Chinese Studies

Students who major in Chinese Language and Literature focus on the study of Chinese language, literature, and culture, with the aim of achieving proficiency in Mandarin Chinese, including speaking, listening, reading and writing.

The major requires courses aimed at helping majors to develop a comprehensive understanding of Chinese culture through the study of literature, humanities, and social sciences. It also requires a course in either literary theory or translation.

Because proficiency in Mandarin is difficult to achieve in eight semesters, the major requires intensive study of the language through study abroad. A minimum of two semesters abroad OR one semester plus a summer of study in China or a Chinese-speaking country is required. Students may combine a formal program with a summer of independent research. Intensive study in the United States (Middlebury, Monterrey) may count toward this requirement.

Chinese Language and Literature majors who maintain a GPA of at least 3.5 in major courses and successfully complete an honors thesis will receive honors in the program.