Chinese Major

The major in Chinese provides students with a solid foundation in the Chinese language, literature, and culture through extensive language training and broad exposure to Chinese literary and cultural traditions. Prospective majors should plan to begin Chinese language study during their first year at Colgate and are strongly encouraged to participate in the China Study Group.

Major Requirements

In order to encourage exposure to a wide range of approaches to Chinese studies, the department strongly recommends that students elect a section of CORE 165C taught by a member of a department other than East Asian languages and literatures, and enrich their major by taking HIST 368 - China, the Great Wall, and Beyond (AS) and/or HIST 369 - Modern China (1750 - present) (AS).

Upon completion of CHIN 202, the Chinese major requires a minimum of eight courses from the following:

Required Courses

• CHIN 303 - Films and Media
• CHIN 304 - Readings in Social Issues
• CHIN 405 - Reading Chinese Newspapers
• CHIN 406 - Readings in Modern Literature
• CORE 165C - China

One of the Following

• CHIN 222 - China through Literature and Film
• CHIN 299 - Chinese Medical Culture and Practice

Two Courses from the Following

At least one course must focus on China

• CHIN 450 - Advanced Readings in Chinese Worldview
• CHIN 481 - China in Transition (Study Group) (in China)
• CHIN 482 - Topics in Chinese Culture (Study Group) (in China)
• JAPN 222 - Japan through Literature and Film
• JAPN 233 - Japanese Popular Culture and Media
• JAPN 240 - Gender and Sexuality in Japanese Culture
• JAPN 255 - Hidden Japan: Tea Ceremony

GPA Requirement

All courses must be passed with a grade of C or better to count toward the major.

Honors and High Honors

Students interested in pursuing honors can find the additional requirements on the East Asian Languages and Literatures department page.

East Asian Languages and Literatures Department

For more information about the department, including Faculty, transfer credit, awards, etc., please visit the East Asian Languages and Literatures department catalogue page.