Coordinator, Shuguang (Rose) Wang
The Chinese Language and Culture Major at Wheaton is a multidisciplinary program designed for students wishing to attain reasonable fluency in Chinese with specialized exposure to the country of China. Students will gain language proficiency and familiarity with China through a wide range of courses in a variety of disciplines. The program helps prepare students for graduate study in China-related fields, for work in contexts where Chinese language and culture are pertinent, or to live and work in Chinese-speaking areas of the world as informed and capable individuals equipped with appropriate intercultural skills and awareness.
In consultation with an advisor from within the department, students develop a major plan with a focus on Chinese language and culture. Early planning is advised, as not all courses are offered annually. Independent study is not permitted.
Chinese Language and Culture Major Requirement is 40 credit hours, including the demonstration of Chinese language proficiency (equivalent to the level upon completion of CHIN 201):
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements | ||
| Language: | 24 | |
Chinese Language Proficiency | ||
Students must demonstrate language proficiency equivalent to the level upon completion of CHIN 201. | ||
| CHIN 101 | Elementary Mandarin Chinese (Only offered in fall) | 4 |
| CHIN 102 | Elementary Mandarin Chinese II (Only offered in spring) | 4 |
| CHIN 201 | Intermediate Mandarin Chinese (Only offered in fall) | 4 |
Additional Required Language Courses | ||
| CHIN 331 | Chinese Conversation | 4 |
| CHIN 332 | Chinese Grammar and Composition | 4 |
| CHIN 494 | Senior Capstone Experience: Chinese Language and Culture (Topic varies) 1 | 2 or 4 |
Elective Language Courses | ||
May count as China-focused content courses but cannot be double counted toward the major requirement | ||
| CHIN 301 | Chinese Character Acquisition (Offered occasionally) | 2 |
| CHIN 302 | Chinese Through Scripture (Offered alternate years) | 4 |
| CHIN 334 | Chinese Culture and Traditions (Offered alternate years) | 4 |
| CHIN 335 | Business Chinese (Offered occasionally) | 2 or 4 |
| CHIN 336 | Chinese Cinema (Offered occasionally) | 2 or 4 |
| CHIN 337 | Readings of Chinese Culture and Society | 4 |
| China-Focused Content Courses: | 16 | |
Courses not on this list may also count with approval from the Chinese advisor, if China or East Asia is covered or any one-time offering or topics course that deals primarily with China | ||
| BITH 314 | Reading the Bible with the Asian and Asian American Church | 4 |
| HIST 291 | Introduction to Modern East Asia | 4 |
| or HIST 293 | Introduction to Asian Studies | |
| IR 347 | East Asian Politics | 4 |
| IR 364 | East Meets West | 4 |
| IR 367 | International Law | 4 |
| PHIL 106 | Global Philosophy | 4 |
| PHIL 226 | Asian Philosophy | 2 or 4 |
| or PHIL 227 | Asian Philosophy | |
| PSCI 323 | Chinese Political Thought | 4 |
| or PHIL 323 | Chinese Political Thought | |
| RELI 225 | Major World Religions | 4 |
| RELI 395 | Hindu, Buddhist, and Sikh Traditions | 4 |
| SOC 371 | Asians in America | 4 |
| Semester-in-Shanghai or An Alternative Approved Study Abroad Program (strongly recommended) | ||
| CHIN 338 | Accelerated Chinese in China (Off campus) | 4 to 6 |
| CHIN 341 | Special Topics in Chinese Language and Culture (Off campus) | 2 to 4 |
| CHIN 342 | Special Topics in Contemporary China (Off campus) | 2 to 4 |
| Total Credits | 40 | |
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For the college's capstone substitution policy, please see the "Capstone Substitution for Double Majors" section of the Academic Information page in this catalog.