Chinese (BA, BA/MA)

Mandarin (Standard) Chinese is the official language for over 1.3 billion people in China, with many speakers around the globe. China is the world’s most populous country and second largest economy. The Chinese major at Ohio State is offered by the Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures (DEALL), which is one of the largest programs of its kind in the United States.

Through innovative teaching approaches, Chinese majors acquire a strong and well-rounded foundation in Chinese language, culture, literature and linguistics. Students become conversant in many facets of Chinese humanities both past and present. Though Mandarin is the primary focus of the Chinese major, there are also courses in Cantonese and Classical Chinese. Besides language, strengths include early, pre-modern, and modern Chinese literature and culture, Chinese linguistics, and folk and popular culture.

DEALL offers exciting programs for studying Chinese in China during summer. In concert with the OSU China Gateway, DEALL also offers a unique cultural program with Southwest University for Nationalities in Chengdu, one of China’s largest ethnic minority universities.

Academic Advisors

Kirk Denton (major advising)

denton.2@osu.edu
(614) 292-5548
398 Hagerty Hall

Tommy Beyl

beyl.1@osu.edu
(614) 292-8485
355 Hagerty Hall

Affiliated Departments & Centers

Associated Facilities

Career Opportunities

Career Opportunities

The Chinese program is one of the top ranked language pedagogy programs in the nation. Alumni of the undergraduate Chinese program serve in a wide range of industry, including marketing, banking, engineering, trade and education. A number of alumni also pursue careers in federal agencies.

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WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

Students studying Chinese progress from an elementary working knowledge of the language to oral and written fluency. Once students are familiar with basic patterns of pronunciation and language structure, they are introduced gradually to the unique writing system of the language. The rich body of Chinese literature is first studied in English translation; as students progress in the major and develop their language skills, they continue their readings in Chinese.

Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures Website More Chinese Courses

Chinese is applicable in a variety of settings in the United States and abroad. Mastery of Chinese allows students to consider careers in such fields as education, government, international trade, banking, print or electronic media, tourism, or art. Many employers are eager to hire graduates who are fluent in Chinese because their businesses interact with Chinese speakers. Careers in which Chinese is the primary emphasis include teaching Chinese at all levels; interpreting and translating for the United Nations, government, or for private and public organizations; and a variety of positions in the travel and tourism industry at home or abroad.

courses you might take:

CHINESE 2231: Traditional Chinese Culture

Chinese institutions, philosophical trends, religion, literature, and visual and performing arts prior to the 20th century.

CHINESE 2232: Modern Chinese Culture

Modern Chinese culture as reflected in family life, language, literature, art, and film viewed from the perspective of modern Chinese history. Taught in English.

CHINESE 2283: Chinese Calligraphy

Techniques of writing Chinese characters with a brush; practice in different styles from oracle bone to grass; introduction to its importance in the Chinese culture, and its relationship with Chinese philosophy, poetry, and painting.

CHINESE 2451: Chinese Literature in Translation

Representative masterpieces of pre-modern Chinese literature in English translation, including poetry, prose, fiction and/or drama.

CHINESE 4405: China in Chinese Film

An overview of Chinese cinema, with a focus on how film represents issues of nationhood, national identity, and national trauma. Taught in English, no Chinese required.

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Study Abroad: China Global May Program

The Ohio State Global May Study Abroad program in China will enable students to experience a diverse and dynamic mix of ethnic, rural and urban cultures in the historic and geographically varied region of southwest China. Students will gain first-hand insight into the diversity of China and how specific local cultures are affected by rapid social and environmental change. Experiential observations, including lectures, discussions and field experience, will enrich the program. Students will gain practical experience and awareness of the multi-cultural nature of China and the many issues surrounding its diversity from the stance of folklore and the environment. 

Global May

Study Abroad: Suzhou

Summer Chinese language learning opportunity in Suzhou, China. This program offers intensive Chinese language instruction at three levels: 1+, 4 and 5. Particular emphasis is placed on developing appropriate cultural behavior, ability to perform effectively in frequently encountered cultural contexts and interpersonal communication skills. The program utilizes a community-based learning approach that requires participants to interact with locals in the Soochow area in meaningful ways. 

Suzhou

Chinese Traditional Han Clothing Club

Han Clothing, also known as Hanfu, is a traditional garment of Chinese Han ethnic group. However, due to the historical issue, not everyone, even in China, is familiar with Hanfu. Nowadays, fortunately, with people being aware of the significance of the traditional culture, more and more Chinese people have been getting involved in publicizing the traditional Hanfu culture. Hanfu club will open to all the OSU students who will be interested in Chinese traditional culture. The purpose of establishing the Chinese Traditional Han Clothing Club is to let more people know not only Han clothing, but also Chinese traditional culture including art, music, literature, rites, festivals and so on.

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