Frequently Asked Questions: Degree Related

Do I have to major in Hindi or Urdu?

No; in fact, students are expected to major in other subjects, such as the sciences, humanities, journalism, business, accounting and so on. Each semester of their freshman and sophomore years, students take one course in Hindi-Urdu. Students also take a second course, one time per Freshman and Sophomore year, on a South Asian subject (in a discipline such as History, Anthropology, Media Studies etc.), part of which is taught through the medium of Hindi and/or Urdu. Junior and senior years consist of a combination study abroad and independent research projects. Because of the amount of Hindi and Urdu studied, students will normally automatically have minors in Hindi and Urdu. Liberal Arts majors will actually achieve a triple major: their chosen subject, and both Hindi and Urdu.

Does the Flagship lead to a different kind of BA, or is it the regular UT degree?

You will receive your UT degree according to your major: B.A. for Liberal Arts students, B.S. for Natural Science students, B.B.A. for Business students, etc. Your degree transcript would show that your degree included Flagship courses and will likely include minors in Hindi and Urdu (majors for B.A. students).

Can I take Flagship courses in conjunction with any major in the UT system?

It is possible to enroll in the HUF-Program and simultaneously pursue many majors in the UT system. However, some majors offer greater flexibility with regards to elective hours; these majors are a somewhat easier fit with the Flagship program's required courses than majors whose degree requirements are more restricted. You will be assisted in the creation of your overall degree plan by both the undergraduate coordinator in your major and the Flagship student advisor, who will help you find the best way to pursue your major while enrolled as a Flagship student.

How does the Flagship program differ from other UT degrees with Hindi and Urdu?

The Flagship offers a more intensive approach to the study of the languages than other programs, and integrates the language study with other subjects relating to South Asia. It teaches Hindi and Urdu as mutually complementary languages, ensuring that all students become competent in both, and giving students access to their parallel but distinctive literatures. A range of audio-visual and other material has been specially developed for the Flagship and is available through Flagship website and the Hindi Urdu Resource center. Students in the program have exclusive classes and enhanced tutorial support and mentoring.

What are the requirements for progressing through the four years of the program?

In addition to the regular UT requirements, students must take and pass the Flagship core language course each semester, and the Flagship Area Content Course each year. In addition, students must participate in the study abroad program in India.

I want to develop my knowledge of Urdu but I have no interest in Hindi as all my connections are with Pakistan. Can I concentrate on Urdu alone?

No. Hindi and Urdu are sister languages with their major differences apparent in the two scripts and specialized vocabularies. You can focus primarily on Pakistan and Urdu in the Flagship program; however, you will learn Hindi and the Devanagari script also.

Is it possible for me to study any other South Asian languages (besides Hindi and Urdu) within the program?

The Asian Studies Department currently offers courses in Bengali, Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam as well as Hindi and Urdu. For information on these courses please see the Asian Studies website. You are of course free to study those languages, but for some majors it may be difficult to fit them into your degree program.

I am not able to enter the Flagship program, being already committed to other subjects in UT, but am interested in taking one or two Flagship courses during my degree. Is this possible?

No, Flagship courses are normally reserved for Flagship students. The only exception to this is in the case of certain professional (e.g. military) individuals who are seconded to UT degrees. Further details are available from the Flagship administration.

Is there a Masters version of the Flagship program?

We have no such program or plans at present, though we may be able to move in this direction at some stage in the future.