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Honors Major in Asian Studies

For the honors major, students propose and conduct original research under the supervision of an ALC culture faculty member for one-to-two semesters. Once the thesis is completed, a recommendation for the designation of "Honors," "High Honors," and "Highest Honors" in Asian Studies is made on the basis of the quality of the student's thesis and submitted to the Honors College and is listed on the student's transcript.

Honors Major Declaration Requirements: 

Honors candidates for the Asian Studies major must complete all regular program requirements by time of graduation. They must also maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.4 and at least 3.5 in the Asian Studies major. Students do not have to be currently enrolled in the Honors Program in order to declare an Honors major through the Department of Asian Languages and Cultures.

Honor Major Enrollment Timeline

Students interested in pursuing an Honors major should typically make an appointment with a department advisor by the Fall term of their junior year.

The required capstone course for the Honors Major in Asian Studies is the Honors Thesis (ASIAN 495). Because the research students embark on in ASIAN 381: Junior/Senior Research Seminar for Majors can often be expanded for the thesis, the department strongly recommends that students complete ASIAN 381 prior to registering for ASIAN 495.

Honors Office Hours

Still have questions? Wondering if honors majors is a good option for you? Reach out to the student services assistant at studentservicesassistant@umich.edu

Additional Information

For information on scholarship and award opportunities specific to Honors students, please visit the Honors Scholarships and Awards page on the LSA Honors Program website. 

For a list of recent honors theses, please click here.

"Writing an honors thesis is a great opportunity to learn more about what research really entails, while building connections with a faculty member, which can give the extra edge in applying to jobs or graduate programs. My advice for writing a thesis is to be creative and to be yourself: you can use a variety of sources such as self-conducted interviews, performances, and visual media to write about any topic that makes you passionate in your own life!" 
--Zari Smith, '20