Minors

Arabic Minor

Arabic Minor

World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures  

A minor in Arabic requires 16 semester hours, including 9 hours of Arabic at the intermediate and advanced levels and 3 hours of electives.

Required Courses (13 hours)

Certain study abroad programs may substitute some of the courses below.

  • ARAB 1020 - Elementary Arabic II

    4 credit hours

    Prerequisite: ARAB 1010 or permission of instructor.

    TBC: Non-Written Communication

  • ARAB 2010 - Intermediate Arabic I

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: ARAB 1020 or ARAB 1040 or permission of instructor. An intermediate course designed to improve language skills in Arabic, including reading, writing, speaking, and aural comprehensive.

    TBC: Non-Written Communication

  • ARAB 2020 - Intermediate Arabic II

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: ARAB 2010 or permission of instructor. Continuation of ARAB 2010.

    TBC: Non-Written Communication

  • ARAB 3010 - Advanced Arabic I

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: ARAB 2020. First advanced course in Modern Standard Arabic.

Guided Elective (3 hours)

Students may select one additional course in Middle East Studies such as MES 2100, study abroad, or other courses related to the field as approved by advisor.

  • ARAB 3020 - Advanced Arabic II

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: ARAB 3010. Second advanced course in Modern Standard Arabic.

  • GEOG 4500 - Geography of the Middle East and North Africa

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: Junior standing. Situated at the intersection of Europe, Africa and Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa together form a complex and dynamic region linked by similarities such as environment, culture, and religion. Explores the geography of the region emphasizing current issues such as population and migration, religion, conflict, natural resources, geo-political alliances and globalization. (Spring odd-numbered years)

  • MES 2100 - Introduction to Middle East Studies

    3 credit hours

    An introduction to the people, culture, geography, and history of the Middle East from the distant past to the present. Includes ancient history, the rise of Islam, Arab nationalism and formation of the modern states, the creation of Israel, oil and natural resources, social structures and family life, international diplomacy and peacemaking, problems of Westernization and modernization, and political Islam.

    TBC: Human Society and Social Relationships (Explorations)

  • HIST 4440 - The Middle East  3 credit hours  

    HIST 4440 - The Middle East

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: Three hours of HIST 1010, HIST 1020, HIST 1110, or HIST 1120.The rise and spread of Islam, the Ottoman Empire, European imperialism in the Middle East, and contemporary developments. Emphasis on cultural contributions of the Middle East to Western civilization.

  • HIST 4445 - The History of the Arab-Israeli Conflict

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: 3 hours from HIST 1010, HIST 1020, HIST 1110, or HIST 1120. Examines the history, causes, evolution, and main issues of the Arab-Israeli Conflict from the nineteenth century until the present.

  • HIST 4560 - Ancient Egypt  3 credit hours  

    HIST 4560 - Ancient Egypt

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: Three hours of HIST 1010, HIST 1020, HIST 1110, or HIST 1120. Examines the political, social, and cultural developments reflected in Egyptian artistic, literary, and architectural works within the context of the 3000-year history of this ancient state from the Predynastic Period through the Ptolemaic Dynasty (3200-32 BCE). Counts as an elective in the global category in History major.

  • RS 4050 - Judaism, Christianity, and Islam

    3 credit hours

    Explores historical and socio-cultural developments within Judaism, Christianity, and Islam; their relation to other religions of the world.

  • PS 4690 - International Relations of the Middle East

    3 credit hours

    Examines framework within which to understand Middle East international relations. Includes Arab/Israeli conflict; oil and Middle East international relations; political Islam; the war on terror; and United States, European, Chinese, and Russian policies in the Middle East.

  • PS 4190 - Contemporary Middle East Politics

    3 credit hours

    Comparative study of political institutions, political processes, political dynamics, and behavior in the Middle East and North Africa. Emphasizes historical, socio-cultural, and ideological forces that have shaped politics in the region, including Zionism, Islamism, Arab nationalism, colonialism, and the Palestinian Conflict.

