Program Overview

East Asian Studies: Chinese Language Emphasis

Overview

Develop expert-level language proficiency in one of the largest and most influential global economies. In the Bachelor of Arts in East Asian Studies program, students select from one of two focuses in language or culture. The Chinese Language Intensive focus provides instruction on three levels, from beginning to advanced, plus specialized instruction in advanced reading, writing and conversation. Students learn to communicate effectively and read proficiently. The department offers a summer study abroad program in Hangzhou, where students learn about China's dynamic Buddhist tea culture while staying in a monastery connected to the Hangzhou Buddhist Academy.

Learning Outcomes

• Communication: Students will be able to express themselves effectively in written and verbal communication.
• Use Information Effectively and Critically: Students will be able to identify, locate, and evaluate sources for the study of East Asian cultures.
• Argument Construction: Students will be able to articulate the commonalities, complexity, and diversity within and across East Asian cultures.
• Critical Thinking: Students will be able to articulate and apply appropriate disciplinary methods to the study of East Asian languages and cultures.
• Cultural Understanding: Students will demonstrate an understanding of tradition and transformation in at least one cultural region of East Asia and will explain and value differences between cultures.
• Proficient Communication in an East Asian Language: Students will learn to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, with speakers of Chinese, Japanese, or Korean and to read materials in the target language.

Program Details

Sample Courses

• CHN 102: Elementary Chinese
• CHN 417: Advanced Modern Chinese
• CHN 465: Chinese
• English Translation: Theory and Practice

Career Fields

• Economics
• Education
• Diplomacy
• International business
• Translation

Level of Math

• General Knowledge

This strand involves the general understanding and appreciation of how mathematics is used to solve problems in everyday life. The G-strand does not prepare a student for any further work grounded in mathematics and assumes the student will not proceed beyond the basic Foundations level noted above. Thus only those students whose major requires the most general knowledge of mathematics should take this strand.

Level of Second Language

• 4th Semester Proficiency

Fourth-semester skill level in a second language is required. B.A. degree students may fulfill this requirement with one of the following options:

• Scoring the equivalent of fourth-semester skill level on an entrance or placement examination administered by The University of Arizona.
• Completion of a two-course sequence beyond the second semester of post-secondary language instruction.
• Completion with a C or higher of a 300- or 400-level language course at the post-secondary level.
• Completion of one course beyond the third semester in combination with an AP (Advanced Placement) score, IB (International Baccalaureate) score or a CLEP (College Level Entrance Program) score determined by the individual language department.
• An AP, IB, or CLEP language score determined by individual language departments
• A minimum of one semester study abroad in a language program approved by the appropriate language department as the equivalent of fourth-semester skill level.

Pre-major Required?

• No

This Major's College

• College of Humanities

Degree

• Bachelor of Arts

Sample Plans

2025, East Asian Studies: Chinese Language Emphasis

• 4-Year Sample Plan
• Map Transfer Coursework

First Year

• 1st Semester
  • ENGL 101 - First Year Composition
  • CHN 101 - Elementary Chinese
  • MATH
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
  • Introduction to the General Education Experience (Entry Course)
  • General Elective
• 2nd Semester
  • ENGL 102 - First Year Composition
  • CHN 102- Elementary Chinese
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
  • General Elective

Second Year

• 3rd Semester
  • CHN 201 - Intermediate Modern Chinese
  • EAS 201 - Myth, Memory, and Mind
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
• 4th Semester
  • CHN 202 - Intermediate Modern Chinese
  • EAS 202 - Symbol, Society, and Social Change: Contemporary East Asia
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
  • General Education Portfolio (Exit Course)

Third Year

• 5th Semester
  • CHN 301- Thrid Year Chinese I
  • Chinese Elective
  • Minor Course
  • Chinese Elective
  • General Elective
• 6th Semester
  • CHN 302 - Third Year Chinese II
  • Upper Division Chinese Elective
  • Minor Course
  • Minor Course
  • Upper Division General Elective

Fourth Year

• 7th Semester
  • CHN 415 or CHN 417 or CHN 422
  • Upper Division Chinese Elective
  • Upper Division Minor Course
  • Upper Division Minor Course
  • General Elective
• 8th Semester
  • EAS 498 - Capstone
  • Upper Division Minor Course
  • Upper Division Chinese Elective
  • General Elective
  • General Elective