International Studies

401 Thomson

The Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies organizes and supports interdisciplinary teaching and research in international affairs. The school consists of a group of interdisciplinary area-studies programs on major world regions, as well as topical and comparative programs of study that transcend national and regional boundaries.

Undergraduate Program

• Africa and the African Diaspora
• Asian Studies
• Canadian Studies
• Comparative Islamic Studies
• Comparative Religion
• European Studies
• International Studies
• Jewish Studies
• Latin American Studies

The School of International Studies offers the following programs of study:

• The Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in international studies with options in Asian studies, Canadian studies, comparative religion, European studies, international studies, Jewish studies, and Latin American studies
• Minors in Africa and the African diaspora, Canadian studies, China studies, comparative Islamic studies, comparative religion, European studies, international forestry, international studies, Japan studies, Jewish studies, Korea studies, Latin America studies, South Asian studies, and Southeast Asian studies.

African Studies

Nancy Farwell, Chair

African studies involves a multi-campus interdisciplinary group of faculty, staff, and students who share an interest in interdisciplinary questions relating to Africa and the African diaspora. Africa-focused courses are taught in a variety of scholarly disciplines and programs, including art, music, anthropology, forestry and fisheries, geography, history, international health, American ethnic studies, and the interdisciplinary arts and sciences programs at UW Bothell and UW Tacoma. The African studies program coordinates and disseminates information on Africa-related activities; facilitates research, internships, and study abroad opportunities; and administers the Africa and African diaspora minor.

Minor

30 credits from at least three departments whose approved courses are shown on the African studies Web site, including:

1. Minimum 15 credits at the 300 level or above.
2. Minimum 5 credits from the approved list of courses on the African diaspora.
3. Minimum 10 credits from the approved list of courses on Africa.
4. Maximum 10 credits of language courses, which may include 5 credits at the third-year level or above from the Africa-relevant languages of Arabic, French, or Portuguese and 10 credits of Swahili at the second-year level or above.
5. Other courses not on the Web site may be approved by the program office.
6. Minimum 15 credits completed at the UW.
7. Minimum 2.0 grade in each course applied toward the minor.

Asian Studies

The undergraduate program in Asian Studies is directed by a committee consisting of the chairs of China Studies, Korea Studies, Japan Studies, South Asian Studies, and Southeast Asian Studies (see below under Minors), and a designated faculty coordinator.

The Asian Studies major combines language training with interdisciplinary study of an Asian region or single country. The program emphasizes social science approaches to the study of history, culture, and society, with provision for study of literature and the arts as well. Students may focus on China, Japan, Korea, South Asia (Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tibet), Southeast Asia [Brunei, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, East Timor, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam], or Asia as a whole. Five interdisciplinary minors on individual countries or regions also are offered.

Bachelor of Arts

Department Admission Requirements

Major Requirements

80 credits as follows:

• 30 credits or second-year equivalent language training in a language appropriate to student's concentration, plus 50 credits as follows:
1. Either SISA 209 or SISA 210 (5 credits)
2. SIS 201 (5 credits)
3. An Asian civilization course in student's concentration chosen from SISEA 212/HSTAS 212, SISEA 241/HSTAS 241, SISEA 242, HSTAS 201, HSTAS 202, HSTAS 211, SISSA 200, SISSE 221/HSTAS 221 (5 credits)
4. 35 credits of approved coursework from one regional or country concentration, or from the general Asia concentration
5. Approved research paper required in one of the upper division concentration courses
6. Minimum grade of 2.0 in all courses counted toward the major (except first- and second-year language courses, where grades must average 2.00)
7. 30 of the 35 credits required for the concentration requirement must be taken in residence at the UW.

Minor

The following are approved Asian civilization courses for the minors: SISA 209, SISA 210; SISEA 212/HSTAS 212 (Korea); SISEA 241/HSTAS 241 (Japan); SISEA 242 (Japan); SISSE 221/HSTAS 221 (Southeast Asia); HSTAS 201 (India), HSTAS 202 (India); HSTAS 211 (China).

