopts the free market economy and needs foreign
capital and know-how. With the normalization of U.S.-Vietnamese
relations, a knowledge of the Vietnamese language and culture
will be a crucial asset in enabling one to participate in many
opportunities. This first half of the two-term sequence course
is designed to accommodate students with no knowledge of the Vietnamese
language, as well as those with some knowledge who want to develop the four basic language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) and to improve their knowledge of Vietnamese history
and culture. The format will be as follows: four class hours a
week will be focused on the aural-oral approach in reading, dialoguing, translating, and responding to the content of the texts using
a question-and-answer format. One class hour a week will be devoted
to quizzes and tests. In addition, there will be written assignments
and works in the language lab. Throughout the course, students
will be encouraged to communicate in Vietnamese, and classes will
be largely conducted in Vietnamese to develop the students' ability
to acquire sufficient automaticity and fluency in spoken Vietnamese.
Students will be graded on classroom performance, class attendance, homework assignments, and a final examination. WL:2
(Nguyen)
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Times, Location, and Availability
125. Hindi-Urdu for Heritage
Learners. Permission of instructor. Some knowledge
of spoken Hindi or Urdu as determined by interview with the instructor.
No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled
in S&SEA 105. (2). (LR).
This course offers instruction in the Devangari writing
system and the elements of Hindi grammar for students who have
some ability to speak and understand Hindi but who are unable
to read or write it. Meeting two hours per week it will cover the same material as S&SEA 105 (the first term of Elementary
Hindi-Urdu, meeting fours hours per week) but will do so without
spending the same amount of time on training in pronunciation, comprehension, and other speaking and listening skills. After
completing S&SEA 125, students will be able to continue their
study of Hindi-Urdu by enrolling in S&SEA 106, the second
term of Elementary Hindi-Urdu, offered in the Winter Term. Enrollment
in this class is via permission of instructor. Please contact the Department if you feel this may be an appropriate class for
you. WL:2
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Times, Location, and Availability
201. Intermediate Thai.
S&SEA 102. (4). (LR).
This course continues and extends the four skills students developed
in Thai 101-102. Reading and discussion as well as written assignments
from authentic materials will be covered. Also, discussions on
topics interesting to students will be covered in order to increase
speaking fluency. Class is conducted largely in Thai. Students
are required to actively participate in class. WL:2
(Krishnamra)
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Times, Location, and Availability
203. Intermediate Indonesian.
S&SEA 104. (4). (LR).
This course is the first half of a two-term sequence aimed at
increasing the student's proficiency in the four basic language
skills – listening, speaking, reading, and writing – in modern
Indonesian. Although increasing emphasis is given to the development
of reading and writing skills, listening and speaking constitute
an integral part of the course which is conducted entirely in
Indonesian. Vocabulary building and instruction in matters of
cross-cultural sensitivity are of great importance. The primary
text used is keyed to a set of tapes for use in the language lab
and concentrates on practical knowledge of the language. Supplementary
materials introduce the student to reading modern Indonesian literature.
Evaluation is based on classroom performance, homework assignments, tests, and a final exam. WL:2
(Sudarsih)
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Times, Location, and Availability
205. Intermediate Hindi-Urdu.
S&SEA 106. No credit granted to those who have
completed or are enrolled in S&SEA 316 or 366. (4). (LR).
This course is intended to increase students' skills and proficiency
in speaking, comprehending, reading, and writing the Devanagari
(Hindi) script. Students are also introduced to the Nastaliq
(Urdu) writing system. Evaluation is based on attendance, written
homework assignments, quizzes, dictations, and examinations. Students
with a background in Hindi-Urdu may also enter the sequence at this point. See the instructor for placement examination. WL:2
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Times, Location, and Availability
207. Intermediate Tagalog.
S&SEA 108. (3). (LR).
This course is designed for the student who has some knowledge
of Tagalog and who wishes to develop some fluency in spoken Tagalog
and to be acquainted with Tagalog literature. It is a two-term
sequence that is essentially a continuation of what has been learned
in the first year but there will be more emphasis on reading and writing. Students who have not taken Beginning Tagalog (S&SEA
107/108) may take this course if they pass an evaluation test
to be given by the instructor. The format will be as follows:
two class hours a week will be devoted to reading and writing, one class hour a week will be devoted to guided conversation.
Readings will be assigned, and these will provide the framework
for the discussion of Tagalog grammar and conversations in Tagalog
on the content of the texts. There will be written assignments, frequent quizzes, and a final examination. By the end of the second
year, students should have acquired sufficient competence to handle
longer conversations, write letters and brief essays, read certain
plays, and (with the aid of a dictionary) newspapers and magazines.
Course text is Intermediate Tagalog, Developing Cultural Awareness
Through Language by Terisita Ramos and Rosalina Morales Goulet.
Supplementary readings and visual aids will be provided when appropriate.
WL:2 (Agas Weller)
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Times, Location, and Availability
211. Intermediate Punjabi.
S&SEA 112 or 371. No credit granted to those
who have completed or are enrolled in S&SEA 372. (3). (LR).
This course is intended for students with an elementary knowledge
of the Punjabi language. The emphasis will be on advanced grammatical
constructions, composition, vocabulary development, and conversational
skills. The grammatical parts of speech and inflection will be
explained in detail. A particular attention will be paid toward
developing a basic practical proficiency in the language. Also, the Sacred Language of the Sikhs will be introduced. Readings
will include items from Sikh poetry and plays. Students will be
introduced to the rich cultural heritage of the Punjab. A video
film will be shown to examine the spoken language of the Punjab.
