Modern Languages and Literatures
The goals of the Chinese program are to sharpen the intellectual skills of students and to encourage intellectual growth. The major offers students a broad understanding of the various Chinese speaking cultures around the world. Through language study students come to understand the interconnectedness of people despite different worldviews. The skills students acquire while studying Chinese include greater aptitude in concentration and self-motivation. They learn that rewards of language study are had through guided risk and challenge. As students develop linguistic and cultural proficiency they enjoy deeper conversations with the people of the Chinese-speaking world. With the growing political, economic, and cultural significance of China in the world students who graduate with Chinese have increased earning power. Union alumni have gone on to professional degrees in law, medicine, and teaching, as well as engaged in business and civil service roles that relate to the Chinese speaking world. In addition to the major and a minor, students can combine their language study with an Asian Studies major or interdepartmental major.
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Why study Chinese?
- Chinese is the most spoken first language in the world.
- China is the most populous nation in the world, with 1.35 billion people.
- In addition to mainland China and Taiwan, Chinese is also widely spoken in Southeast Asian countries.
- China is the world’s second largest economy and remains the fastest growing one.
- China is one of America’s largest trading partners.
- More and more U.S. companies do business in China, including Apple, IBM, and General Motors.
- Chinese language is beautiful, melodic, and poetic. Chinese lessons are mentally stimulating and fun.
- If you know 1000 commonly used characters, you will recognize 90% of the characters in Chinese media.
- Learning Chinese helps understand China’s rich culture, literature, and its long history of over 5000 years.
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Courses & requirements
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Chinese Table
Tuesdays @ Common Lunch in Golub House
你可以借此机会与中文教授和中文助教交谈。这不但能提高你的口语水平，而且还能增加你对变化中的中国社会的认识。如果你想深入了解中国文化、历史、风俗习惯，这也是个好机会。除此之外，你还可以跟其他学习中文的同学交流学习心得。期待你的加入~*^_^* -
Career opportunities
Greater China Job Listings from Wang & Li Asia Resources
Job Information Journal: China ESL Cafe’s journal of various job experiences in China, including places you should avoid when looking for employment.
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Internet resources
Integrated Chinese Multimedia Exercises from the University of California
Zhongwen.com Chinese Characters and Culture
MandarinTools.com On-line Chinese tools