China Studies

Madeleine Yue Dong, Chair

Minor Requirements: 30 credits, to include the following:

1. HSTAS 211 and either RELIG 202 or one additional introductory Asian civilization course from those listed above. (10 credits)
2. 10 credits of electives taken at the UW, chosen from the China history/social science electives list.*
3. 5 credits of electives taken at the UW, chosen from the China history/social science list or the China arts/literature electives list.*
4. 5 additional credits in Chinese language beyond second-year level, or in upper division transfer courses on China, or in additional electives chosen from the China history/social science electives list.*
5. Minimum grade of 2.0 required in each course applied toward the minor.

*The list of Asian civilization courses and China electives is maintained by the China Studies Program. For the current list of such courses, see http://jsis.washington.edu/advise/catalog/minors.html.

Japan Studies

Robert Pekkanen, Chair

Minor Requirements: 30 credits, to include the following:

1. SISEA/HSTAS 241 or SISEA 242, and one course on a different Asian civilization chosen from those listed above. (10 credits)
2. 10 credits of electives taken at the UW, chosen from the Japan history/social science electives list.*
3. 5 credits of electives taken at the UW, chosen from either the Japan history/social science list or from the Japan arts/literature elective list.*
4. 5 credits in Japanese language beyond second-year level, or in upper-division transfer courses on Japan, or in additional electives chosen from the Japan history/social science elective list.*.
5. Minimum grade of 2.0 required in each course applied toward the minor.

*The list of Asian civilization courses and Japan electives is maintained by the Japan Studies Program. For the current list of such courses, see http://jsis.washington.edu/advise/catalog/minors.html.

Korea Studies

Clark W. Sorensen, Chair

Minor Requirements: 30 credits, to include the following:

1. SISEA 212/HSTAS 212 and one additional introductory Asian civilization course from the list above. (10 credits)
2. 20 credits of electives, 15 of which must be taken at the UW, to include: (a) 10 credits chosen from the list of core courses*; (b) 5 credits chosen from the list of core courses or the list of electives*; (c) 5 additional credits in Korean language beyond second-year level, or in upper-division transfer courses on Korea, or from the lists of core courses and electives.*
3. Minimum grade of 2.0 required in each course applied toward the minor.

*The lists of Asian Civilization core and elective classes are maintained by the Korea Studies Program. For the current list of such courses, see http://jsis.washington.edu/advise/catalog/minors.html.

South Asian Studies

Priti Ramamurthy, Chair

Minor Requirements: 30 credits, to include the following:

1. HSTAS 202 or SISSA 200. (5 credits)
2. One additional introductory Asian civilization course chosen from those listed above. (5 credits)
3. 15 credits of electives taken at the UW, chosen from the approved list.*
4. 5 additional credits in a South Asian language beyond second-year level, or in upper-division transfer courses on South Asia, or in additional electives chosen from the approved list.*
5. Minimum grade of 2.0 required in each course applied toward the minor.

*The list of Asian civilization courses and South Asia electives is maintained by the South Asian Studies Program. For the current list of such courses, see http://jsis.washington.edu/advise/catalog/minors.html.

Southeast Asian Studies

Laurie J. Sears, Chair

Minor Requirements: 30 credits, to include the following:

1. SISSE 221/HSTAS 221 (5 credits)
2. One introductory Asian civilization course chosen from those listed above. (5 credits)
3. 15 credits of electives taken at the UW, chosen from any SISSE-prefix course or its joint-listed equivalent, or from the approved list of electives.*
4. 5 additional credits in a Southeast Asian language beyond second-year level, or in upper division transfer courses on Southeast Asia, or from the approved list of electives.*
5. Minimum grade of 2.0 required in each course applied toward the minor.

*The list of Asian civilization courses and Southeast Asia electives is maintained by the Southeast Asia Program. For the current list of such courses, see http://jsis.washington.edu/advise/catalog/minors.html.

Canadian Studies

Daniel Hart, Chair

Canadian Studies provides a broad understanding of Canadian society, culture and communications, historical development, and contemporary problems.

Bachelor of Arts

Department Admission Requirements

Major Requirements

1. SIS 200, SIS 201, SIS 202; ECON 200, ECON 201; SISCA 356, SISCA 498
2. Minimum 18 credits from approved Canadian Studies elective course list.

