CHIS-MAJ Chinese studies

The Chinese studies program combines intensive teaching in the Chinese language (Mandarin) with units that introduce you to the complexity, dynamism, and opportunity of China today.  

Chinese studies offers instruction in the Chinese language from introductory to advanced proficiency, enabling both new language learners and background speakers to develop a high level of communicative competence in Chinese. 

Beyond language skills, Chinese studies also offers cornerstone units that introduce you to modern and contemporary China, as well as capstone units where you engage with the scholarship on some of the most pressing issues in the relationship between China and the world today; including socio-political history and political culture, ethnic diversity, and the relationships between overseas Sinophone communities and China today. 

Majoring in Chinese studies, you will develop proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing in Chinese, deep knowledge of China’s past and present, critical engagement with such diverse disciplinary perspectives as anthropology, literature, political science, and sociology, as well as research and writing skills to facilitate independent and innovative research in Chinese studies and beyond.

Language entry level test
The Faculty of Arts retains the right to determine the language proficiency level for any student. To ensure that you are placed in the most appropriate language level according to your individual profile, all students, except beginners, are required to undertake placement testing prior to the start of their first semester of language study. You are not permitted to take classes that are below your tested language proficiency level. Once your place is determined, you will sequentially progress through the language unit levels (e.g., Introductory, Intermediate, Proficient and Advanced).

Overseas study
You can replace language units with equivalent language study overseas in semester one, semester two, summer semester, or over a full year, at approved partner institutions in the People's Republic of China, Hong Kong or Taiwan. You must obtain approval from the Chinese program before enrolling in language study overseas units. You can similarly replace units through the China intensive language program.

For a list of units, refer to the Faculty of Arts Study Abroad webpage.

Availability
Chinese studies is listed in A2000 Bachelor of Arts at Clayton as a major and a minor, and in A0501 Diploma of Languages at Clayton as a major.