Students who earn a minor in Chinese develop proficiency in the language, literature, and culture of a country with a powerful global reach and a literary tradition dating back more than 3,000 years. They learn to read, write, and converse in Chinese while exploring the major works of Chinese literature—from classical texts to recent works of modern fiction—and analyzing the features of the Chinese language in order to understand its history and use. Students benefit from one of the strongest Chinese language curriculum programs in the country and extensive university resources, including distinctive courses, language-intensive study abroad opportunities, and on-campus resources such as the East Asia Library. By pairing the minor with a major in the College of Arts and Sciences or a professional field, students find an advantage after graduation as they enter business and nonprofit work, STEM fields, graduate programs, and more across the globe.
Introductory Chinese language courses are available in the fall or summer quarters. Students should sign up for introductory courses as early as possible in order to fulfill the minor’s language requirement. If you have previous experience with Chinese, see the department's information on proficiency exams and placement interviews.
Declaring a Minor in Chinese
Students in good academic standing may declare the minor at any time by meeting with their major adviser. Please see Undergraduate Advising’s Minor page for additional considerations about earning a minor.
Minor Requirements
NOTE: The below requirements apply to students who declare the Chinese minor in Winter Quarter 2019 or later. The previous requirements will still apply to those who declared the Chinese minor before Winter Quarter 2019 unless special provision is made. Please contact a departmental advisor if you are interested in this option. Click here to see the pre-Winter Quarter 2019 Chinese minor requirements.
The Department offers a 30 credit undergraduate minor in Chinese. Courses taken for the minor must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. No more than 15 transfer credits may count toward a Chinese language minor.
I. Language Courses:
Maximum 15 credits of modern Chinese language, which may include CHIN 213, CHIN 301, CHIN 302, CHIN 303, or certain 400-level Chinese courses. First and second-year Chinese courses may not apply to the minor. Students must take at least CHIN 213 or CHIN 303, unless waived because of advanced skills.
- ASIAN 498 (by approval when offered as a Chinese language course)
- CHIN 212, 213 Second-Year Heritage Chinese (considered equivalent to 3rd-year level)
- CHIN 301, 302, 303 Third-Year Non-Heritage Chinese
- CHIN 331 Chinese Extensive Reading
- CHIN 411, 412, 413 Fourth-Year Chinese
- CHIN 431 Chinese Extensive Reading
- CHIN 432 Social and Cultural Issues in Contemporary China
- CHIN 470 Advanced Readings in Modern Chinese
- CHIN 482 Advanced Readings in Modern Chinese
- CHIN 496 Special Studies in Chinese (when the topic is advanced language instruction)
II. Linguistics, Literature, Culture, and/or Classical Language:
15 credits of classes in Chinese linguistics, literature, culture, and/or classical language. Must include:
- CHIN 342 or CHIN 442 (5 credits)
- CHIN 461 or CHIN 463 (5 credits)
Additional credits in linguistics, literature, culture, and/or classical language may be taken from courses listed below:
- ASIAN 201 Literature and Culture of Ancient and Classical China
- ASIAN 204 Literature and Culture of China from Tradition to Modernity
- ASIAN 207 Special Topics in Literature and Culture of Asia (when China is the topic)
- ASIAN 211 Languages and Cultures of China
- ASIAN 263 Great Works of Asian Literature (when China is the topic)
- CHIN 373 Chinese Poetry
- CHIN 374 Chinese Prose
- CHIN 380 Premodern Chinese Narrative in Translation
- CHIN 381 Literature in Modern China
- CHIN 385 Popular Culture in Twentieth-Century China
- CHIN 443 Structure of Chinese
- CHIN 451 Introduction to Classical Chinese
- CHIN 452 Introduction to Classical Chinese Poetry
- CHIN 453 Classical Chinese
- CHIN 462 History of Chinese Literature
If you have questions about whether or not a different class counts towards the major, please consult with an advisor.
Please note: For the Chinese minor, no credits may be applied for classes outside of the AL&L department.
Last updated in Summer 2020.