Chinese Language and Literature

Overview

Programs in Chinese language and literature teach people the spoken and written traditions of China.

Programs in Chinese language and literature teach how words began and the languages developed in China. Students learn about regional dialects. They study stories, myths, and writings. Students also learn to apply the knowledge to business and technology.

Chinese language and literature programs include topics such as:

Chinese culture
Art
Anthropology
History
Literature and poetry
Translation techniques
Folklore and film
Dialects
Linguistics

Concentrations

In Chinese language and literature programs, students may be able to specialize in:

Cantonese (Min, Hakka, Yue)
Conversation
Creative and Technical Writing
Interpreting
Literary Criticism
Mandarin/North Chinese/Putonghua
Teaching

Schools

Many colleges and universities offer bachelor’s degrees in Chinese language and literature. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.

A few universities offer graduate degrees in Chinese language and literature. A master’s degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor’s degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master’s degree.

See schools that offer this program.

Related Educational Programs

Related Careers

Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study

Program Admission

You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:

Ancient Civilizations
Contemporary World Issues
Economics
Humanities
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies
Political Science
Second Language
World Area Studies
World Geography
World History

Graduate Admissions

Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree, good grades, and good test scores. In addition, you must be able to demonstrate that you can speak, read, write, and understand Chinese at an advanced level.

Additional requirements at some schools include:

Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General
Letters of recommendation
Personal statement
Academic writing sample

Typical Course Work

Program Courses

This program typically includes courses in the following subjects:

Applied Phonetics
Business Chinese
Civilization and Cultural History
Conversation and Composition
Linguistics
Literary Studies
Literature, Folklore, and Film
Reading Skills
Translation
Study in Mandarin Chinese (beginning, intermediate, advanced)

Graduate Program Courses

Graduate programs in Chinese language and literature typically require:

Required courses
Thesis (master's degree)
Preliminary exams (doctoral degree only)
Dissertation and dissertation defense (doctoral degree)

Things to Know

Within China there are several other distinctive but related language families. Because of this, most programs typically teach students how to speak, read, and write Mandarin.

Students who major in Chinese language and literature may be required or encouraged to spend some time living, working, and studying abroad. Most programs coordinate semester abroad or work internships. In most cases, you can participate in these after you have completed at least two years of language study.

Colleges that do not have complete programs in Chinese language and literature may offer elective courses as part of a major in interdisciplinary studies or liberal arts.

Often, Chinese language and literature programs are part of Asian studies departments.