Why Chinese?
Being one of the world's oldest civilizations, and having the world's largest market, China offers unique opportunities to a wide array of disciplines that range from business to science. The possibilities are truly endless in China's steadily growing economy. Learning Mandarin (Chinese) enables us to explore the endless treasure of its ancient past as well as provide us ample opportunity to a huge job market in all of the countries where Mandarin is the language of commerce.
Augustana is one of the very few colleges in the country that offers four years of Chinese. The Chinese courses are designed and taught to prepare our students to excel in listening, speaking, reading and writing (both complicated and simplified versions). Augustana's Chinese curriculum also offers students the opportunity to travel to Asia in our overseas term program. This program gives students who choose to join the Asian Term the basic knowledge and skills necessary for their study abroad.
Intent of the Chinese Department
To master Chinese is not only to have a grasp on its grammar or
tones, but to comprehend the philosophical structure of Chinese culture and the aesthetic
charm of its art. If we can impart this to our majors, then they will have a broader
understanding of different cultures. Our majors, as a result, will become well-rounded
leaders in our society. A list of our courses will help you to understand our mission
statement.
Core Courses in the Chinese
Department:
For more information look at our
catalog.
First-year Chinese
Second-year Chinese
Third-year Chinese
Current Chinese
Functional Chinese (Asian Term)
Chinese Calligraphy
Introduction to Chinese Culture
Readings in Chinese Literature
Directed Studies (Modern Chinese Novels, Conversational Chinese, Contemporary
Chinese Fictions, Business Chinese, Chinese Grammar, Classical Chinese
Poetry Appreciation)
Related and supportive courses:
Chinese History (ancient to contemporary)
Cultural Geography of Asia
Comparative Politics of East Asia
Comparative Religions (focus on East Asia)
Religions of East Asia
Asian Art
Studio Art of East Asia
Introductory Drawing in China
Traditional Chinese Medicine (Asian Term)
Changing Chinese Families (Asian Term)
Economic Development of Japan and Taiwan
Development Economics
Organizational Behavior in Select Economics of East Asia
Population Problems (Asian Term)
Music of East Asia
Seminar in East Asian Cultures
For more information, please contact:
Dr. Jen-mei Ma
Chair, Asian Languages Department
Phone: 309-794-7365
E-mail: cnma@augustana.edu
Important Links:
Asian Studies Program