At which campus can I study this program?
Program Description
The Chinese Language minor is intended to provide students with a good working knowledge of the Chinese language, taught in a context that emphasizes the characteristics and diversity of Chinese culture and society. Students undertake three years of language study (or equivalent); education abroad can be included.
What is Chinese?
The Chinese program provides students with an opportunity to concentrate on acquiring expertise in an important modern language and its culture. Giving students a strong working knowledge of the Chinese language and understanding of Chinese culture, the program can help prepare students for work in contexts where the language and culture are pertinent, to live and work in Sinophone areas of the world as informed and capable individuals equipped with appropriate intercultural skills and awareness, or for graduate study in China-related fields. Graduates may work in government service, domestic and foreign offices, or international agencies. Many go on to teach English in China, or to do translation work. Employment may also be available with trade organizations, international banking houses, or U.S. companies abroad. Domestic and multinational companies are increasingly seeking employees with backgrounds in multicultural studies as a way of dealing with the global market.
You Might Like This Program If...
- You are interested in Chinese language, culture, history, or society.
- You want to live or work in a Sinophone country.
- You are aiming for a career involving travel to Sinophone countries and interaction with native speakers of Chinese.
Program Requirements
| Requirement | Credits |
|---|---|
| Requirements for the Minor | 18-20 |
Requirements for the Minor
A grade of C or better is required for all courses in the minor, as specified by Senate Policy 59-10. In addition, at least six credits of the minor must be unique from the prescribed courses required by a student's major(s).
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| CHNS 2 | Level One Chinese B | 4 |
| CHNS 3 | Level Two Chinese A | 4 |
| Additional Courses | ||
| Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| CHNS 110 | Level Two Chinese B | 4 |
| or CHNS 299 | Foreign Studies | |
| Select 6-8 credits of the following: | 6-8 | |
| Foreign Studies | ||
| Level Three Chinese A | ||
| Level Three Chinese B | ||
| Level Four Chinese A | ||
| Level Four Chinese B | ||
| Chinese Through Film | ||
CHNS 411 | ||
| Introduction to Chinese Language, Culture and Society | ||
| China Beyond China | ||
| Gender and Sexuality in China | ||
| The Warrior, the Courtesan and the Ghost in Classical Chinese Novels | ||
| Confucius and the Great Books of China | ||
| The Chinese Rhetorical Tradition | ||
| Contemporary China: Culture and Trends | ||
| Chinese Film | ||
| Introduction to Classical Chinese | ||
CHNS 455 | ||
| Independent Studies | ||
| Special Topics | ||
| Foreign Studies | ||
Academic Advising
The objectives of the university's academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.
Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee's unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.
READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY
University Park
Liberal Arts Academic Advising
814-865-2545
Use the Liberal Arts Meet the Academic Advisers web page to see the contact information for the specific adviser(s) of this program
Career Paths
A minor in Chinese can be the basis for careers in the public sector (diplomatic corps, armed forces, intelligence, etc.), international law, business, public relations, journalism, travel and hospitality, careers requiring foreign travel or living abroad in Japan language specialist (translating, interpreting, teaching).
Careers
With a Chinese minor, you'll be prepared for a career in a wide range of industries and professions, including the public sector (diplomatic corps, armed forces, intelligence, etc.), international law, business, public relations, journalism, travel and hospitality, careers requiring foreign travel or living abroad in Asia, language specialist (translating, interpreting, teaching).
Opportunities for Graduate Studies
International Affairs programs, law, or the study of Asia in various disciplines, such as art history, literature, history, religion, philosophy, political science, and sociology.
Contact
University Park
DEPARTMENT OF ASIAN STUDIES
102 Old Botany Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-867-3260
asianstudies@psu.edu