THE FACULTY OF LANGUAGES AND LINGUISTICS

VI. DEPARTMENTAL PROGRAMS

EAST ASIAN LANGUAGES AND CULTURES

CHINESE

Major in Chinese

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 is available through other departments. It is highly recommended that Chinese majors fulfill their general education history requirement by taking courses in Chinese or Asian 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 general education requirements. Finally, such outside courses can often be counted toward an Asian Studies Certificate through the Area Studies Programs. 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.

Required Courses

12 courses, including:

• CHIN-024 East Asia: Texts and Contexts (also counts as a Humanities & Writing II gen ed course)
• 8 courses in Chinese language, 4 of which must at the 300-level or above*
• CHIN-362 Introduction to Classical Chinese
• 1 department course on Chinese culture, literature, or linguistics taught in English
• CHIN-459 Senior Seminar

*Note: students must complete or place out of First, Second and Third Level Chinese before enrolling in 300-level language courses

The department strongly recommends that Chinese majors fulfill the general education requirement in history with HIST-122 & 123 History of China I & II.

To further their understanding of Chinese culture, students should take advantage of the wide range of reading and audiovisual materials available at the University library. Beyond the University, students should explore the Freer and Sackler Galleries of Art, which have one of the finest collections of East Asian Art in the world. The Library of Congress has an enormous collection of Chinese books and periodicals.

Chinese Major with Business Coursework

(See the Business Coursework section of this Bulletin.)

Overseas Studies

Chinese majors are required to spend at least one semester studying in a Chinese-speaking country. Opportunities for overseas study in Mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong are available through Georgetown. (See the Overseas Study section of this Bulletin.)

Minor in Chinese

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

Asian Studies Certificate

Interested students majoring in Chinese or Japanese may specialize in Asian Studies and complete a certificate in this field. A minimum of six semester courses is required, including the study of more than one Asian society or national group. Specific requirements include one course in Asian history, one course in humanities, one course in politics, one course in economics of the Asian region (prior completion of Macroeconomic Principles is required and Microeconomic Principles is strongly recommended), and two elective courses in Asian Studies. A minimum of two years of study of an Asian language is also required. Students should consult the Director of Asian Studies, SFS, for additional information.

(For course listings for Chinese see http://courses.georgetown.edu/)

Undergraduate Bulletin 2012-2013 Table of Contents
Copyright 2012, Georgetown University.