Welcome to the Chinese Program at Emory!

Note to Prospective Students

If you had any experience learning Chinese prior to entering Emory, you are required to be evaluated by either taking a placement test or by speaking with the Chinese language coordinator. The placement test will consist of the final exam of the course preceding the one in which you wish to enroll. Students are strongly advised to take the course into which they are placed.

The contact person for all issues concerning language placement is Hsu-Te Cheng (hsu-te.cheng@emory.edu). For questions concerning the Chinese major or minor, contact Maria Sibau (maria.sibau@emory.edu). 

To make a donation to the Chinese program, CLICK HERE. Thank you for your generous support!

The Chinese Program offers undergraduates a major and minor in Chinese. Both degrees combine extensive language training with in-depth study of Chinese literature, culture, and society. Expertise in Chinese studies prepares students for international careers in scholarship, diplomacy, banking, business, law, education, journalism, public health, medicine, and other China-related fields. In view of the growing economic, political and cultural significance of Chinese societies worldwide, the need for people with advanced Chinese language skills and a sophisticated understanding of Chinese culture will increase dramatically. Studying Chinese better prepares students for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

Our student-centered curriculum offers four years of modern Mandarin Chinese, an introduction to classical Chinese, and a wide range of interdisciplinary courses on Chinese literature, culture, society, and thought. Chinese language instruction aims at integrating listening comprehension, speaking, reading and writing skills in order to help learners communicate meaningfully, effectively, and creatively in Chinese. A special track is designed for heritage speakers of Modern Standard Chinese. Our language courses are integrated with Emory College's Language Center and may be taken to fulfill Emory's General Education Requirement.

In addition to elementary and advanced language training, the Chinese Program offers students a solid foundation in Chinese studies. Courses taught by the Chinese faculty include surveys of literature in early, imperial and modern China as well as introductions to traditional and modern Chinese culture, religion, and philosophy. More specialized classes explore diverse issues in contemporary Chinese film, women's studies, linguistics, and historiography. Students are encouraged to take advantage of related offerings in other programs and departments such as comparative literature, history, music, political science, or religion. 

 Study Abroad Opportunities

In-country experience is an indispensable part of studies in Chinese. Students can choose from an array of summer or semester/year-long study abroad programs. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in one of Emory-approved study abroad programs in China.

Special notes: Only one content course from study abroad programs taught by non-Emory faculty can count towards the Chinese major/minor. In the case of the major, it counts as an elective course. Students wishing to use study abroad credits earned in a program offered by other Emory units, such as the B School, to fulfill the Chinese major/minor requirements must obtain permission from the Chinese program¿s study abroad adviser prior to the trip. Without prior approval, no credits will be awarded retroactively.

Upon approval from the Education Abroad Committee, students participating in a non-Emory program will receive transfer credits (no grades will be transferred) for approved courses taken in the program. Transfer credits from non-Emory approved study abroad programs will not count towards the major/minor, but they may satisfy hours required for graduation. For policies regarding non-Emory approved study abroad programs, students are advised to visit Emory College Study Abroad website (http://studyabroad.emory.edu/programs/nonemory.html).