Chinese Minor

Chinese Minor

World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures


This minor will allow students to add an international component to their chosen careers in business, international relations, hospitality, and mass media. The Chinese minor requires 15 hours.

Required Courses (12 hours)

  • CHIN 1020 - Elementary Chinese II

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: CHIN 1010 or advanced placement. Continuation of CHIN 1010.

    TBC: Non-Written Communication

  • CHIN 2010 - Intermediate Chinese I

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: CHIN 1020 or advanced placement. Continued study of the Chinese writing system, basic vocabulary and daily expressions, culture and society; and most importantly, the ability to use the language in communication.

    TBC: Non-Written Communication

  • CHIN 2020 - Intermediate Chinese II

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: CHIN 2010 or advanced placement. Increased emphasis on using the language appropriately. Introduction of reading strategies and communication strategies.

    TBC: Non-Written Communication

  • CHIN 3010 - Advanced Chinese I

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: CHIN 2020 or permission of instructor. Advanced level practice in language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Continued study of the Chinese writing system and culture.  

Guided Elective (3 hours)

  • CHIN 3020 - Advanced Chinese II  3 credit hours  
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    CHIN 3020 - Advanced Chinese II

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: CHIN 3010 or permission of instructor. Further advanced level practice in language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Continued study of the Chinese writing system and culture.  

  • CHIN 3050 - Introduction to Chinese Culture

    3 credit hours

    Offers both Chinese language and non-language students an introduction to Chinese culture and society focusing on key historical, social, and cultural topics essential to understanding modern China. Taught in English; no background knowledge of China or the Chinese language required.  

French Minor

French Minor

World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures  

A minor in French requires 18 semester hours (excluding FREN 1010), including 9 hours of 3000- and/or 4000-level courses.

German Minor

German Minor

World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures 

A minor in German requires 18 semester hours (excluding GERM 1010), including 9 hours of 3000- and/or 4000-level courses.

Italian Minor

Italian Minor

World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures 

A minor in Italian requires 18 semester hours (excluding ITAL 1010) including 9 hours of 3000- and/or 4000-level courses.

Required Courses (9 hours)

  • ITAL 1020 - Elementary Italian II

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: ITAL 1010 or advanced placement. Continuation of ITAL 1010. Increased emphasis on the acquisition of fluency in Italian.

    TBC: Non-Written Communication

  • ITAL 2010 - Intermediate Italian I

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: ITAL 1020 or permission of instructor. A review of Italian grammar with reading and oral exercises designed to improve understanding of written and spoken language.

    TBC: Non-Written Communication

  • ITAL 2020 - Intermediate Italian II

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: ITAL 2010 or permission of instructor. Continuation of ITAL 2010.

    TBC: Non-Written Communication

Guided Electives (9 hours)

  • HUM 3065 - Topics in Italian Culture

    3 credit hours

    Offers both Italian language and non-language students an introduction to Italian culture and society focusing on key historical, social, and cultural topics essential to understanding modern Italy. Taught in English; no background knowledge of Italy or the Italian language required.

  • ITAL 3010 - Advanced Italian I

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: ITAL 2020 or permission of instructor. Advanced level practice in language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Continued study of the Italian language and culture.

  • ITAL 3020 - Advanced Italian II

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: ITAL 3010 or permission of instructor. Further advanced level practice in language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Continued study of the Italian language and culture.

  • ITAL 3990 - Study Abroad  3 to 12 credit hours  

    ITAL 3990 - Study Abroad

    3 to 12 credit hours

    No language prerequisite. Designed for students participating in Study Abroad courses for the existing consortium agreements or other study abroad programs approved by the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures. The credits depend on the number of hours of study in the foreign country (e.g., a four-week, six-week, or semester program).

Japanese Minor

Japanese Language Minor

World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures 

A minor in Japanese Language requires 18 semester hours (excluding JAPN 1010).

Required Courses (9 hours)

  • JAPN 1020 - Elementary Japanese II  3 credit hours  
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    JAPN 1020 - Elementary Japanese II

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: JAPN 1010 or equivalent. A continuation of materials introduced in JAPN 1010.

