Chinese

Chinese Major

The Chinese major combines thorough training in spoken and written Chinese language with the development of critical approaches to a broad range of Chinese cultural phenomena including classical and modern literature, visual arts, film, popular culture, and underlying aspects of philosophical and social thought. Most courses are conducted in Chinese with readings in Chinese.

The major, which is not open to advanced native speakers due to the limited number of advanced courses, begins with language work and a writing-intensive introduction to important issues in East Asian culture, proceeds through advanced coursework in language and culture, classical and modern (including a semester or year abroad), and culminates in a Senior Seminar paper or Senior Honors Thesis on a topic of the student’s interest within the area of Chinese cultural studies.

In addition to courses offered by this department, a wide variety of Asian studies courses are available through other departments. It is highly recommended that Chinese majors fulfill half of their core history requirement by taking at least one course in Chinese history. Beyond that, China-related courses are offered in Economics, Government, International Affairs, Theology, and other fields. These can serve as free electives or can in some cases fulfill core requirements. Finally, such outside courses can often be counted toward an Asian Studies certificate for interested students. Students should seek help from their department advisors in developing a well-integrated academic program built around their interests and drawing upon this rich variety of resources. Courses taken abroad that are taught in English do not count toward the major or minor.

Chinese majors are required to spend at least one semester studying in a Chinese-speaking country, and may spend up to one year. Opportunities for overseas study in Mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong are available through Georgetown. (For more on programs, see Resources and Study Abroad.)

Requirements for the A.B. in Chinese

12 courses, including:

  • CHIN-1124 East Asia: Texts and Contexts
  • 8 courses in Chinese language
    •  4 at the 3000-level or above*
    • 4 language courses at any level
  • CHIN-3051 Introduction to Classical Chinese
  • 1 department course on Chinese culture, literature, or linguistics taught in English from CHIN 2101, 2121, 2122, 2125, 2126, 2129, or 2130.
  • CHIN-4101 Senior Seminar

*Note: students must complete or place out of First, Second, and Third Level Chinese before enrolling in 3000-level language courses.

Electives

  • CHIN 3001, 3002 Integrated Advanced Chinese I & II
  • CHIN 3003 Advanced Oral Communication
  • CHIN 3011 Topics in Chinese Media
  • CHIN 3013, 3014 Business Chinese I & II
  • CHIN 3021 Readings in Contemporary Chinese Culture and Society
  • CHIN 3022 Modern Chinese Literature and Society
  • CHIN 3030 Advanced Readings in Chinese
  • CHIN 3031 Topics in Current Affairs
  • CHIN 3035 Chinese in Diplomatic Discourse
  • CHIN 3047 Linguistic Structure of Mandarin Chinese
  • CHIN 3052 Chinese Literary Dream Texts
  • CHIN 3053 Traditions of Chinese Fiction
  • CHIN 3101 Introduction to Chinese Linguistics
  • CHIN 3123 Advanced Readings in Philosophy
  • CHIN 3123 Advanced Classical Chinese
  • CHIN 3124 Classical Chinese Commentarial Tradition: China, Korea and Japan
  • CHIN 3541 Modern Chinese Fiction
  • CHIN 3542 Modern Literature from Taiwan
  • CHIN 3543 Readings in Chinese Humanities
  • CHIN 2101 Introduction to Chinese Linguistics (in English)
  • CHIN 2121 War and Its Legacies in Chinese Literature (in English)
  • CHIN 2122 Reading Chinese Landscapes (in English)
  • CHIN 2125 Confucian Ethics and Human Biology (in English)
  • CHIN 2126 Early Daoist Philosophy (in English)
  • CHIN 2126 Philosophy of Wang Yangming (in English)
  • CHIN 2129 Dreaming of Modern China (in English)
  • CHIN 2130 Ethnicity in Modern China (in English)

(Not all courses are offered every year.)

To further their understanding of Chinese culture, students should take advantage of the wide range of reading materials and audio-visual materials available at the University Library. Beyond the University, students should explore the Freer-Sackler Gallery, which has one of the finest collections of East Asian Art in the world, as well as a delightful research library. The Library of Congress, too, has an enormous collection of Chinese books and periodicals.

Chinese Minor

Students majoring in other fields, particularly those involving Asian studies, are encouraged to minor in Chinese. The Chinese minor requires seven courses, at least six of which must be CHIN language courses or advanced courses conducted in target language. The seventh course may either be another CHIN course in the target language, a CHIN course taught in English, or, by permission of the EALC department, a Georgetown course with Chinese literature, culture/civilization, or linguistics as a substantial component.

Study Abroad

Professor Kafalas is the department’s study abroad advisor for Chinese.  He encourages you to start your hunt for a Chinese study abroad program.

(For more on programs, see Resources and Study Abroad.)