Minor

1. SISCA 356 and SISCA 498 (10 credits)
2. 15 credits of electives chosen from an approved list*
3. Minimum grade of 2.0 in each course applied to the minor
4. Minimum 15 credits completed at the UW

*The list of Canada electives is maintained by the Canadian studies program. For the current list, see jsis.washington.edu/advise/catalog/minors.html. Since the program from time to time adds, subtracts, or reclassifies approved courses, students who have planned their studies on the basis of an earlier list may fulfill the requirements of the minor as specified on that list.

Comparative Islamic Studies

Comparative Islamic Studies provides a broad understanding of Islamic society, culture and communications, historical development, and contemporary problems.

Minor

1. NEAR E 210/SISME 210 (5)
2. NEAR E 211/RELIG 211 or NEAR E 212/RELIG 212 (5)
3. 10 credits in Islamic religious traditions and texts, chosen from an approved list*
4. 10 credits in history, society, and culture of Islam, chosen from an approved list*
5. Minimum grade of 2.0 in each course counted toward the minor.

*The approved list of Comparative Islamic studies electives is maintained by the School of International Studies. For the current list, see jsis.washington.edu/advise/catalog/minors.html. Since the school from time to time adds, subtracts, or reclassifies courses on the approved list, students who have planned their studies on the basis of an earlier list may fulfill the requirements as specified on that list.

Comparative Religion

James K. Wellman, Chair

The Comparative Religion major introduces students to broad theoretical issues in the academic study of religion, and encourages them to explore these issues through mastering details of the textual canons, historical traditions, social contexts, and cultural forms of religion.

Bachelor of Arts

Department Admission Requirements

Major Requirements

1. RELIG 201, RELIG 202; RELIG 380/CHID 380; SIS 201
2. 35 additional credits in RELIG or non-RELIG prefix courses, of which at least 15 must be at the 300 level or above, selected from the three rubrics of textual canons, historical traditions, and social contexts and cultural forms. The distribution must include at least 5 credits and no more than 20 credits in any particular rubric.

Minor

1. RELIG 201, RELIG 202
2. 15 additional credits in RELIG-prefix courses or joint-listed equivalents
3. 5 additional credits chosen from RELIG courses or from an approved list of electives*

*The list of comparative religion electives is maintained by the Comparative Religion program. For the current list of such courses, see jsis.washington.edu/advise/catalog/minors.html.

European Studies

Carol G. Thomas, Chair

The curriculum in European Studies prepares students to pursue careers requiring an understanding of all the forces, both material and cultural, contemporary and historical, that are shaping Europe today (north, south, east, and west), taking into account transitions involved in the post-Soviet era and the movement toward greater political, economic, and cultural integration among the various nations involved. Students also may concentrate, within the major, on Hellenic studies, European Union studies, or Russian, East European, and Central Asian studies.

Bachelor of Arts

Department Admission Requirements

Major Requirements

1. 10 credits of a foreign language at the third-year level or beyond
2. 15 credits of core courses, including EURO 301 (5 credits), SIS 201 (5), and a survey course on modern Europe (5)
3. One quarter (10 credits minimum) of foreign study in Europe
4. 15 credits from approved list of electives
5. EURO 494-EURO 495, Senior Research Seminar (10 credits)
6. See adviser for specific course options.

Minor

1. Foreign language through the sixth quarter
2. 15 credits of core courses including EURO 301 (5 credits), SIS 201 (5), and a survey course on modern Europe (5)
3. 10 credits from approved list of electives.

International Studies

Sara R. Curran, Chair

The general program in International Studies gives students a comprehensive and interdisciplinary perspective on world problems and an ability to analyze the subtle interactions of politics, economics, and culture within the global system.

Bachelor of Arts

Department Admission Requirements

1. Admission is competitive, based on overall GPA, grades in the social sciences, a written statement of goals, language background, and any international experience. Before applying, students must complete either ECON 200 or ECON 201, and either SIS 200 or SIS 201. Grades in these courses are given special consideration.
2. Application deadline is the third Friday of each quarter; students are notified by the sixth Friday of the quarter in which they apply. Transfer students must be enrolled at the UW before applying to the major.