    TBC: Non-Written Communication

  • JAPN 1040 - Intensive Elementary Japanese  6 credit hours  
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    (3 hours) 

    JAPN 1040 - Intensive Elementary Japanese

    6 credit hours

    A foundation course in reading, writing, speaking, and aural comprehension. JAPN 1040 counts as combined credit for JAPN 1010 and JAPN 1020.

  • JAPN 2010 - Intermediate Japanese I

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: JAPN 1020 or JAPN 1040 or equivalent. A continuation of materials introduced in JAPN 1020.

    TBC: Non-Written Communication

  • JAPN 2020 - Intermediate Japanese II

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: JAPN 2010 or equivalent. A continuation of materials introduced in JAPN 2010.

    TBC: Non-Written Communication

Electives (9 hours)

Choose 9 credit hours from any of the courses below in consultation with the minor advisor:

  • JAPN 3010 - Advanced Japanese

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: JAPN 2020 or equivalent. A continuation of modern Japanese. Emphasis on linguistic and communicative skills in speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Includes further study of Japanese culture for enhanced understanding of the language.

  • JAPN 3015 - Professional Japanese I

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: JAPN 2020 or permission of instructor. Basic linguistic and cultural skills to work in Japan or a professional Japanese setting.

  • JAPN 3020 - Advanced Japanese

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: JAPN 3010 or equivalent. A continuation of modern Japanese. Emphasis on linguistic and communicative skills in speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Includes further study of Japanese culture for enhanced understanding of the language.

  • JAPN 3030 - Advanced Japanese III

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: JAPN 3020 or permission of instructor. A continuation of JAPN 3020. Emphasis on linguistic and communicative skills in speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Includes further study of Japanese culture for enhanced learning of the language.

  • JAPN 3035 - Professional Japanese II

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite:  JAPN 3020 or permission of instructor. Advanced linguistic and cultural skills necessary to work in Japan or a professional Japanese setting.

  • JAPN 3570 - Introduction to Japanese Linguistics

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: JAPN 3030 or permission of instructor. Introduces linguistic study of the Japanese language with emphasis on theoretical, social, and applied linguistic concepts and data in Japanese. Taught in Japanese.

  • JAPN 4010 - Topics in Japanese Language and Culture

    3 credit hours

    Topics will vary and will be selected from specialized areas in Japanese language or culture. May be repeated for maximum 6 hours credit toward major.

  • JAPN 4015 - Special Topics in Advanced Japanese Language and Culture

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: JAPN 3030 or equivalent or permission of instructor. Involves in-depth study of cultural, linguistic, literary, professional, academic themes, and issues. Taught in Japanese. May be taken twice with change of topic. 

  • JAPN 4020 - Modern Japanese Literature

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: JAPN 3030 or permission of instructor. Examines Japanese modern literary works, techniques, and authors from early-to-mid twentieth century to the present. Taught in Japanese.

  • JAPN 4040 - Advanced Japanese in Cultural Context I

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: JAPN 3030 or permission of instructor. Building on advanced skills of reading, writing, speaking, and listening in Japanese with particular emphasis on the study of a variety of content topics.

  • JAPN 4050 - Advanced Japanese in Cultural Context II

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: JAPN 4040 or permission of instructor. Building on advanced skills of reading, writing, speaking, and listening in Japanese with particular emphasis on the study of a variety of content topics.

  • JAPN 4570 - Topics in Japanese Linguistics

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: JAPN 3570 or permission of instructor. Continuing the linguistic study of the Japanese language with focus on selected topics at the advanced level. Course taught in Japanese.

  • JAPN 4600 - Internship  1 to 6 credit hours  

    JAPN 4600 - Internship

    1 to 6 credit hours

    Prerequisites: Junior standing; 3.0 GPA in Japanese required; permission of instructor. An internship in which students apply Japanese language skills and cultural competency. Arrangements must be made with instructor prior to registration. Pass/Fail.

