Study Chinese
Introduction
China's impact throughout Asian history and now in the world at large cannot be ignored. Chinese language study is an excellent means to become acquainted with this important political, economic and cultural force. Chinese language also offers an exciting way to meet Dickinson's language requirement. Consult the College Bulletinwww.dickinson.edu/bulletin/eastasian.htmlfor precise information on courses.
The language courses at Dickinson are designed to be a broad introduction to the language. The four-semester sequence covers language texts in spoken and written Chinese, dictionary use in translating, and oral practice with language tapes and videotapes. Students are also exposed to Chinese literature, including traditional poetry, contemporary short stories and Chinese films. Students would have the background to go on in such different directions as classical Chinese literature or modern trade negotiations. Although there is no major or minor offered in Chinese language, study of Chinese is an integral part of such majors as East Asian Studies, International Business & Management, and International Studies. See descriptions of these majors at www.dickinson.edu/bulletin/eastasian.html and www.dickinson.edu/bulletin/internat.html
To continue with the study of Chinese
First-year students who have had Chinese in high school should contact, Rae Yang, Assoc. Prof. of Chinese, about determining their levels of proficiency and possibly moving directly into higher levels of Chinese, yang@dickinson.edu.
If you have had two years or less of Chinese in high school, you may select CHIN 101. If you have three years of Chinese, and you are highly motivated to study Chinese, you may select CHIN 211. If you have had four or more years of Chinese you may be ready for CHIN 231; consult with Prof. Yang. Your course request may be adjusted after you have met with Prof. Yang and discussed your preparation.
To begin Chinese, register for CHIN 101. The four-semester sequence begins in the fall.
The introductory four-semester sequence is intended for students with limited or no prior knowledge of Chinese. The goal is to provide the student with the essential tools for conversation, reading and writing in modern Chinese, and the foundation for further study, whether for full fluency or to use Chinese as a useful research tool in other fields of study. Completion of the four-semester sequence (CHIN 101, 102, 211, 212) or a higher-level course will fulfill the foreign language requirement.
Students may take Chinese who do not wish to use it to fulfill their language requirement or toward a major. A number of such students are those who are Asian in background and who wish to know something of their family's heritage. Students are invited to take one or more semesters on this basis.
Courses that fulfill Distribution Requirements
Language Requirement: completion of CHIN 212 fulfills the College's foreign language requirement.
The 101, 102 sequence is offered each year. Students who begin this sequence will be assured of being able to continue through the 211, 212; 231, 232; and 361, 362 sequences. The language lab, movies, videotapes, videotaping, and teleconferences are all used to enhance classroom work.
Opportunities for Off-Campus Study
Students may take their junior year abroad at the Dickinson Program at Peking Renmin University in Beijing, China. In addition to regular language courses in fall semester, the program offers a special culture course that involves 16 field trips around Beijing to places such as the Great Wall, the Forbidden City and a traditional sea house. In spring semester, continuing students who have gained language proficiency may elect to do an internship at American, joint-venture Chinese enterprises. Interested students should contact Prof. Yang. See also the Office of Global Education at www.dickinson.edu/bulletin/global.html andwww.dickinson.edu/global/.
Careers
Students who want to go into business, government, or international law, may feel that exposure to Chinese would be good experience. Students are invited to take one or more semesters on this basis.
Further Information
For more information, see the College Bulletin, East Asian Studies, or refer to www.dickinson.edu/departments/easia/
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Updated November 15, 2005