Minor in Chinese Studies
The minor in Chinese Studies is for students who want to
improve their understanding of China, one of the most dynamic and fascinating
areas of the modern world. Given the global importance of China, the language
skills and cultural understanding acquired though the minor will be of value to
students interested in a broad range of subjects and professions from
journalism, law, business, and government to history, the arts, and education.
By combining
language study with an area study, Chinese Studies has two goals: to
give students a substantial introduction to the Chinese language and to introduce
students to Chinese cultures through the study of translated works in
literature, history, religion, film, philosophy, art history, and sociology. While language acquisition is important to the understanding of a culture, the
area study component introduces students to issues specific to China
while they learn to contextualize these issues in the broader background of East Asian culture. This interdisciplinary minor draws from
courses offered in other Lang divisions and across the university.
The minor in
Chinese Studies requires two years of Chinese language and two elective courses,
taught in English, in literature,
history, religion, film, philosophy, art history, or sociology. The electives
are further divided into two categories: one in general East Asian studies and
one specific to China. Students minoring in Chinese Studies must take one elective
course in each category. This requirement in electives reflects the necessity
to study Chinese culture in an East Asian framework, which is built upon
traditions significantly different from those in the West.
For more information about this program,contact:
Lei Ping
Assistant Professor of Chinese
212.229.5676 x2656
pingl@newschool.edu
