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A major in Chinese is the gateway to the world's most widely spoken language, the historical traditions of Chinese society and the modern culture of almost one-fourth of the world's population. Even if you have no prior knowledge of Chinese, you will achieve fluency in written and spoken Mandarin. Small classes, advanced teaching methods and educational technology help you perfect your language skills and gain knowledge of China's literary and cultural heritage. You may also study abroad in China, Taiwan or Hong Kong for first-hand experience.
Real World
Chinese majors from UC Davis have gone on to careers in government, international welfare organizations, journalism, teaching, interpreting and tourism. The major is also excellent preparation for graduate work in any area of East Asian studies, as well as for professional business school.
Major Requirements
During your first two years, along with language courses, you will study Chinese literature in English translation to examine the different periods, genres and movements of China's cultural development. At the upper division level, along with advanced literature courses, you may study Chinese and East Asian culture in courses from many disciplines, including art history, religious studies, anthropology, economics and political science.
Major Adviser
Name: Jeanne Hart
Contact: gjhart@ucdavis.edu, (530) 752-4999
A Student Perspective
As a Chinese major, I have discovered a culture rich with history and tradition. The teachers dedicate themselves in helping us break cultural boundaries in both language and philosophy. I've learned to look at things with a different cultural perspective and understand the significance of customs unfamiliar in Western culture.
~ Irene Florente, senior
A Faculty Perspective
Learning a language spoken by a quarter of the world's population is both fun and practical. We have a diverse student body and because we have a relatively small program, there is a great deal of interaction between faculty and students and students are given a lot of personal advising and mentoring. I love all the classes I teach, but if I had to pick a favorite, it would be Chinese poetry (in English translation). Chinese poetry has one of the longest traditions in the world and has been thriving since the 10th century BCE! Despite its antiquity, it is surprisingly accessible and relevant to our students.
~ Dr. Michelle Yeh, professor
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