Program Overview

Introduction to the Chinese Language and Culture Program

The Chinese Language and Culture program at Western Washington University is designed to develop advanced proficiency in both Chinese language and culture. The rigorous curriculum focuses on training students in communicative skills and cultural awareness essential for success in career pursuits related to China, Chinese people, and the Chinese language.

Program Overview

The program aims to provide students with the skills to learn firsthand about major world societies through language, literature, culture, and civilization. The department believes that the best way to understand a culture directly is through its language. The modern languages offered in the department are spoken natively by nearly two billion people, providing an opening to the world through language, literature, culture, and civilization.

Why Consider a Chinese Language and Culture Major?

The department provides students with the skills to learn about major world societies. The multifaceted programs of the department offer a meeting place for true diversity. Students can gain a competitive edge in the increasingly globalized world by developing advanced proficiency in Chinese language and culture.

Student Resources

• Department website: Languages, Literatures, and Cultures
• Department advising: Admitted and/or current students visit the Advising section of the Languages, Literatures, and Cultures website.
• Degree Works: Current students should also log on to Degree Works to check student-specific program progress.
• Career Services Center: Connect major to a career
• Sample Careers: Jobs involving businesses in Chinese-speaking countries, Interpreter, Foreign Correspondent, Foreign Service Officer, FBI Agent, Educator, Linguist, Travel Writer, all careers involving communication

Admission and Declaration Process

To declare a major in Chinese Language and Culture, students should:

• Make an appointment with the language advisor.
• Bring an unofficial WWU transcript, documentation for courses taken at other colleges or universities, and documentation for any study-abroad credits earned.
• Submit a Student Academic Declaration and Change Form.

Grade Requirements

A grade of C- or better is required for a student’s major or minor courses, and supporting courses for majors and minors. A GPA of 2.5 or above in the major is required.

Program Requirements

The Chinese Language and Culture program requires 60 credits, with at least 35 credits in upper-division (300- or 400-level) courses.

Language Courses (35 credits)

• CHIN 201 - Second-Year Chinese (5 credits)
• CHIN 202 - Second-Year Chinese (5 credits)
• CHIN 203 - Second-Year Chinese (5 credits)
• CHIN 301 - Third-Year Chinese (5 credits)
• CHIN 302 - Third-Year Chinese (5 credits)
• CHIN 304 - Chinese Grammar and Composition (5 credits)
• CHIN 401 - Fourth Year Chinese (5 credits)

Additional Language and Culture Courses (15 credits)

• Choose one course from:
  • CHIN 303 - Third-Year Chinese (5 credits)
  • CHIN 314 - Chinese Sounds (5 credits)
• Choose one course from:
  • CHIN 402 - Chinese Language and Linguistics (5 credits)
  • CHIN 403 - Modern Chinese Society and Culture (5 credits)
• EAST 367 - Chinese Literature in Translation (5 credits)

Electives (10 credits)

Including a minimum of 1 course from either HIST, HUMA, PLSC, REL, or SOC.

• CHIN 237 - Faculty-Led Study Abroad (Chinese Language & Culture)
• CHIN 337 - Faculty-Led Study Abroad (Chinese Language & Culture)
• CHIN 280 - Traditional Chinese Characters and Calligraphy (5 credits)
• CHIN 330 - Chinese Culture Through Film (5 credits)
• CHIN 403 - Modern Chinese Society and Culture (5 credits)
• CHIN 425 - Teaching-Learning Processes in Elementary Chinese (2 credits)
• EAST 230 - Modern Chinese Society and Language (3 credits)
• EAST 380 - Religion and Society in China (5 credits)
• or REL 380 - Religion and Society in China (5 credits)
• HIST 370 - Chinese History to 600 AD (5 credits)
• HIST 372 - Chinese History: 1800 to Present (5 credits)
• HIST 479 - Medieval and Early-Modern Chinese History (5 credits)
• HIST 480 - Modern Chinese Social History (5 credits)
• HIST 481 - The Chinese Revolution (5 credits)
• HUMA 277 - Humanities of China (5 credits)
• HUMA 360 - China and the Emerging World Economy: From Antiquity to the Early Modern (5 credits)
• PLSC 430 - Modern Chinese Politics (4 credits)
• SOC 437 - Faculty-Led Study Abroad

University Graduation Requirements

• General University Requirements
• Writing Proficiency Requirement (WP)
• 180 Minimum Total Credits
• 60 Minimum Upper Division Credits
• Residency Requirement
• Minimum Grade Requirements
• Final Quarter Requirement