  • JAPN 4900 - Directed Study in Japanese  1 to 6 credit hours  
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    (3 credit hours required) 

    JAPN 4900 - Directed Study in Japanese

    1 to 6 credit hours

    Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Individualized intensive reading in primary and secondary sources relating to specific topic in Japanese language and/or culture.

Portuguese Studies Minor

Portuguese Studies Minor

World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures 
Advisor: Soraya Nogueira

The Portuguese Studies minor is designed to develop basic reading, writing, and conversation skills in Portuguese, as well as obtain greater cultural knowledge of the Portuguese-speaking world.

The minor consists of 18-21 hours. All students will be required to take12-15 hours in Portuguese grammar and conversation and 6 hours in elective courses. The integration of language and culture classes will provide students with a well-rounded view of the Portuguese-speaking world.

Interdisciplinary Minors

Interdisciplinary minors require the student to complete a minimum of 15 to 21 hours from a list of specific courses. Unless otherwise noted, a student may take no more than 6 hours of courses from a single department until he or she surpasses the required minimum number of hours necessary for completing the minor. Exceptions to this rule may be found within the discussions of several of the minors. In most cases, a student is also limited to just 3 hours of credit toward the minor in the same department or discipline in which he or she is taking a major. Students must fulfill all departmental prerequisites for any course within an interdisciplinary minor. In some cases, advisors may approve course substitutions within these program requirements.

Required Portuguese Language and Conversation Courses (12-15 hours)

  • PORT 1020 - Elementary Portuguese II  3 credit hours  
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    OR 

    PORT 1020 - Elementary Portuguese II

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: PORT 1010 or permission of instructor. Continuation of materials introduced in PORT 1010.

    TBC: Non-Written Communication

  • PORT 1040 - Intensive Elementary Portuguese

    6 credit hours

    A foundation course in reading, writing, speaking, and aural comprehension. PORT 1040 counts as combined credit for PORT 1010 and PORT 1020.

 

  • PORT 2010 - Intermediate Portuguese I  3 credit hours  
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    PORT 2010 - Intermediate Portuguese I

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: PORT 1020 or PORT 1040 or permission of instructor. A review of Portuguese grammar with readings and oral exercises designed to improve the student's skills and understanding of Brazilian culture.

    TBC: Non-Written Communication

  • PORT 2020 - Intermediate Portuguese II

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: PORT 2010 or permission of instructor. Continuation of PORT 2010.

    TBC: Non-Written Communication

OR

  • PORT 2040 - Intensive Intermediate Portuguese

    6 credit hours

    Prerequisite: PORT 1020 or PORT 1040. An intensive semester course of intermediate Portuguese covering all the objectives of the existing PORT 2010 and PORT 2020.

 

  • PORT 3010 - Advanced Portuguese I

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: PORT 2020 or permission of instructor. Advanced-level practice in language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing, including review of Portuguese grammar.

Elective Courses (6 hours)

  • ANTH 3517 - Peoples and Cultures of Brazil

    3 credit hours

    The diverse peoples and cultures of Brazil. Histories, sociocultural systems, and contemporary issues and impacts resulting from globalization from an anthropological perspective.

  • ANTH 4940 - Ethnographic Field School

    3 to 6 credit hours

    Field experience in a cross-cultural setting. Training in ethnographic research techniques.

  • HUM 3070 - Brazilian Popular Culture

    3 credit hours

    Provides the necessary context, critical analysis, and perspectives on contemporary culture studies in Brazil. There is no language prerequisite for this course.

  • HUM 3086 - Women's Voices in Latin American Literatures

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: ENGL 2020, HUM 2610, equivalent, or permission of instructor. Involves in-depth literary and cultural study of a representative sample of women's writing from Latin America. Taught in English.

  • PORT 3020 - Advanced Portuguese II

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: PORT 2020 or permission of instructor. A continuation of PORT 3010.

A study abroad program in Brazil is available through the KIIS program. For more detailed information, please visit its official website at http://www.kiis.org.

Spanish Minor

Spanish Minor

World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures 

A minor in Spanish requires 18 semester hours (excluding SPAN 1010), including 9 hours of 3000- and/or 4000-level courses.