Major Requirements

1. ECON 200; either ECON 201 or SIS 123/GEOG 123; SIS 200, SIS 201, SIS 202, SIS 401, SIS 495, SIS 498
2. Three or four upper-division courses in an approved option
3. Three upper-division interdisciplinary courses in international studies from an approved core list
4. A research paper of approximately 25 pages to be completed in one of the courses in the student's approved option or in one of the approved interdisciplinary courses
5. Majors are required to maintain a GPA of at least 2.50, both overall and in the program, and to earn a minimum grade of 2.0 in all required SIS-prefixed courses.

Minor

International Studies: 30 credits as follows:

1. 10 credits chosen from SIS 200, SIS 201, SIS 202
2. 15 credits in SIS-prefix courses numbered 200 or above (courses with other JSIS prefixes are not eligible). These 15 credits must include at least 5 credits at 400 level (SIS 401 is recommended).
3. 5 additional credits chosen from SIS-prefix courses or from undergraduate courses having any of the following prefixes: SISA, SISAF, SISCA, SISEA, SISJE, SISLA, SISME, SISRE, SISSA, SISSE, EURO, RELIG
4. Minimum grade of 2.0 is required in each course applied toward the minor.

International Forestry: 30 credits as follows:

1. Core courses (18 credits): I BUS 300 or SIS 330; GEOG/SIS 335, F M 423, and F M 492
2. Upper-division electives (12 credits)
   • For students majoring in forest management, wildland conservation, forest engineering, wildlife sciences, or environmental horticulture and urban forestry: SIS 401, SIS 430, GEOG 375/SIS 375, GEOG 372/SISA 372, and GEOG 308 /SISCA 308, or any I BUS, SIS, SISEA, SISLA, SISRE, SISSA, or SISSE course.
   • For students majoring in other programs: ESC 322, ESC 410, F E 368, F M 320, F M 360, F M 371, F M 470, or any F M, ESC, or F E course. See faculty adviser for other options.
3. Minimum grade of 2.0 required in each course.

Jewish Studies

Paul Burstein, Chair

Jewish Studies takes an interdisciplinary approach to the global study of Jews, exploring the rich diversity of their cultures, their philosophies, their religious practices, their histories, their roles in politics, and other areas of contemporary life.

Areas of concentration include ancient cultures and sacred texts, modern literature and culture, Jewish languages, American Jewish studies, Sephardic studies, European Jewish studies, and Israel and Middle East studies.

Bachelor of Arts

Department Admission Requirements

Students in good academic standing may declare this major at any time.

Major Requirements

52 credits as follows:

1. Introductory courses (15 credits): RELIG 210, SISJE 250/HIST 250, SIS 201
2. Jewish Studies Track (20 credits): Approved courses in either the Judaic cultural tradition or the Jewish people in the modern world
3. Jewish Languages and Texts (15 credits). A minimum of 15 credits selected from an approved list of courses. Students must be proficient in the Hebrew language through second-year level. Students in the Cultural Tradition track may study ancient or modern Hebrew. Modern Hebrew is required for students in the Modern World track. Under certain circumstances substitution of coursework in an appropriate Jewish lingua franca other than Hebrew may be approved by petition.
4. SIS 494 (2 credits): Senior paper or project

The lists of Jewish Studies courses are maintained by the Jewish Studies Program as part of its Web site. For the current list of such courses, see http://jsis.artsci.washington.edu/advise/catalog/Jewish-b.html

Minor

1. RELIG 210 (5 credits) and SISJE 250/HIST 250 (5). (10 credits)
2. 15 credits of Jewish Studies electives, chosen from the list of approved humanities/social science electives.*
3. 5 additional credits chosen from the list of approved humanities/social science electives or from courses in modern or Biblical Hebrew.*
4. 15 credits of the minor must be taken in residence at the UW.

*The list of Jewish Studies electives is maintained by the Jewish Studies program. For the current list of such courses, see http://jsis.washington.edu/advise/catalog/minors.html.

Latin American Studies

Jonathan Warren, Chair

The Latin American Studies major combines language study with work in history, the humanities, and the social sciences. It provides a comprehensive, interdisciplinary understanding of this major world region, emphasizing themes such as economic development, popular movements, cultural analysis, and hemispheric relations. At the same time, it gives students the option to develop their own particular disciplinary and thematic interests.

