Requirements for the Major
The goal of this major is to provide students with a solid foundation in the
disciplines of Chinese language and literature through intensive language training
and broad exposure to Chinese literary and cultural traditions through literature/
culture courses taught in both English and Chinese. Students are strongly encouraged
to begin their Chinese language study during their first year at Wellesley.
Students with a Chinese language background must take a placement test to
determine their proper courses. In addition, the EALL department strongly recommends
that all majors spend a summer and/or a semester of their junior year studying
Mandarin at an approved program in China, Taiwan, or Hong Kong.
The Chinese language and literature major consists of a minimum of ten courses.
The following three sets of guidelines for the Chinese language and literature major
have been devised to meet the needs of students who come to Wellesley with differing
Chinese language backgrounds.
A. Students beginning their Chinese language study at Wellesley in CHIN 101-102,
103-104 or 201-202 shall complete the ten-course Chinese major as follows:
- Five language courses from among CHIN 101-102*, 103-104*, 201-202*, 203-204*,
301, 302, 306, 307 or 310
- Two literature courses taught in Chinese or English, at least one of which is
at the 300-level
- Three courses in Chinese literature, linguistics, language,
comparative East Asian literature, or East Asian studies
B. Students beginning their Chinese language study at Wellesley in
CHIN 203-204 shall complete the ten-course Chinese major as follows:
- Three language courses consisting of CHIN 203-204*, 301, 302, 306, 307, or 310
- Two literature courses taught in Chinese or English, at least one of which
is at the 300-level
- Three courses in Chinese literature, linguistics, language,
comparative East Asian literature, or East Asian studies
C. Students beginning their Chinese language study at Wellesley in third-year
Chinese shall complete the ten-course Chinese major as follows:
- Two language courses from among CHIN 301, 302, 306, 307 or 310
- Two literature courses taught In Chinese or English, at least one of which
is at the 300-level
- Three courses in Chinese literature, linguistics, language,
comparative East Asian literature, or East Asian studies.
Each student should work out the details of her major with her advisor.
*Both semesters must be completed satisfactorily to receive credit for either course.
