Overview

The department regularly offers four levels of instruction in Modern Standard Chinese (Mandarin), designed to enable the student to become proficient in aural comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing, as well as introductory courses in Classical Chinese, and occasionally, Cantonese and Taiwanese. The department also offers disciplinary courses taught either in English or in Chinese on Chinese literature, linguistics, or cultural studies. Students majoring in Chinese are strongly encouraged to study in mainland China or Taiwan during one or both semesters of their junior year, or during the summer. The course numbering system for Mandarin is sequential.

Students who complete the requirements for a major in Chinese at Williams College will be able to:

Attain the Advanced level in speaking, listening and reading, and Intermediate High level in writing based on the ACTFL proficiency guidelines.
Read and analyze basic texts written in Classical Chinese.
Gain intercultural communicative skills to competently navigate a wide range of social and cultural contexts in Chinese-speaking environments.
Critically read and analyze a variety of Chinese-language primary sources for academic and professional purposes.
Engage critically with important aspects of the historical and cultural developments and trends in China’s diverse and complex past and present.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Mandarin Chinese Language
Classical Chinese
Chinese Literary
Linguistic
Cultural Studies

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-04 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-05 00:00:00

Language

English

Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

North Adams, United States

Disciplines

Language Studies Asian studies View 504 other Bachelors in Asian studies in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

We are not aware of any English requirements for this programme.

Other requirements

General requirements

School Report
Counselor Recommendation
Two Teacher Recommendations
Mid-Year Report (Due February 8* or for schools on a trimester, when 2nd trimester grades are available)
$65 Application Fee or Fee Waiver
Early Decision Agreement Form (Early Decision applicants only)
Williams Writing Question: As a residential learning community, Williams believes that some of the most important experiences happen while living and learning alongside those different from oneself. Please describe a time when you learned or grew through the process of interacting with someone whose background, identity, lived experience, or perspective differs from your own. (150-300 words; this question will automatically populate on the Common Application and QuestBridge Application Form)

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

72170 USD / year

≈ 72170 USD / year
Out-of-State

72170 USD / year

≈ 72170 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

72170 USD / year

≈ 72170 USD / year

Living costs

North Adams

United States

876 - 1815 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Chinese.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

North Adams

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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