Chinese

Program Description

The rewards of learning Chinese are great. More than 1.4 billion people speak Chinese (Mandarin) as their first language, in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, the United States, and around the world. Knowledge of Chinese will not only enhance your career options and your access to a dynamic part of the cultural, economic, and political landscape of Asia, but being able to express yourself in this unique language will let you discover new modes of thought, communication, and culture to enrich who you are.  

The Chinese program offers students a well-rounded education on Chinese culture and society. A wide range of courses and activities prepare students to communicate effectively in written and spoken Chinese and impart a deep understanding of the culture. In addition to Chinese language instruction (from first year to fourth year), students will complete courses on Chinese culture. Course topics may include Chinese linguistics, traditional and modern literature, religion, philosophy, business Chinese, food culture, and popular culture. All students complete a required practicum, using what they have learned to do research, community engagement, learning abroad, or an internship. The U’s Chinese program provides excellent preparation for pursuing graduate work and entering a variety of professions where critical reading, writing, and thinking skills are paramount. 

The Student Experience

All students complete a required practicum experience--a related learning abroad, internship, Community Engaged Learning course, or research project with a faculty member. Many of our students have been awarded Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program funding to pursue in-depth research under the direction of a faculty mentor.  

Students can learn abroad through exchange programs with Tsinghua University, Nankai University, or National Taiwan University. They may also study or intern through affiliate Learning Abroad programs in Taipei or Shanghai. Learning Abroad is a fantastic way to not only experience true cultural immersion but elevate and advance your language proficiency.  

Career Opportunities

The Chinese major opens opportunities in a wide range of career paths. After graduation, many students enter graduate programs including medical school, law school, business school, and Asian Studies or International Studies. Alumni have also found employment in government service and the private sector, as project managers, international sales developers, national security agents, and teachers. Some go to work for multinational corporations, which value our students’ language skills and intercultural competence. Become a translator or pair your knowledge of Chinese with technical skills and work in business, technology, engineering, or the sciences. Our alumni enjoy careers working as entrepreneurs, programmers, and patent lawyers; one alumnus founded LoveSac, and others have worked for Apple and Goldman Sachs.  

More Info

• Chinese Program
• Department of World Languages & Cultures
• College of Humanities
• Department Advising
• U Career Success
• Chinese Bridge Students see here

Catalog

• Chinese BA
• Chinese Minor

Exploratory Classes

• WLC 2010 - Intro to the Study of Literature & Culture
• WLC 2020 - Language in Society
• CHIN 1010 (or higher)- Beginning Mandarin Chinese I