Minor
Hindi and Urdu language instruction have long been part of the rich array of course offerings in the Department of Jewish, Islamic, and Middle Eastern Studies. The South Asian Languages and Cultures minor combines a focused study of either Hindi or Urdu with courses in South Asian history, cultures, religion, literature, and film.
The minor in South Asian Studies requires a minimum of 9 units at the 3000-level or above and a minimum of 18 total units. The goal of the minor is language proficiency at the 2000 level or above in either the Hindi or Urdu language. Students placing into HINDI 2018 Intermediate Hindi II, HINDI 2051 Intermediate Urdu II, or above must complete 2 consecutive semesters of language instruction at WashU to fulfill the language requirement.
Language Prerequisites:
• Hindi Language: HINDI 1030 Beginning Hindi I & HINDI 1031 Beginning Hindi II, by course work or by placement OR
• Urdu Language: HINDI 1050 Beginning Urdu I & HINDI 1032 Beginning Urdu II, by course work or by placement
Language Requirement: Students should choose one primary language for the minor to fulfill the language requirement.
Hindi Language:
• HINDI 2020 Intermediate Hindi I & 2018 Intermediate Hindi II, by course work OR
• HINDI 2030 Hindi for Heritage Speakers and one additional semester of Hindi language instruction OR
• If placed into HINDI 2020 Intermediate Hindi II or above, two consecutive semesters of language instruction at WashU
Urdu Language:
• HINDI 2050 Intermediate Urdu I & HINDI 2051 Intermediate Urdu II, by course work OR
• If placed into HINDI 2051 Intermediate Urdu II or above, two consecutive semesters of language instruction at WashU
Choose one of the following:
• JIMES 2100 Introduction to Islamic Civilization OR
• HINDI 3171 Religion and Culture in South and Southeast Asia
Electives:
• 9 credits in 3000- or 4000-level in Hindi or JIMES courses distributed as the student wishes
Curricular Information:
This minor curriculum was first published in the 2021-22 Bulletin. Current students — those who have declared a JIMES minor and those considering it—are permitted to complete the minor requirements reflected in the Bulletin at the time they matriculated, with the understanding that substitutions for certain requirements may be necessary.
Current students may also elect to follow the above requirements with the permission of the Department. Please contact the JIMES office for more information.
Additional Information:
• Pass/No Pass: No course taken pass/no pass can count toward the minor.
• Grades: A grade of B- or higher must be earned in each language course in order to advance to the next level.
• Study Abroad: Students enrolled in preapproved Washington University study abroad programs during the regular academic semester, in summer programs, and in transfer courses can earn a maximum of 3 units subject to review by their adviser and the director of undergraduate study.
• Back Credit: Any earned back credit does not count towards the total number of units for the Language Requirement. All students are required to take at least one year of language instruction at WashU.
The South Asian Languages and Cultures program encourages students to participate in many extracurricular activities. These activities include exciting events, culturally based celebrations, dining experiences, field trips, movie nights, and language tables!
