Chinese & Asian Area Studies

Chinese & Asian Area Studies is a multi-disciplinary minor that aims to provide students with a complex and interrelated knowledge base from which to understand China as a historical and cultural entity. The minor incorporates the study of language, the humanities and the social sciences. Students are encouraged to incorporate study abroad in their program and can complete the minor with an independent research project.

The Chinese & Asian Area Studies Minor, drawing on the breadth and strengths of departments in the Liberal Arts, will guide students into the field systematically through course work and education abroad opportunities as well as co-curricular activities such as lectures, symposia, colloquia, film festivals, and other events that will help students understand the matrix of Chinese culture. Students will come to understand China in its geographic, topographical and climatological richness; its linguistic, demographic, social, and other cultural formations; and its national and regional, social and political developments. Each student will have an adviser who will help the student create a set of courses that provides system and structure to the student’s development.

*Students who place out of CHI-200 must take CHI-201 and one additional Chinese language course at the 300 or 400 level. Students who place out of CHI-200 and CHI-201 must complete one Chinese language course at the 300 or 400 level.

Study Abroad or domestic experience within a Chinese linguistic context or business environment—study, service-learning or internships—may meet some of the requirements upon consultation with the student’s advisor. Students must take at least one course in the Chinese Area Studies Minor upon completion of Study Abroad or a domestic experience as described above.

Independent Research and Study courses and Baccalaureate Honors courses may be substituted in consultation with the Area Studies Program director.