Bachelor of Arts in Chinese
Bachelor of Arts in Chinese combines thorough training in spoken and written Chinese language as students develop critical approaches to a broad range of Chinese cultural phenomena including linguistic diversity, classical and modern literature, visual arts and film. Through language acquisition, cultural investigation and professional growth, graduates become well-rounded global citizens prepared for a variety of careers.
Offered by the School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures (SLLC), the Chinese major delves into approaches on a broad range of Chinese language and cultural topics. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the development of modern Chinese in the 20th and 21st centuries and the characteristics of the Chinese writing system. They will also become familiar with representative works of contemporary Chinese literature and cinema. Students have the opportunity to apply for scholarships to study abroad in Taiwan and Mainland China, where they can experience different Chinese societies and deepen their understanding of the people and cultures.
About the major
The Chinese major provides the training and cultural background needed for entering East Asia-related careers in such fields as higher education, the arts, business, government, international relations, agriculture or the media. Students may also consider a double major in Chinese and another discipline, such as business, international relations, economics or journalism.
For information on study abroad programs contact your undergraduate advisor and UMD Education Abroad.
Requirements & Resources for the Major
Program Requirements
All students new to SLLC courses must take the online World Language Placement (WPA) before registering for classes.
- Language Acquisition Courses: 18 credits at the 200-level or above
- Literature: 3 credits at the 300-level or above
- Linguistics: 6 credits (CHIN307 and 3 credits of Chinese linguistics at the 300-level or above)
- History & Civilization: 6 credits of Chinese history and civilization (See Testudo for the list of current history courses)
- Electives: 6 credits of electives at the 300-level or above)
Notes:
- Students with prior experience in Chinese may satisfy prerequisites and language acquisition requirements by placement in consultation with the undergraduate advisor.
- All prerequisites imply "or equivalent knowledge." In cases of equivalent knowledge, required language-focus credits are replaced with the written approval of the undergraduate advisor or the program director.
- Most content courses taught in Chinese are not open to fluent or native speakers of Chinese.
- All majors returning from study abroad must take one 400 level course before graduating.
Study Abroad
For information on study abroad programs see the undergraduate advisor and contact UMD Education Abroad.
Declaring the Major
We recommend that interested students declare their major as early as possible
Step 1: Carefully read Chinese major requirements
Step 2: Read through all forms carefully, and pencil in a sequence of courses to discuss with the program advisor, Dr. Guiling Hu (ghu@umd.edu).
Step 3: Contact the College of Arts and Humanities Office of Student Affairs (301-405-2108) to make an appointment to discuss the non-Chinese aspects of your 4-year plan (bring signed form from previous step), including CORE courses. Walk-in hours are also available.
Step 4: If you are adding Chinese as an additional major, check with your home department and college to identify paperwork you may need to complete.
Chinese Program Advisor
Guiling Hu
School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures
Senior Lecturer and Advisor, Chinese
4223 Jiménez Hall
College Park
MD,
20742