Bachelor of Arts

Department Admission Requirements

Major Requirements

1. Training in two foreign languages of Latin America, to include the sixth quarter (or equivalent) of one language chosen from Spanish, Portuguese, or French, and the third quarter (or equivalent) of a second of these languages.
2. SIS 201 (5 credits)
3. Latin American History (10 credits): Courses to be selected from an approved list.
4. Contemporary Latin America (15 credits): Courses drawn from a range of disciplines including anthropology, comparative literature, geography, international studies, and Spanish. See program Web site for a complete list of courses.
5. Electives (15 credits): Courses on Latin America and international studies selected from an approved list.*
6. Interdisciplinary Seminar (5 credits): SISLA 485, SISLA 486, SISLA 492, or another course chosen from an approved list of research seminars.
7. SIS 494 (2 credits): Senior paper or project

*Lists of Latin American Studies courses are maintained by the Latin American Studies program as part of its Web site. For the current list of such courses, see http://jsis.artsci.washington.edu/advise/catalog/Latam-ba.html.

Minor

1. One year of Spanish or Portuguese, or equivalent proficiency
2. At least 5 credits in history chosen from an approved list*
3. At least 15 credits chosen from an approved list of courses on contemporary Latin America*
4. At least 10 additional credits chosen from the history or contemporary Latin America lists, or from an approved list of electives*
5. At least 20 of the 30 credits must be completed at the UW (UW Foreign Study programs included).
6. Minimum 2.0 grade required in each course applied toward the minor.

*The list of Latin American studies courses is maintained by the Latin American studies program. For the current list, see jsis.washington.edu/advise/catalog/minors.html. Since the program from time to time adds, subtracts, or reclassifies approved courses, students who have planned their studies on the basis of an earlier list may fulfill the requirements of the minor as specified on that list.

Student Outcomes and Opportunities

• Learning Objectives and Expected Outcomes: The majors offered in the School of International Studies emphasize development of critical thinking and provide a challenging framework for research and writing. Graduates attain competency in foreign language and an understanding of the political, economic and cultural underpinnings of the global system and specific world regions. This background lays a foundation for advanced study in professional and academic disciplines, and for careers in the evolving global community. Graduates work in a wide range of jobs, depending on their interests and skills, including: Foreign Service officers, international trade specialists, political analysts, human rights associates, research assistants, social studies and language teachers, international student advisers, foreign study coordinators, program officers/managers for international non-profits and NGOs, foreign exchange specialists, international sales representatives/managers, import/export brokers, marketing analysts, associate editors/publicists, international news writers/journalists.

• Instructional and Research Facilities: More than 1.5 million volumes in the University library system are related to international studies. The library has a large current international and domestic newspaper collection, with an emphasis on Slavic, South, and Southeast Asian papers and a selection of European papers. Specialized facilities include the East Asia Library, with a comprehensive collection of manuscripts, books, and serials on China, Japan, and Korea. The University's library holds an extensive collection of books and serials relating to South Asia. The library participates in the U.S. Library of Congress Public Law 480 program, which supplies current publications from India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka; and is a member of the South Asian Microfilm Program of the Center for Research Libraries, providing access to a large collection of microfilm newspapers, journals, and documents on South Asia.

  The University of Washington is also a major center for research on Eastern Europe, Russia, and the independent states of the former Soviet Union, notably the Baltics and the countries of Central Asia. In addition to extensive holdings in Russian, East European, and Baltic language materials, the library has one of the best Central Asian language collections in the country and the largest collection of Latvian books outside Latvia. The strengths of the program are complemented by strong programs in East Asian and Middle Eastern Studies.

  Jackson School undergraduates can draw upon an extensive roster of more than 300 UW study-abroad programs and exchanges in 50 countries to enrich their studies.

• Honors Options Available: With College Honors; With Distinction (Departmental Honors). See adviser for requirements.

• Research, Internships, and Service Learning: The School's Office of Career Services provides resources for students exploring job and internship opportunities. The Jackson School sponsors the Asia Internship Program, through which students with language proficiency have served for three to nine months with organizations such as an international law firm in Seoul, a bank in Nagasaki, and large electronics companies in both Tokyo and Taipei. The School has limited funds available for students who serve as unpaid interns in nonprofit and governmental agencies. The Leslianne Shedd Memorial Internship Fund honors a Jackson School alumna killed while serving with the State Department. The Dorothy Fosdick Internship Fund is sponsored by the Henry M. Jackson Foundation in memory of the senator's foreign policy adviser. The George E. Taylor Internship Endowment supports students engaged in community-based internships.