Throughout the course the students will be encouraged to communicate
in Punjabi language. Course Requirements: There will be two tests:
a midterm worth 20% and a final worth 30%. In addition there will
be homework assignments worth 30%. The remaining 20% of marks
will be allotted to oral communication, dictation, and instructor's
own evaluation. WL:2
(Singh)
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Times, Location, and Availability
213(435). Intermediate
Tamil. S&SEA 114 or 373. No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in S&SEA 374. (3).
(LR).
This course is a continuation of Tamil 114. Students with prior
knowledge of Tamil may also join this course. See the instructor
for placement. This course is designed to develop further skills
in speaking and writing as well as increase their proficiency
in reading and comprehension. A standard textbook is used, supplemented
by HyperCard Tamil software consisting of a sequence of graded
dialogues chosen from daily conversations and Tamil movies. Evaluation
is based on classroom performance, homework assignments, tests, and a final exam. WL:2
(Radhakrishnan)
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Times, Location, and Availability
215. Intermediate Vietnamese.
S&SEA 116. (4). (LR).
This course is a continuation of Beginning Vietnamese 115-116.
It is designed for the students who have some knowledge of spoken
and written Vietnamese and who wish to develop the four basic
language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) learned
in the two-term Beginning Vietnamese course. The format will be
as follows: four class hours a week will be focused on the aural-oral
approach in reading, dialoguing, translating, and answering questions
on the content of the texts. In addition, there will be homework
assignments and quizzes or tests. Throughout the course, the students
will be encouraged to communicate in Vietnamese, and classes will
be largely conducted in Vietnamese. Course grades will be based
on classroom performance, class attendance, weekly assignments, and a final examination. WL:2
(Nguyen)
Check
Times, Location, and Availability
401. Advanced Thai. S&SEA
202. (3). (Excl).
In this course students will complete the move from material written
specifically for foreign language learners to "real"
Thai, including such genres as newspaper articles, essays, and fiction. Class discussion of the reading selections and other
topics will be in Thai, giving students the chance to acquire
more sophisticated oral skills such as those of advancing and supporting opinions and interpretations. Written assignments will
advance students' facility at writing Thai. WL:2
(Krishnamra)
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Times, Location, and Availability
403. Advanced Indonesian.
S&SEA 204. (3). (Excl).
The course aims at further development of the students' proficiency
in the four basic language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) in modern Indonesian. The course work is designed
to improve the students' command of basic grammatical structures
as well as to build advanced vocabulary. Socio-cultural orientation
will increase the students' familiarity with the important socio-linguistic
aspects of Indonesian language use and production. The texts used
for the course stress active manipulation of a practical vocabulary
for both formal and informal language situations. The materials
selected are meant to further the students' knowledge of modern
Indonesian literary and political cultures. Evaluation is based
on classroom performance, homework assignments, tests, and a final
exam or project. WL:2
(Florida/Sudarsih)
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Times, Location, and Availability
409(509). Advanced Readings
in Sanskrit. S&SEA 210. (3). (Excl).
This course will include the reading of dramas, classical epics, and philosophical literature in Sanskrit. The exact content will
vary depending on the interest of the students. Students interested
in taking this course should contact Prof. Deshpande directly.
WL:2 (Deshpande)
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Times, Location, and Availability
413(535). Advanced Tamil.
S&SEA 214 or 374. (3). (Excl).
This course is designed to develop students' skills in speaking
and writing contemporary Tamil, as well as providing an exposure
to Tamil poetry from Sangam to the modern period. The skill of
understanding and using idiomatic expressions and proverbs in
Tamil is developed using selected texts from Tamil short stories, novels, radio plays, and movie dialogues. Attempts are made to
let the students acquire near native competence. Throughout the
course, the students will be encouraged to listen to audio tapes, use the multimedia HyperCard Tamil software and speak Tamil in the class as frequently as possible. Evaluation is based on classroom
performance, writing short letters and essays on a given topic, oral interviews, and an exam. Students who have not taken the
sequence of Tamil courses offered by this department may be able
to join this course, provided they have prior knowledge of the
language by some other means. See the instructor for placement.
WL:2 (Radhakrishnan)
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Times, Location, and Availability
415. Advanced Vietnamese.
S&SEA 216 or 302. (3). (Excl).
This course emphasizes composition writing and discussion on selected
reading materials. This selection of materials, ranging from literary
books to newspapers, folk stories and other cultural materials, will provide the students opportunities to get acquainted with
various socio-cultural aspects of Vietnam. The class meets three
hours a week. Evaluation is based on the written assignments, classroom attendance, and performance. WL:2
(Nguyen)
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Times, Location, and Availability
463. Advanced Readings
of Modern Indonesian Texts I. S&SEA 404. (3).
(Excl). May be repeated for a total of six credits.
The course is a two-term sequence designed to introduce the student
to critical readings of modern Indonesian texts. A reading and speaking knowledge of modern Indonesian is prerequisite. With
an emphasis on text analysis, the student is required to produce
critical commentaries on (and sometimes translations of) selected
passages from a variety of assigned texts. The course is run as
a seminar with discussion conducted in Indonesian. Evaluation
is based on the written assignments and classroom performance.
WL:2 (Florida/Sudarsih)
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Times, Location, and Availability
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