Major and minor
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 students have no prior knowledge of the Mandarin language, throughout the major they will achieve fluency in written and spoken Mandarin. As a world leader in business, understanding the history and language of China opens many opportunities in international sectors such as law, economics, education, and the rapidly growing industries of technological and scientific development. Internship opportunities abroad in China, Taiwan, or Hong Kong coupled with small classes, advanced teaching methods, and educational technology helps students to perfect their literary, cultural, and linguistic fluency of China, both past and present.
Real World Outcomes
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.
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.
