Criteria and Timetable for Distinction

Criteria for distinction

Candidates for distinction will assemble a portfolio representing their best work in their Asian Studies, Chinese or Japanese major.  The portfolio will normally consist of four papers or equivalent work in other formats:

• A substantive Level III original work in any media, such as a scholarly paper, artistic endeavor, or musical composition
• Two additional projects at Level II or Level III, each from a different discipline
• Student work from language courses at the second year or higher level, or equivalent.  This work may be written or audiovisual, and need not necessarily be assigned work in a course (e.g., a blog in Chinese or Japanese based on experiences studying overseas or an edited photographic essay with commentary in the target language).
• A reflective essay, approximately 1500 words,  on the student’s major, including thoughts on how the student has developed within the major, how the student’s study and experiences have shaped the student’s evolving understanding of Asia, and how the student may apply study of Asia to future plans, whether or not the career will involve Asia.  This essay will form the core of the student presentation if granted distinction (see below).

Timetable

In the Fall semester, students with qualifying GPAs will be notified  by the Asian Studies department.

On December 14, 2022, a Distinction Open House and Information Session will be held.

Students applying for distinction shall inform the chair of the Department of Asian Studies of their intent to apply by February 13, 2023.  (December graduates should consult the Chair about relevant deadlines.)

The candidates shall submit their portfolios via email to Professors Montgomery and Yun by Thursday, March 23, 2023.  The department’s Distinction Committee will make a recommendation to the Department of Asian Studies and by April 10, 2023, the department shall vote on whether or not to award distinction.  The Chair of the department will inform the applicants in writing of the department’s decision.