• Department Scholarships: George M. Beckmann Memorial Scholarship (undergraduate-Japan); Neal and Helen Fosseen Scholarship (undergraduate); Vincent H. Gowen Scholarship (undergraduate-China); Japan-America Student Conference Scholarship; Margaret Mykut Scholarships; Ayako Betty Murakami Scholarship (Japan); I. Mervin and Georgiana Gorasht Scholarship, Arthur A. Jacobovitz Scholarship, Richard M. Willner Memorial Scholarship, and Jewish Studies Advisory Board Scholarship (Jewish Studies); Katherine M. Tyler Endowed Fellowships (Asia); Eugene and Marilyn Domoto Webb Scholarship and Marilyn Domoto Webb Fellowship (Comparative Religion); Alice Wanamaker Scholarships (undergraduate). See also the funding opportunities described under Internships.

• Student Organizations/Associations: Jackson School Student Association

Graduate Program

Graduate Program Information
111 Thomson, Box 353650
206-543-6001
jsisinfo@u.washington.edu

The Jackson School offers eight programs that lead to a Master of Arts in International Studies degree: six world area-studies programs, a comparative religion program, and a comparative and thematic program in international studies that concentrates on the interaction of international, economic, political, and cultural processes with states and societies around the world. The area-studies programs include China Studies; Japan Studies; Korea Studies; Middle East Studies; Russian, East European, and Central Asian Studies; and South Asian Studies. The comparative and thematic International Studies program can be taken as a concurrent degree program with several professional schools. Specific requirements vary from one program to another, but all stress interdisciplinary study within the context of the historical cultures, contemporary situations, and languages either of the world areas or comparatively.

The Jackson School also offers a general program in International Studies that concentrates on the interaction of international economic, political, and cultural processes with states and societies around the world. This program was developed in conjunction with several professional schools and is designed as a concurrent degree program.

Admission Requirements: Applicants must meet the requirements of the Graduate School: a 3.00 GPA in the last 90 quarter (60 semester) graded credits and a baccalaureate degree from an accredited university. Submission of the scores of the general Graduate Record Examination is required. Applicants must also meet the requirements of the specific Jackson School program to which they are applying. Most of them require or strongly recommend previous study of an appropriate foreign language.

Graduation Requirements: Students must meet Graduate School requirements for the Master of Arts, as well as individual Jackson School program requirements. Programs are designed to be completed in two years.

Financial Aid: Financial support is available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents in the form of Title VI Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowships. Some Jackson School programs have additional fellowships available for specific areas of study. Graduate students are also eligible for a limited number of teaching or research assistantships and readerships.

Research Facilities (East Asia): Research and training facilities include the East Asia Library, with a comprehensive collection of manuscripts, books, and serials on China, Japan, and Korea. In addition, the University is affiliated with the Inter-University Program for Chinese Language Studies in Beijing, language programs in Japan and the People's Republic of China sponsored by the Council on International Educational Exchange, the Inter-University Center for Japanese Language Studies in Yokohama, and other programs which provide intensive language training for advanced undergraduate and graduate students. The School has ongoing projects on China, Japan, and Korea in which advanced graduate students and recognized scholars from the United States and foreign institutions regularly participate.

See also descriptions of research facilities on Russia, East Europe, and Central Asia as well as South Asia under the appropriate headings below.

China Studies

Madeleine Yue Dong, Chair

The China Studies program provides a broad understanding of the Chinese people and their culture, historical development, and contemporary problems. The curriculum emphasizes the attainment of facility in Chinese language, a grounding in history, and a familiarity with the approaches of the social sciences to China studies. The cultural aspects of China are covered through offerings of several departments, with special strengths in art history and literature. The breadth of offerings allows students to select courses to meet career goals in business, government, or other professions, or to prepare for further graduate study in an academic discipline.

Admission Requirements: See above under Graduate Program. While not required for admission, some previous study of Chinese language is highly recommended.

