Chinese
The Chinese program in GW’s Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures provides comprehensive study of Chinese language and culture to prepare students for careers in academics, business, government and more. We offer a Bachelor of Arts, a minor and a Master of Arts in Chinese Language and Culture. Drawing lessons from literature, art and film, our faculty equip students with oral and written proficiency in Chinese and an understanding of Chinese history and culture. Our students are actively engaged in research projects on topics ranging from classical literature to historical linguistics. Language courses cover both contemporary vernacular Mandarin Chinese and the classical literary language.
The Chinese program is known for its focus on student research and faculty-organized academic events. Please see this page for our annual research showcase featuring presentations by our undergraduate and graduate students, and this page for the academic events. To learn more about what our students are up to after graduation, please visit this page.
Programs
Why Study Chinese?
Global Business Relevance
China has been among the top three trading partners of the United States for decades. As former President Obama once said, “The relationship between the United States and China is the most important bilateral relationship of the 21st century.”
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Chinese program have pursued successful careers in international diplomacy, international business, the U.S. Foreign Service, the CIA and the U.S. State Department. Many go into education, teaching Chinese in the United States or English in a Chinese community abroad. Others pursue graduate degrees in Chinese language, literature and culture.
Diverse Student Body
Our students include a mix of American students learning Chinese for the first time, heritage speakers from Chinese families and students with advanced language and literature backgrounds from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore and elsewhere.