BA in Chinese Studies

Why pursue a Chinese degree at North Central College?

One of the most sought-after world languages is Mandarin Chinese. From entertainment to business, there is a high industry demand for talented Chinese Speakers and experts on Chinese Culture. Through our Chinese language courses and learning curriculum, you will practice reading Chinese literature, writing with Chinese characters, and developing your Mandarin Chinese oral speaking skills. You'll master Chinese grammar as well as the distinctive tones and characters of the language. If you wish to teach, students find that a major or minor in Chinese is a great complement to East Asian studies, global studies, international business, or education.

Whether you are just starting to study modern Chinese or have an advanced Chinese linguistic understanding, we have a curriculum that will help you get to a fluent skill level and obtain a language certification.

You can also:

• Study abroad at the prestigious Peking University in Beijing.
• Take advantage of on-campus tutoring options and the Roberta I. Myers Language Resource Center.
• Enjoy the Chinese Corner’s speakers and cultural events, including its Chinese New Year celebration.
• Participate in cultural immersion experiences with nearby Chinese communities.
• Earn an English language learning (ELL) minor if you plan to teach abroad after college.
• Take advantage of internships with Chinese-American companies.
• Qualify for induction into Phi Sigma Iota, the honor society open to students studying Chinese.

Major Requirements

The Chinese major consists of a minimum of thirty-three credits at or above the 102 level, with at least twenty-eight credits taught in Chinese.

Chinese Courses

One of the following:

• CHNS 105 - China Today
• CHNS 205 - Understanding China

At least two credits from one of the following areas:

Enrichment

• CHNS 393 - Chinese Enrichment
• CHNS 293 - Chinese Enrichment

Internship

• CHNS 297 - Internship
• CHNS 397 - Internship
• CHNS 497 - Internship

Practicum

• CHNS 295 - Chinese Practicum

Additional Requirements

• CHNS 480 - Capstone Portfolio
• Four additional credits in CHNS at the 400-level

Semester Study Abroad

Complete a semester study abroad program in a Chinese-speaking environment or complete 12 credits from the following:

• CHNS 105 - China Today (If not already taken for major requirements above)
• CHNS 205 - Understanding China (If not already taken for major requirements above)
• HIST 260 - Chinese History
• RELG 260 - The Dao of Chinese Religion

Note:

*CHNS May Term coursework may count toward the major as long as all coursework is completed in Chinese

Additional Requirements for the BA Degree

Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language.

A North Central education integrates career preparation with rich academic study. Our faculty encourages you to refine and apply your knowledge in an interconnected world. Here you'll learn to think independently and work globally to solve problems and lead.

Internships

Recent graduates in Chinese have served as:

• Marketing intern, Ai Media Group, Beijing, China
• Logistics intern, C.H. Robinson International, Tuttlingen, Germany
• Finance intern to second vice president of Wealth Management, Smith Barney, Citigroup, Naperville
• Program intern, STARTALK Summer Language Program, North Central College

Recent graduates in Chinese are employed at:

• 777 Operations business & planning analyst, The Boeing Company, leadership development program
• Chinese contract analyst, Infor Global Solutions