Program Overview

University of Florida: Chinese Major

The Chinese specialization in foreign languages and literatures develops proficiency in the Chinese language and acquaints students with the literature and cultural history of China. Courses are also available for those interested in business Chinese, classical Chinese, film, and women's studies.

About this Program

• College: Liberal Arts and Sciences
• Degree: Bachelor of Arts
• Credits for Degree: 120

Department Information

The Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures (LLC) offers training in languages and cultures from all corners of the globe. From Swahili to Italian, Russian to Vietnamese, LLC gives students the opportunity to become cross-cultural experts in an increasingly internationalized world.

Curriculum

The BA in Foreign Languages and Literatures (FLL) provides students with a comprehensive knowledge of a specific language (or languages) and advanced familiarity with the cultural practices and traditions associated with the language(s) of specialization. The major in FLL enhances critical thinking and communication skills and provides students with a cross-cultural understanding of our contemporary world.

Requirements for the Major

The Chinese specialization of the Foreign Languages and Literatures major consists of preparatory language study at the lower division (1000 and 2000 level), and 33 credits of advanced language, theory, and culture study in the upper division (3000 level and above).

• Required Foundation Coursework:
  • CHI 1130: Beginning Chinese 1
  • CHI 1131: Beginning Chinese 2
  • CHI 2230: Intermediate Chinese 1
  • CHI 2231: Intermediate Chinese 2
• Required Major Core Coursework:
  • CHI 3410: Advanced Chinese 1
  • CHI 3411: Advanced Chinese 2
• Advanced Major Elective Coursework: Select 18 credits with at least six credits of CHT courses.

Critical Concentration Courses

• Intensive Area Studies: Recommended for those planning to pursue careers requiring advanced level skills in Chinese or graduate work in Chinese studies.
• Comparative Cultural Studies: Courses address literary, cultural, cinematic, historical, and/or social questions.
• Film and Visual Culture: Courses focus on film and visual media in the context of Chinese studies.
• Literary Studies: Courses address literary production and analysis in Chinese.
• Medieval and Early Modern Studies: Courses focus on medieval and early modern Chinese literature and culture.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Describe and define cultural concepts, literary production, and/or linguistic structure in language(s) of specialization.
• Analyze, interpret, and evaluate texts according to their cultural, literary and/or linguistic content.
• Express critical competence in relation to the culture(s) of specialization through performance of comprehensive analysis in written and oral form.
• Display oral and written proficiency in language(s) of specialization.

Assessment Types

• Proficiency exams
• Term papers or final projects
• Oral presentations

Before Graduating

Students must satisfy the Florida statutes for the College-Level Academic Skills Requirement, complete requirements for the baccalaureate degree, and achieve one or more of the following, as determined by their specialization within the FLL program: an acceptable score on a language proficiency test and/or a satisfactory faculty evaluation of a term paper, final project, or oral presentation completed for a selected advanced course.