Minors and Diplomas

Renison offers minors and diplomas focused on learning new languages or associated cultural experiences. They are optional plans that can be pursued alongside one's major, and helpful to focus elective choices, specialize in areas of interest, or gain some experience in a new discipline or perspective.

MINORS	DIPLOMAS
8 minimum courses 65% minimum average Open to degree students HOW TO DECLARE: request on a plan modification form once at least one course is complete with the minimum grade	4-6 minimum courses 65% minimum average Open to degree, non-degree, and post-degree students HOW TO DECLARE: submit in one's final term within the application to graduate form

NOTE: Students cannot complete both diploma 1 and 2, or a diploma and minor, within an applicable disciplines (e.g. cannot do KOREA 1 and KOREA 2). See invalid credit combinations.

Not all CLS courses contribute to these academic plans, but can be taken for interest or towards other degree requirements (e.g. language/culture Arts Breadth). For the full scope of these options, see our Disciplines and Courses page.

Minor and Diploma information below is effective as of 2026-2027 academic calendar requirements.

MINORS

East Asia is a major centre of international trade, culture, and inquiry. A minor in East Asian Studies offers students opportunity to better understand a variety of related cultural experiences and languages, opening doors for careers in foreign services, working with diverse clients or travel/study abroad (check out RIO's options!).

8 courses
- EASIA 100R: Introduction to East Asia
- 2 courses in CHINA, JAPAN, or KOREA
- 2 courses in EASIA
- 3 courses from an approved list

See full plan requirements in the academic calendar

A minor in Studies in Islam and Arabic Cultures is designed to challenge students to see their own disciplines through the lens of Islamic civilization, by exploring the mosaic of Muslim cultures and civilizations, Islam art and history, and cultural contributions toward a global heritage. Students will discover the history and contributions of Islam as a crucial part of our shared, global heritage, engaging with the scope of Islam and Arab Culture across fine arts, language and literature, drama, history, politics, science, anthropology, social development, gender and sex, and a myriad of other disciplines.

8 courses
- SI121R: Islam in the World
- SI131R: Arab Culture
- 2 courses in ARABIC
- 2 courses in SI
- 2 courses from an approved list

See full plan requirements in the academic calendar

DIPLOMAS

Arabic Language 1

ARABIC 101R: Introduction to Arabic 1
ARABIC 102R: Introduction to Arabic 2
ARABIC 201R: Intermediate Arabic 1
ARABIC 202R: Intermediate Arabic 2

See full plan requirements in the academic calendar

Arabic Language 2

ARABIC 202R: Intermediate Arabic 2
ARABIC 301R: Advanced Arabic 1
ARABIC 302R: Advanced Arabic 2
One of:
- ARABIC 120R: Literary Arabic for Heritage Speakers
- ARABIC 201R: Intermediate Arabic 1

See full plan requirements in the academic calendar

Chinese Language 1

4 from:

CHINA 101R: Elementary Chinese 1
CHINA 102R: Elementary Chinese 2 or CHINA120R: Chinese for Heritage Language Learners
CHINA 180R: Conversational Chinese
CHINA 201R: Intermediate Chinese 1
CHINA 202R: Intermediate Chinese 2
- Max 3 courses at 100-level

See full plan requirements in the academic calendar