Program Requirements

Major in Chinese | Minor in Chinese | Postgraduate Opportunities

Major in Chinese

The Chinese major is designed to equip students with a solid foundation in cultural and linguistic literacy, an in-depth understanding of the Chinese literary tradition, and critical awareness of contemporary cultural issues through studies of literature, film, and other cultural products.

The major in Chinese requires ten courses: nine courses in the Program beyond Chinese 4, plus one in a related field. Those who place out of language courses still need to complete ten approved courses. At least one course from categories B must be a seminar approved by the Chinese program director. If qualified, a student may opt to do an honors thesis.

1. Language requirement: 4 courses beyond Chinese 4: 21, 22, 121, 122. Students placed above 21 or higher, upon completion of 122 or its equivalent, can take more advanced language courses (123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128), or additional culture courses, or a combination of both.
    
2. Chinese 61 and four additional literature and cultural courses from Chinese offerings in the Department.
    
3. One course in Chinese culture or in related disciplines offered by another program or department and approved by the Chinese program director.

Language Courses

Regular classes at the lower levels (1 through 22) meet three times a week; regular classes at the higher levels (121 through 124) meet twice a week. Intensive classes meet six times a week.

Culture/Literature Courses

Download the Chinese Major Checklist and submit along with a transcript to the Chinese Program Director. Questions about the minor and major can be addressed to Professor Xueping Zhong (Olin 311, 617-627-2375).

Major in Asian Studies with a Chinese Focus - visit Asian Studies Program >

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Minor in Chinese

The minor in Chinese is intended for students wishing to apply their training in Chinese to a broad range of professional and academic pursuits.

The minor requires 6 courses beyond Chinese 4 with grades of C or above, including two 100-level language courses and two literature/culture courses. Students should declare their intentions to minor no later than the spring semester of their junior year.

Combinations

1. Four Language: 21, 22, 121, 122,123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128; plus
   Two Lit/Culture: 61, 62, 70, 71, 75, 76, 78, 80, 81, 91, 92, 101, 111, 112, 191, 192, 198, 199
    
2. Three Language: 22, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128; plus
   Three Lit/Culture: 61, 62, 70, 71, 75, 76, 78, 80, 81, 91, 92, 101, 111, 112, 191, 192, 198, 199
    
3. Two Language: 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128; plus
   Four Lit/Culture: 61, 62, 70, 71, 75, 76, 78, 80, 81, 91, 92, 101, 111, 112, 191, 192, 198, 199

Please see the tables above for Language and Culture / Literature course numbers and descriptions.

Please note that...

1. Students may not complete a minor and a major in the same discipline.
2. No more than 2 courses fulfilling a foundation, distribution, or concentration requirement can be used to fulfill minor requirements. Asian Studies (Chinese) majors are thus advised that since Chinese 21,22, 121, and 122 count towards their major, they need to choose within the following parameters: i/ 2-4 language courses from 121-128, ii/ 4-2 lit/culture courses that are not used to fulfill their major requirements.
3. Students should declare their intention to minor no later than the spring semester of their junior year.

Please download the Chinese Minor Checklist and submit along with a transcript to the Chinese Program Director. Questions about the minor and major can be addressed to Professor Xueping Zhong (Olin 311, 617-627-2375).

Language Minor For Engineer students - view requirements >

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Postgraduate Opportunities

Regardless of their majors, students of Chinese have found that their knowledge of the language and culture gives them a competitive advantage in public and private sectors as well as in further study. Our graduates, some after training in graduate and professional schools, have gone on to careers in government, foreign service, law, academia, banking and international business – from the mainland and Taiwan to Honk Kong and Singapore. As China continues to strengthen trade ties and develop joint economic ventures with the United States, the demand for Americans who know Chinese is bound to increase.

The Chinese Prize is awarded annually to a graduating senior who has demonstrated excellence in the studies of Chinese language, literature and culture.

For further information about the major, minor and related matters, contact:

Professor Xueping Zhong, Director of the Program in Chinese
Department of German, Russian & Asian Languages & Literatures
Olin Center, 180 Packard Avenue
Tufts University
Medford, Massachusetts 02155

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