College of Arts & Sciences
Department of Modern and Classical Languages
Chinese
Why pursue a Chinese degree at North Central College?
The demand for talented Chinese speakers in schools, government, business and entertainment has grown worldwide. At North Central, you’ll learn to speak, read, write and understand Chinese. You’ll master the grammar as well as the distinctive tones and characters of the language. If you wish to teach, students find that a major or minor in Chinese is a great complement to East Asian studies, global studies, international business or education. You can pursue certification in Chinese.
You can also:
- Study abroad at the prestigious Peking University in Beijing.
- Take advantage of on-campus tutoring options and the Roberta I. Myers Language Resource Center.
- Enjoy the Chinese Corner’s speakers and cultural events, including its Chinese New Year celebration.
- Participate in cultural immersion experiences with nearby Chinese communities.
- Earn an English language learning (ELL) minor if you plan to teach abroad after college.
- Take advantage of internships with Chinese-American companies.
- 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
Major Requirements
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.
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.
Cardinal Directions Designation(s)
Humanities, Ethical Dimensions, Community Engaged Learning. -
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.
Cardinal Directions Designation(s)
Social Science, Ethical Dimensions, Community Engaged Learning.
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.
Prerequisite(s)
Instructor consent.
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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.
Prerequisite(s)
Instructor consent.
Internship
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.
Prerequisite(s)
Instructor consent.
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.
Prerequisite(s)
Instructor consent.
-
- Four additional credits in CHNS at the 400-level
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
(If not already taken for major requirements above)
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.
Cardinal Directions Designation(s)
Humanities, Ethical Dimensions, Community Engaged Learning. -
CHNS 205 - Understanding China
(If not already taken for major requirements above)
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.
Cardinal Directions Designation(s)
Social Science, Ethical Dimensions, Community Engaged Learning. -
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.
Cardinal Directions Designation(s)
Humanities, Global Understanding.iCon(s)
Thinking Globally. -
RELG 260 - The Dao of Chinese Religion
RELG 260 - The Dao of Chinese Religion
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).
iCon(s)
Thinking Globally.
Note:
*CHNS May Term coursework may count toward the major as long as all course work is completed in Chinese
Additional Requirements for the B.A. Degree
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
Minor Requirements
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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