Dive into the language and culture of China by studying the Chinese language. Gain knowledge of Chinese culture and learn history, values, philosophical and religious beliefs and aesthetic traditions.
Reasons to Study Chinese
- Communication
Mandarin is currently spoken by nearly one-fifth of the world’s population. Since China is of one of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, Chinese is also an official United Nations language. Chinese is one of the few world languages which remain pictographic. The writing of the language in itself can be described as an art form. - Cultural Knowledge
The study of Chinese opens up a unique window into one of the world’s most ancient civilizations. Studying the Chinese language ultimately leads to learning Chinese history, cultural values, philosophical and religious beliefs and aesthetic traditions. The more proficient you become in the language, the more you will be able to appreciate and understand China’s past and present. You will also understand and enjoy more when visiting historical sightseeing places. - Career Opportunities
The People’s Republic of China currently boasts the second largest economy in the world and is widely expected to become a major geopolitical force in the new millennium. Graduates with proficiency in Mandarin will be well positioned for jobs in government, international relations, finance, tourism, translation and teaching. With China having a population of 1.28 billion people, the market share of fields and businesses which work with China continues to grow. - Fun
Chinese is a tonal language consisting of four tones. This adds one more dimension to understanding and speaking the language. Learning how to write characters is rewarding and an interesting experience for many new learners. These characteristics provide a lifetime of intellectual stimulation.
Class Format and Courses
COD offers Chinese courses in the traditional format where classes meet weekly and students have the opportunity to interact with an instructor and their peers. Studying Chinese courses also offers the opportunity to live and study abroad in Xi’an, China. Students will take the following courses:
- Chinese 1100 – Chinese Civilization and Culture – 3 credit hours (taught in English)
- Chinese 1101 – Elementary Chinese I – 4 credit hours
- Chinese 1102 – Elementary Chinese II – 4 credit hours
- Chinese 1800 – Special Project – 1 to 4 credit hours
- Chinese 1840 – Independent Study – 1 to 4 credit hours
- Chinese 2201 – Intermediate Chinese I – 4 credit hours
- Chinese 2202 – Intermediate Chinese II – 4 credit hours
- Chinese 2860 – Internship (Career and Tech Ed) – 1 to 4 credit hours
- Chinese 2865 – Internship, Advanced (Career and Tech Ed) – 1 to 4 credit hours
- Chinese 2870 – Internship (Transfer) – 1 to 4 credit hours
- Chinese 2871 – Internship, Advanced (Transfer) – 1 to 4 credit hours
Contact Information
Liberal Arts Division Office
Berg Instructional Center (BIC), Room 2E06
(630) 942-2047