Chinese Studies
Why pursue a Chinese degree at North Central College?
Chinese speakers are in high demand in international business, education, government, travel and entertainment worldwide. Learning Chinese extends beyond language fluency building critical thinking skills that are transferable to many career fields. Individuals that can speak, read, write and understand Chinese will find that the knowledge of the Chinese language is often a priority to a potential employer over other job skills for positions they may be applying for. This program is designed to provide robust language skills along with the experiences necessary to succeed in a global environment.
At North Central College you will acquire the skills necessary to live and work in a global community. You will also gain exposure to cultural perspectives that will provide an in depth understanding of the Chinese culture and how to operate within it. Whatever you choose to do with what you learn, studying Chinese is sure to provide a wide variety of rewarding employment opportunities as a result of this in demand degree program.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN
- Leading global marketing for companies with locations, clients or customers in China
- Researching and analyzing financial opportunities to assist international companies with making informed business decisions
- Working or studying abroad using both English and Chinese languages to educate others
then a degree in CHINESE might be for you.
Why study Chinese at North Central College?
In the Classroom
Coursework topics:
- 28 or more credit hours taught in Chinese
- China Today
- Chinese Enrichment
- Chinese History
- Chinese Practicum
- Internship
- Professional Portfolio
- Religious Harmony in China
- Understanding China
Beyond the Classroom
As a Chinese major, you can:
- Participate in internships with Chinese-American companies.
- Pursue certification in Chinese
- Study abroad at prestigious universities in China
- Earn an English language learner (ELL) minor if you plan to teach abroad
- Participate in cultural immersion experiences with nearby Chinese communities.
- Enjoy the Chinese Corner’s speakers and cultural events, including its Chinese New Year celebration.
- Take advantage of on-campus tutoring options and the Roberta I. Myers Language Resource Center.
- Qualify for induction into Phi Sigma Iota, the honor society open to students studying Chinese.
Chinese, B.A.
For additional programs and courses in this department, see Modern and Classical Languages.
The Chinese major consists of a minimum of thirty-three credits at or above the 102 level, with at least twenty-eight credits taught in Chinese. This major will automatically satisfy the elementary competency in a foreign language requirement of the B.A. degree as noted in the
Chinese Courses
One of the following:
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CHNS 105 - China Today
CHNS 105 - China Today
4.00 credit hours
An introduction to the profound socioeconomic transformation that China is currently undergoing and how these changes are impacting the Chinese people. It also explores China's role in international affairs, global economy and politics. In addition, a variety of topics regarding contemporary China such as technology, pop culture, social media and education are covered. Taught in English.
-
CHNS 205 - Understanding China
CHNS 205 - Understanding China
4.00 credit hours
An Introduction to key concepts and frameworks integral to the analysis of Chinese culture and society. It highlights not only macro-level processes of social change and continuity but also the everyday experiences of individuals involved in these processes. Taught in English.
At least two credits from one of the following areas:
Enrichment
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CHNS 393 - Chinese Enrichment
CHNS 393 - Chinese Enrichment
1.00-2.00 credit hours
Individual projects related to other courses that support the development of proficiencies in Chinese.
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CHNS 293 - Chinese Enrichment
CHNS 293 - Chinese Enrichment
1.00-2.00 credit hours
Individual projects related to other courses that support the development of proficiencies in Chinese. Taught in Chinese.
Internship
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CHNS 297 - Internship
CHNS 297 - Internship
0.00-12.00 credit hours
Valuable professional experiences supplement classroom instruction and allow students to apply theories and concepts to broader issues and system. Students explore career options within a specific area of study and critically reflect on the experience in a structured manner. May be repeated with different professional experience.
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CHNS 397 - Internship
CHNS 397 - Internship
0.00-12.00 credit hours
Valuable professional experiences supplement classroom instruction and allow students to apply theories and concepts to broader issues and system. Students explore career options within a specific area of study and critically reflect on the experience in a structured manner. May be repeated with different professional experience.
-
CHNS 497 - Internship
CHNS 497 - Internship
0.00-12.00 credit hours
Valuable professional experiences supplement classroom instruction and allow students to apply theories and concepts to broader issues and system. Students explore career options within a specific area of study and critically reflect on the experience in a structured manner. May be repeated with different professional experience.
Practicum
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CHNS 295 - Chinese Practicum
CHNS 295 - Chinese Practicum
1.00-4.00 credit hours
Students assist faculty with pedagogical or other projects in Chinese. Activities vary according to the project needs and student background, but may include such work as the preparation of materials for language learning or assisting faculty through bibliographic research.
Additional Requirements
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CHNS 480 - Capstone Portfolio
CHNS 480 - Capstone Portfolio
1.00 credit hours
Preparation of a collection of documents including revised work from prior courses, and reflections on the student's growth as a Chinese major and intercultural questions. Additional assignments may be included but the portfolio must represent all five skills and include evidence of the student's extracurricular participation in the Chinese program. Required for the Chinese major. Taught in Chinese.
Semester Study Abroad
Complete a semester study abroad program in a Chinese-speaking environment or complete 12 credits from the following:
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CHNS 105 - China Today
CHNS 105 - China Today
4.00 credit hours
An introduction to the profound socioeconomic transformation that China is currently undergoing and how these changes are impacting the Chinese people. It also explores China's role in international affairs, global economy and politics. In addition, a variety of topics regarding contemporary China such as technology, pop culture, social media and education are covered. Taught in English.
-
CHNS 205 - Understanding China
CHNS 205 - Understanding China
4.00 credit hours
An Introduction to key concepts and frameworks integral to the analysis of Chinese culture and society. It highlights not only macro-level processes of social change and continuity but also the everyday experiences of individuals involved in these processes. Taught in English.
-
HIST 260 - Chinese History
HIST 260 - Chinese History
4.00 credit hours
An examination of China's transformation from the "traditional" society of the dynastic period (c. 2000 BCE to 1911) into the "modern" nation that has emerged in the twenty-first century.
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RELG 260 - Religious Harmony in China
RELG 260 - Religious Harmony in China
4.00 credit hours
A survey of the major religions of China with a particular focus on self-cultivation as the key to establishing social harmony (Confucianism), living in harmony with the forces of nature (Daoism), and harmonizing with the totality of space and time (Buddhism).
Note:
*CHNS May Term coursework may count toward the major as long as all course work is completed in Chinese
Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the
Chinese Minor
For additional programs and courses in this department, see Modern and Classical Languages.
A minimum of 24 credit hours in Chinese, including four credit hours at the 300-level or above and one of
Chinese Internships and Jobs
A North Central education integrates career preparation with rich academic study. Our faculty encourages you to refine and apply your knowledge in an interconnected world. Here you'll learn to think independently and work globally to solve problems and lead.
Internships
Recent graduates in Chinese have served as:
- Marketing intern, Ai Media Group, Beijing, China
- Logistics intern, C.H. Robinson International, Tuttlingen, Germany
- Finance intern to second vice president of Wealth Management, Smith Barney, Citigroup, Naperville
- Program intern, STARTALK Summer Language Program, North Central College
Graduate schools
Recent graduates in Chinese have been accepted at:
- University of Illinois, East Asian Languages and Cultures
- Valparaiso University, IN, Chinese studies
- National Taiwan Normal University
Careers
Recent graduates in Chinese are employed at:
- 777 Operations business & planning analyst, The Boeing Company, leadership development program
- Chinese contract analyst, Infor Global Solutions
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