Overview

The Program

The Chinese major from Georgetown University, which is not open to advanced native speakers due to the limited number of advanced courses, begins with language work and a writing-intensive introduction to important issues in East Asian culture, and proceeds through advanced coursework in language and culture, classical and modern (often including a semester or year abroad). In order to familiarize themselves with relevant critical and historical issues in the field, students must take at least one of the courses on Chinese culture offered by the department in English in addition to "East Asia: Texts and Contexts." The major culminates in a Senior Seminar paper or Senior Honors Thesis on a topic of the student's interest within the area of Chinese cultural studies.

In addition to courses offered by this department, a wide variety of Asian studies courses is available through other departments. It is highly recommended that Chinese majors fulfill their general education history requirement by taking courses in Chinese or Asian history. Beyond that, China-related courses are offered in Economics, Government, International Affairs, Theology, and other fields. These can serve as free electives for Chinese majors, or can in some cases fulfill general education requirements. Finally, such outside courses can often be counted toward an Asian Studies Certificate through the Area Studies Programs. Students should seek help from their department advisers in developing a well-integrated academic program built around their interests and drawing upon this rich variety of resources.