Minor in Chinese

The Chinese minor offers students the opportunity to add a Chinese component to their major field, allowing them to reach advanced proficiency in modern Chinese language through at least the third-year level, and to acquire a solid foundation in the study of Chinese literature and culture.

Learning Outcomes

• Proficiency in speaking, reading, writing, and understanding spoken Mandarin Chinese at the Intermediate level, as defined by ACTFL proficiency guidelines.
• Advanced knowledge of Chinese to communicate about familiar topics, describe experiences, and participate in spontaneous everyday conversations and present information on a wider range of social and academic topics in prepared contexts.
• To be able to read critically and closely, to interpret texts, and to evaluate arguments about literary and cultural texts and topics.
• The ability to formulate an organized, well-supported argument in writing; to write clearly and persuasively; and to locate and cite effective secondary materials in writing.
• The ability to interpret cultural narratives, demonstrate intercultural awareness and communicate across cultures by analyzing similarities and differences in cultural products, practices, and perspectives.

Requirements

Prerequisites

• LC 111
• LC 112
• LC 211
• or equivalent proficiency

Required Courses

Six 4-unit CAS LC courses above 211, including at least two 300-level language courses and at least two courses in literature/culture.

Students placed higher in the language sequence, according to placement test results, should begin with the appropriate level for them.

Study Abroad: Up to four courses taken at Boston University’s Study Abroad program in Shanghai may count toward the minor. Students may include up to three transfer courses from other colleges, universities, or non–Boston University study abroad programs and must take a minimum of three courses (or a minimum of two, if they have four courses approved for units toward the minor from Boston University’s program in Shanghai) on the Charles River Campus. Internships taken through Boston University or other study abroad programs may not be credited toward minors offered by the department. A grade of C or higher is required in all courses taken toward the minor.

Hub: Courses taken for the Chinese minor will also ordinarily satisfy BU Hub requirements in Philosophical, Aesthetic, and Historical Interpretation; Diversity, Civic Engagement, and Global Citizenship; and Communication, along with requirements in the Intellectual Toolkit.

Placement Test

A placement test is required of all students whose most recent course in Chinese was taken while in high school or at a college other than Boston University and who wish to continue their study of this language here. Information about online testing is available at the World Languages & Literatures Department website.