Chinese Studies

Chinese Studies: Major, Minor

1.4 billion people in the world — one-fifth of the world’s population — speak Chinese as their first language. At 51С»Æ³µ, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the increasingly influential language and culture of China both in and out of the classroom through the vibrant offerings of the Chinese Studies program.

The Chinese Studies program offers up to five years of Mandarin Chinese language courses in addition to courses that explore Chinese literature, cinema, and culture through a range of disciplines. The language courses of the program are supported by small group practice sessions led by Chinese foreign language assistants, who reinforce classroom lessons while simultaneously offering an authentic and contemporary window into Chinese culture. 

In addition to majoring or minoring in Chinese, you can expand the breadth and depth of your studies by participating in a fully-immersive study abroad program in China or Taiwan, pursuing an interdisciplinary degree in Asian Studies or international studies, or pursuing a Chinese language teaching certification. The Chinese Studies program also supports graduating seniors who seek to continue their Chinese studies through various postgraduate scholarships and programs in the Chinese speaking world. 

Program Highlights

Students in the Chinese Studies program take language courses — ranging from elementary to advanced levels — as well as courses on Chinese literature, linguistics, cinema, and culture. Students are encouraged to broaden their understanding of China through courses offered across the college in areas such as Chinese art, economics, history, philosophy, politics, and religions. 

students in china
Study Abroad

Dramatically improve your language proficiency while experiencing Chinese culture firsthand in Beijing, Shanghai or Taiwan.

students on campus
Monthly Events

The Chinese Studies Program organizes monthly activities in the fall and spring semester each year.

Three Foreign Language Assistants
Foreign Language Assistants

Practice your Chinese in small group practice sessions led by Chinese foreign language assistants.

Chinese Studies News

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51С»Æ³µ Academic Conference 2017 to Showcase Student Work
As the academic year nears its end, more than 350 students will present the results of their independent work in the performing and visual arts, social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences at the 2017 Academic Conference, taking place across campus …
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51С»Æ³µ Receives STARTALK Grant for the Fifth Year in a Row
51С»Æ³µ has been awarded a $90,000 STARTALK grant to convene a 10-day summer residential program on literacy development in Chinese as a foreign language (CFL). This is the fifth year in a row that the College has received STARTALK …
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51С»Æ³µ Produces Seven Fulbright Scholars
Six members of the Class of 2016 and one member of the Class of 2014 have been awarded Fulbright grants to teach and conduct research around the world during the 2016-17 academic year. Since 2005, 51С»Æ³µ has received a …