Required Courses
Language Proficiency
Students must demonstrate proficiency in an Asian language through several methods. This can be shown through a combination of language courses at Pitt, the student’s undergraduate transcript, transcripts from other reputable language programs, or language proficiency examination. Students may complete one of the three language tracks to earn the Transnational Asia Certificate:
Track A: Proficiency in an Asian Language equivalent to two years of college courses, relevant to the certificate theme. This can be fulfilled by 4 semesters of college language courses or proficiency proven via examination.
Track B: Proficiency in an Asian Language equivalent to one year of college courses and proficiency equivalent to one year in a comparative language relevant to the certificate theme. This requirement can be fulfilled by coursework at the college level, university language management, previous college-level coursework, and/or proficiency proven via examination.
Track C: Proficiency in two different Asian languages, each equivalent to one year of college language courses.
Content Courses
An interdisciplinary understanding of transnational Asia can help build a sense of broad trends and ideas from many different perspectives. When students apply for a Transnational Asia Certificate, they will work with the Asian Studies Center advisor to choose an appropriate theme. Students will, for their remaining semesters, take a minimum of four courses (12 credits) approved by the Asian Studies Academic Advisor to fit around the theme. Popular themes include Asian Diaspora Studies (including Asian American Studies), Asian Public Health, Transnational Asian Popular Culture, Transnational Supply Chains, and many others.
Required courses for the Transnational Asia certificate may overlap with major requirements and study abroad courses. More specifically, students must take courses in at least two different departments, one of which (3 credits) should be outside the student’s major.
Students exempt from the language requirement because of previous coursework or heritage language skills may use language course credits towards the requirement for additional work beyond the graduate degree. Students may also contextualize non-credit-bearing internships required in various graduate degree programs as credit-bearing experiences toward the certificate program. Prior approval from the academic advisor must be received to pursue these alternate options.
Capstone: Research Paper, Presentation, or Project
Students must submit a significant research paper, project, or presentation to represent their work in the theme mentioned above in the previous section. Papers must demonstrate engagement with issues, regional concerns, and/ or languages of that theme. Students should consult with the advisor for Asian Studies about questions regarding the research paper, presentation, or project.
Alternatively, students may prepare a digital portfolio detailing courses and co-curricular experiences related to Asian studies and the theme. The portfolio provides an opportunity for reflection on developing specific competencies associated with a detailed rubric.
