In Asia, we find many of the world’s largest economies and the homes of nearly a third quarter of the world’s population. It is also a place of immense cultural importance and the focus of growing geopolitical attention. If you are looking to learn more about Asia, the Department of Asian Languages and Cultures has much to offer you. Whether you are thinking of an Asian studies major or minor, exploring our programs out of curiosity, or taking a course for a general education requirement, we are excited to support your academic journey and challenge you along the way.
Our department offers a range of courses. Over 40 faculty members teach 9 languages (Chinese, Filipino, Hindi-Urdu, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Sanskrit, Thai, and Vietnamese) and offer programs in 7 undergraduate majors (Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Asian Humanities, Asian Languages and Linguistics, Asian Religions, and Southeast Asian Studies). They include interdisciplinary courses on Asia’s literature, film, religion, and history, grounding students in the region’s cultures and societies. Our courses also develop fundamental skills in critical thinking, reading, and writing, ones that will be crucial to your future personal, professional, and creative endeavors.
Majors
Asian Humanities BA
Asian Humanities majors choose their main language concentration in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, South Asian, or Southeast Asian languages, while simultaneously acquiring broad cultural competence by taking courses from at least […]
Asian Languages and Linguistics BA
As Asia continues to shape global economics, technology, and culture, understanding its languages, culture, and societies through linguistic insights provides deep access to one of the world’s fastest-growing and most […]
Asian Religions BA
About the Asian Religions Major Asian Languages and Cultures at UCLA offers undergraduate students the rare opportunity to study religion—arguably among the most important categories of human experience—through a focus […]
Chinese BA
The Chinese major offers rigorous training in Chinese language, literature, linguistics, religion, archaeology, and film studies. Through our comprehensive curriculum, you will develop advanced proficiency in modern spoken and written […]
Japanese BA
Japanese is a very popular major offering a broad range of courses in Japanese language, literature, linguistics, theater, religion, and film. Students are required to achieve advanced levels of proficiency […]
Korean BA
UCLA offers the widest range of undergraduate courses on Korea of any university in North America. In addition to achieving advanced levels of proficiency in modern spoken and written Korean, […]
Minors
Asian Humanities Minor
The Asian Humanities minor is designed to recognize a serious commitment to the study of Asian cultures. Lower division survey courses in civilizations and religious traditions provide students with a […]
Asian Languages Minor
The Asian Languages minor is designed to recognize a serious commitment to the study of Asian languages. It is especially suited for students who wish to augment their major program […]
Undergraduate Advising
Office Location:
290 Royce Hall
Drop-In Hours:
The Department of Asian Languages and Cultures is offering drop-in advising to current undergraduate students for 1:1 academic advising – no appointment is needed. Students may visit during drop-in advising for major/minor requirement degree checks or to add an ALC major/minor. Drop-in advising is also available for more information on study abroad transfer credit, course petitions, placement exams, or for quick questions.
Summer Schedule
Monday – No Advising
Tuesday – No Advising
Wednesday – No Advising
Thursday– No Advising
Friday – No Advising
To schedule an appointment:
Individual appointments are scheduled on case by case basis. If you are an ALC major/minor please contact the undergraduate advisor with the following information:
- Name
- UID
- Major(s), Minor(s)
- Reason for appointment. Please make sure you have reviewed all available information and FAQs on our website prior to contacting our office.
For more information about our majors, please contact the ALC Undergraduate Student Affairs Officer
Ryan Chae
Student Affairs Officer (Undergraduate)
ryan.chae@humnet.ucla.edu