Chinese Language and Culture Major Requirements
In consultation with an advisor from within the department, students develop a major plan with a focus on Chinese language and culture. All majors will include no fewer than 8 courses (32 credits), with the following requirements:
1. Language Proficiency
Students must attain proficiency in Chinese equivalent to the level upon completion of CHIN 407 . The following courses may be counted toward the language proficiency portion of the major: CHIN 203 , CHIN 204 , CHIN 305 , CHIN 306 , CHIN 407 , and CHIN 408 . The following courses may not be counted toward the major: CHIN 101 and CHIN 102 . There is no minimum number of language courses a student must take in order to satisfy the requirements of the major. Students who test out of CHIN 407 may complete the requirement by taking China-related content courses.
2. China-Focused Culture Courses
A minimum of four China-Focused Culture Courses must be taken. Examples include courses on Chinese literature, film, history, art history, music history, geography, religion, linguistics. Not all of these courses need to be taken in the Asian Languages and Cultures department or even at Macalester College. Some culture courses taken during study away may count (please consult with the department chair). However, the culture courses that count toward the major must meet the specifications below:
- At least two courses must focus on Chinese literature or film. At least one of these courses must be taken at Macalester and have the prefix of CHIN (this does not include the capstone).
- At least one of the four courses must - in consultation with the department chair - provide historical depth. Note: the historical depth requirement may be satisfied by courses in or beyond the Asian Languages and Cultures department. Below is a non-exhaustive list of courses that may be used to satisfy this requirement:
ART 170 - Introduction to the Art of China
HIST 274 - The Great Tradition in China before 1840
HIST 275 - The Rise of Modern China
CHIN 251 - Cramming for the Exam: Education in Chinese Literature and History
CHIN 123 - Masterpieces of Chinese Literature
CHIN 255 - China on Screen
CHIN 258 - Gender and Sexuality in China
CHIN 452 - Translating Chinese: Theory and Practice
3. Study Away
All majors must study away for one semester at an approved institution in mainland China or Taiwan. With department chair approval, courses taken as part of the study away program may substitute for some major requirements.
4. Capstone Course or Honors Thesis
The capstone must be done at Macalester.
Macalester