Graduation Requirements: Chinese language training through the third year; two seminars: SISEA 521-SISEA 522 (5 credits each) plus 26 credits in discipline study related to China from at least two different disciplines; two seminar papers or a thesis; comprehensive oral examination.

Comparative Religion

James K. Wellman, Chair

The Comparative Religion program leading to the Master of Arts in International Studies offers an interdisciplinary curriculum in the study of religion, with several choices for areas of concentration. The required core seminars focus on methodology and comparative perspective in the study of religion. For the remaining course requirements, primary and secondary curricular concentrations are available in Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, Islam, Christianity, and religion and culture; further secondary curricular concentrations are available in Greco-Roman religions, East Asian indigenous traditions, and African religious traditions.

Admission Requirements: See above under Graduate Program. The Comparative Religion faculty reserve the right to determine in each case whether an applicant has sufficient language preparation and background in the study of religion for acceptance into the program.

Graduation Requirements: Completion of the third year in a language of the primary sources in the chosen concentration, and first-year reading proficiency in a secondary foreign language necessary for reading published research (e.g., German, French); certification of basic competency in the history of world religions; RELIG 501-RELIG 502; RELIG 510, a colloquium course, each quarter; one course focused on historical relations between religious traditions; at least four courses in a major concentration and two in a minor; one or two final research paper(s); and a comprehensive examination including both oral and written segments.

International Studies

Sara R. Curran, Chair

The general program in International Studies provides students with broad knowledge and skills in analyzing international affairs. Designed for students entering many different professional fields, the program trains them in international and comparative studies in a multidisciplinary setting. Students are prepared to undertake sophisticated analyses of international affairs and typically will hold positions after graduation with the international divisions of federal and state governments, international divisions of banks, trading companies, policy-study institutes, corporations with international operations, and international development and educational organizations. More than half of all students are enrolled in a concurrent graduate professional-degree program. This adds approximately one year to the student's course of study.

Admission Requirements: See above under Graduate Program. Those applying concurrently to a professional program (Business Administration, Public Affairs, Marine Affairs, Forest Resources, Law, or Public Health and Community Medicine) must first be accepted by the professional school. For non-concurrent applicants, preference is given to those who have a professional interest, or previous professional experience or education. Prior study of a foreign language and preparation in intermediate-level microeconomics and macroeconomics are highly recommended.

Graduation Requirements: Japanese or Chinese language through the third year or any other modern foreign language through the second year; SIS 500, SIS 501, SIS 502, SIS 511, SIS 512, and SIS 522 (3 credits each); courses in two of the following three fields: a regional studies field, a professional field, or a special topics field (minimum three classes -- 9 credits -- for each field); two seminar papers; and an oral examination. Students in concurrent graduate-degree programs also must meet Graduate School requirements for the second degree.

Japan Studies

Robert Pekkanen, Chair

The graduate program in Japan Studies gives students in-depth knowledge of many facets of Japan, including its history, political economy, society, and language. Course work helps prepare students for careers in business, government, journalism, secondary-school teaching, and a wide variety of other professional fields. The program is specifically designed (1) for students with bachelor's degrees in a discipline who need language and interdisciplinary training on Japan to pursue their career goals, and (2) as preparation for doctoral work in an academic discipline involving Japan for students who have had little or no training on Japan or in the language. A concurrent degree program with the Business School (MAIS/MBA) is offered and other combinations (e.g., with Public Affairs and Law) can be arranged.

Admission Requirements: See above under Graduate Program. At least one year of prior training in Japanese language is strongly recommended.

Graduation Requirements: Japanese language training through the third year (15 credits minimum training at the UW); SISEA 555 (5 credits); 31 credits in discipline study of Japan to include at least one history course and one social science course; two research papers or an essay of distinction; and an oral examination.

Korea Studies

Clark W. Sorensen, Chair

The graduate program in Korea Studies offers courses in Korean language, history, and society. Regular offerings are supplemented by visiting faculty from political science, economics and economic development, folklore, and literature. The program emphasizes the study of Korea in the context of East Asian civilization and the modern world economy, not simply as a single country in isolation from its neighbors. The objective of the program is to provide students with a broad background which will be of use for further graduate study, or in a variety of professions such as teaching, business, and government.

Admission Requirements: See above under Graduate Program. Previous language training is recommended.

