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.
Along with specific requirements for any major, all students in the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degree programs must meet all general education and graduation requirements under a single catalog.
Coordinator, Rose Wang
In consultation with an advisor from within the department, students develop a major plan with a focus on Chinese language and culture. Not all of the courses required for the major are offered every year. Early and careful planning is advised.
CHINESE LANGUAGE AND CULTURE MAJOR REQUIREMENT is 40 credit hours including the demonstration of Chinese language proficiency (equivalent to the level upon completion of CHIN201):
| 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 | 4 |
| CHIN 102 | Elementary Mandarin Chinese | 4 |
| CHIN 201 | Intermediate Mandarin Chinese | 4 |
Additional Required Languages Courses | ||
| CHIN 331 | Chinese Conversation | 4 |
| CHIN 332 | Chinese Grammar and Composition | 4 |
| CHIN 494 | Senior Capstone Experience: Contemporary Chinese Literature and Its Social Reality | 4 |
Elective Language Courses | ||
May count as China-focused content courses but cannot be double counted toward the major requirement | ||
| CHIN 302 | Chinese Through Scripture | 4 |
| CHIN 335 | Business Chinese | 4 |
| CHIN 337 | Readings of Chinese Culture and Society | 4 |
| CHIN 495 | Independent Study | 1-4 |
| CHINA-FOCUSED CONTENT COURSES: | 16 | |
Required Content Courses | ||
| CHIN 334 | Chinese Culture and Traditions (Taught in English) | 4 |
| HIST 291 | Introduction to Modern East Asia | 4 |
| or HIST 293 | Introduction to Asian Studies | |
Elective Content Courses | ||
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. | ||
| B EC 331 | International Business | 4 |
| ECON 365 | Development Economics | 4 |
| IR 328 | International Law | 2 |
| IR 347 | East Asian Politics | 4 |
| IR 364 | East Meets West | 4 |
| PHIL 106 | Global Philosophy | 4 |
| PHIL 227 | Asian Philosophy | 4 |
| PSCI 323 | Chinese Political Thought | 4 |
| RELI 225 | Major World Religions | 4 |
| Wheaton-in-China or An Alternative Approved Study Abroad Program (strongly recommended) 1 | ||
| CHIN 338 | Advanced Chinese in China (Off campus; CHIN 334 Prerequisite) | 4 |
| CHIN 341 | Special Topics in Chinese Language and Culture (Off campus; CHIN 334 Prerequisite) | 4 |
| Total Credits Required | 40 | |
| 1 | Credits earned during study abroad may be applied either to a second major (with the approval of that major department), to the Chinese language and culture major, or (upon approval) to both. Up to 8 credits of language and culture courses taken as part of the study abroad program may count or substitute for some Chinese language and culture major requirements. |