DEFINITION OF THE FIELD
Students majoring in Asian Languages with a concentration in Chinese study the language, literature, and culture of China. They gain a respectable measure of competence in reading, writing, and oral/aural skills in the Chinese language. They also are required to take a number of related courses on topics such as Chinese history, art, religion, government, and international business.
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GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
To graduate from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS), a student must satisfy: (1) university General Studies requirements, (2) CLAS graduation requirements (which include demonstrated proficiency in a second language), and (3) major/department requirements. These requirements ensure that a CLAS graduate has a well-rounded education. The university General Studies requirements consist of introductory and advanced courses selected from an approved menu of courses. There are five "core" areas (Literacy and Critical Inquiry, Mathematical Studies, Humanities and Fine Arts, Social and Behavioral Sciences, and Natural Sciences) and three "awareness" areas (Global, Historical, and Cultural Diversity in the United States).
MAJOR REQUIREMENTS
The Asian Languages major with a concentration in Chinese consists of a minimum of 45 semester hours, of which at least 30 hours are in Chinese (CHI) courses and 15 are in related courses that are selected in consultation with a departmental advisor. Of the 30 hours required for the major, a minimum of 24 hours must be taken at the 300 or 400 level and must include at least nine hours at the 400 level. First-year Chinese courses (e.g., CHI 101 and 102) are not applicable to the major but may be applied to the degree as electives. Of the fifteen hours of related courses, at least six must be in Japanese or Korean language or literature.
Recommended electives
With the approval of the departmental advisor, a selection of courses related to East Asia is recommended.
Career opportunities in the field
Graduates have a variety of opportunities. Many work for firms that deal with international trade for U.S. companies that have branches in China or for Chinese companies located either in the United States or China. Other graduates work for government agencies or teach (usually English) in China. A few pursue graduate work in Chinese studies, eventually teaching the language and/or culture in universities or colleges. High school and elementary teaching is also possible.
Uniqueness of the program at ASU
In the four years leading to the B.A. degree in Asian Languages with a concentration in Chinese, students first develop basic skills in Chinese, initially gaining an oral/aural competence that en-compasses most grammatical constructions in the language. In their final two years, they develop more advanced reading and writing skills, maintaining and enlarging oral/aural competence. Throughout the program, students take courses in either Japanese or Korean and related courses in Chinese and East Asian culture. ASU has a special summer overseas program to study Chinese.
High school or college preparation
High school graduates should be well prepared in English, history, and math. Previous study of a foreign language is strongly encouraged.
Applying to the major
Persons desiring to major in Asian Languages with a concentration in Chinese should be regularly admitted to the university and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Contacts
For more information, call 480-965-6281 or write:
Asian Languages Coordinator
School of International Letters and Cultures
Arizona State University
Box 870202
Tempe, Arizona 85287-0202