Graduation Requirements: Korean language through the third year of instruction; HSTAS 481-HSTAS 482, SISEA 584 (5 credits each), and SISEA 585 (6 credits); 15 credits in discipline study of East Asia or international studies; two seminar papers or an essay of distinction; comprehensive oral examination.

Middle Eastern Studies

Philip D. Schuyler, Chair

The Middle East program is designed for students who wish to study the region within an interdisciplinary framework, focusing especially on the social, political, economic, and legal systems of the Middle East and/or Islamic Central Asia. To provide a thorough grounding in this region, students take courses in the social sciences, humanities, and a Middle Eastern or Central Asian language.

Admission Requirements: See above under Graduate Program. Although knowledge of a Middle Eastern or Central Asian language is not a prerequisite for admission, it is advisable applicants to have had at least the equivalent of one year's study of the language in which they plan to concentrate. Students accepted with no language training may wish to begin their language study in an intensive summer program.

Graduation Requirements: Three 3-credit or two 5-credit Middle Eastern language courses beyond the second-year (native speakers as well as non-native speakers); 20 credits on the modern Middle East from at least two social science or humanities disciplines; one approved Jackson School course; two courses in one social science discipline or in one professional school other than courses taken for preceding requirements; either a thesis and an oral examination, or two seminar papers and a four-hour written examination.

Russian, East European, and Central Asian Studies

Stephen E. Hanson, Chair

Designed primarily for students with bachelor's degrees in a discipline, the program offers a background for professional pursuits in government and nongovernmental organizations, journalism, business, or teaching, or for advanced graduate study leading to the Ph.D. degree in a discipline. The program includes language training, a concentration of study in a chosen discipline, and a combination of courses in other disciplines that deal with aspects of the area. Students usually focus on one region (Russia, East Europe, the Baltics, or Central Asia), although the program provides flexibility to take courses on another region.

Admission Requirements: See above under Graduate Program. A prerequisite for all applicants is two years of college-level language courses or the equivalent. For those focusing on Russia the language must be Russian; for other regions of the former Soviet Union and East Europe, two years of a language of the region, or another relevant language.

Graduation Requirements: Including the two years required for entry, four years of a language of the region being studied or two years each of two relevant languages (four years of Russian required for Russian focus); SISRE 501 (5 credits); SISRE 502 and SISRE 503 (2 credits each); 30 credits in disciplines other than language, with 15-20 credits in a discipline of concentration; 5 credits in a minor field and 10-15 credits in other REECAS-related courses; a thesis (9 credits of SISRE 700); and an oral interdisciplinary examination.

Research Facilities: The University of Washington is a major center for research on Eastern Europe, Russia, and the independent states of the former Soviet Union, notably the Baltics and the countries of Central Asia. In addition to extensive holdings in Russian, East European, and Baltic language materials, the library has one of the best Central Asian language collections in the country and the largest collection of Latvian books outside Latvia. The strengths of the program are complemented by strong programs in East Asian and Middle Eastern Studies.

South Asian Studies

Priti Ramamurthy, Chair

The South Asian Studies program is designed for students whose career objectives involve teaching and research in a traditional discipline with geographical interests within South Asia (i.e., India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Tibet, and Nepal); those planning to enter professional-training programs (e.g., education, business administration, journalism, law, or public affairs); or students planning a career in government service (e.g., the foreign service) who wish to acquire a special understanding of the South Asia area.

Admission Requirements: See above under Graduate Program.

Graduation Requirements: Completion of the third year of a South Asian language to include at least 7 credits at the 400 level or above; SISSA 510 and SISSA 511 (5 credits each); 21 credits in coursework from at least two different departments, focused primarily on South Asia or in courses taught by South Asia faculty on topics relevant to the student's specializations (students may take a maximum of 10 credits not focused on South Asia, nor taught by South Asia faculty, to help fulfill disciplinary or professional objectives); two seminar papers or a thesis; and a comprehensive oral examination.

Research Facilities: The University of Washington library holds an extensive collection of books and serials relating to South Asia. The library participates in the U.S. Library of Congress Public Law 480 program, which supplies current publications from India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka; and is a member of the South Asian Microfilm Program of the Center for Research Libraries, providing access to a large collection of microfilm newspapers, journals, and documents on South Asia.