About the Chinese Major
The Chinese major at BYU provides students with advanced language skills and a deep understanding of Chinese culture, literature, and society.
Why Study Chinese?
Mandarin Chinese is the most widely spoken language in the world, with speakers in China, Taiwan, Singapore, and communities across the globe. As China continues to play a major role in the global economy and international affairs, students with Chinese language skills are well positioned for careers in business, government, law, health sciences, and education.
What You'll Study
Students complete three years of language study that develop and strengthen skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Chinese majors also take advanced courses in reading and writing, linguistics, and both classical and modern Chinese literature.
Elective courses include Chinese culture, film, philosophy, Business Chinese, Cantonese, and Chinese language instruction. As part of a humanities education, students also strengthen critical thinking, public speaking, and persuasive writing skills.
Experiential Learning Opportunities
The program offers study abroad, internship, and mentored learning experiences that allow students to deepen their understanding of Chinese language and culture beyond the classroom. All majors complete a senior capstone course that involves original research using Chinese language skills.
Skills and Outcomes
Through the Chinese major, students develop linguistic and cultural literacy that continues to grow after graduation. Students gain the ability to communicate effectively in spoken and written Mandarin, analyze traditional and modern literature, conduct research, and write clearly and persuasively.
Studying Chinese also provides access to the literature, thought, and culture of one of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations, and offers insight into the broader cultural traditions of East Asia.