The Bachelor of Arts in Chinese is offered by the Department of Asian and Middle Eastern Languages and Studies. The department also offers programs leading to an undergraduate minor or certificate in Chinese. Our programs are designed to provide the language skills and cultural knowledge needed for a number of professions and careers.
Every semester the department offers several courses on topics such as literature, film and culture which are taught in English and utilize translated materials. These provide rigorous academic training for those interested in pursuing graduate studies and professional degrees. The popular minor and certificate programs complement most majors at the university, including Asian Studies and Global Studies.
Students who major in Chinese develop strong language skills along with an in-depth disciplinary knowledge acquired in courses on Chinese literature, film, and other aspects of China's culture and society. Those who begin their study of Chinese early in their university careers can attain a high level of proficiency in spoken and written Chinese by the time they graduate. A comprehensive array of content courses enables them to achieve the cultural knowledge and insights needed to engage in effective communication in Chinese speech communities.
All students majoring in Chinese are strongly encouraged to study for at least one semester abroad in an intensive language program to build their language skills while enriching their knowledge of Chinese culture. Other options for intensive language study that students have are university-based summer Chinese language programs (in China or the U.S.) and/or a full year of language study abroad.
The Bachelor of Arts in Chinese prepares students for post-graduation careers that require or benefit from China-related expertise in government, nongovernmental organizations and business. The degree also prepares students for graduate programs in the humanities and social sciences as well as for professional schools in areas like law and business.