MIT Global Languages

Chinese Studies at MIT offers extensive training in Mandarin Chinese, with two distinct tracks: Regular, and Streamlined  (for students with Chinese-language background). Upon completion of three years of training, students will have a sound working knowledge of Mandarin, equipping them to work or study in Chinese societies.

Our Chinese curriculum uses innovative pedagogical methods and values integrated learning of language and culture at all levels. Students engage in learning activities that enable them to become proficient in aural comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. Educational technologies such as multimedia projects developed by our own instructors are used in many Chinese classes to enhance language learning and to help students explore Chinese cultures and societies.

In addition to the study of language, Chinese Studies at MIT offers a wide range of courses on Chinese culture, history, society and media taught in English. Our classes cover everything from the classics of traditional Chinese literature to advertising and internet culture in contemporary China. We also offer classes dealing with global Chinese immigration, and Chinese Americans. 

With the growing importance of Greater China on the global stage, the study of Chinese language and culture has taken on a new urgency in the United States. Like many other academic institutions, MIT is committed to developing and expanding our Chinese program in the future.

Fall 2020
All 21G subjects in Fall 2020 will be offered remotely, with synchronous class meetings in Zoom.
Tier I
21G.101    Chinese I (Regular)
21G.102    Chinese II (Regular)
21G.103    Chinese III (Regular)
21G.107    Chinese I (Streamlined)*
21G.109    Chinese III (Streamlined)
Tier II
21G.105    Chinese V (Regular): Discovering Chinese Cultures and Societies
21G.113    Chinese V (Streamlined)
21G.120    Business Chinese
Tier III
21G.046/192    Modern Chinese Fiction and Cinema**
21H.151            Pre-Modern China

*The streamlined sequence is designed for students who have conversational skills (typically gained from growing up in a Chinese speaking environment) without a corresponding level of literacy.
**Taught in English with a project that requires research in Chinese under 21G.192 and 21G.193. Only students minoring in Chinese should register under these numbers. 

Looking ahead

Spring 2021
Tier I
21G.102    Chinese II (Regular)
21G.104    Chinese IV (Regular)
21G.108    Chinese II (Streamlined)*
21G.110    Chinese IV (Streamlined)
Tier II
21G.106    Chinese VI (Regular): Discoveirng Chinese Cultures and Societies
21G.120    Business Chinese
Tier III
21G.S04            Three Kingdomes: From History to Fiction to Video Games
21G.036/190    Advertising and Media: Comparative Perspectives**
21G.038/194    China in the News: The Untold Stories**
21H.152            Modern China: 1644 to the Present

The indication of prerequisites for specific Chinese offerings does not apply to students who have already completed equivalent work. For further placement advice, consult one of the field advisors in Chinese.

A note regarding the enrollment policy of the Chinese Languages section: Enrollment limited to 16 for pedagogical reasons for Tier I and Tier II subjects (Chinese I through Chinese VI). Preference will be given to pre-registered students, including pre-registered undergraduates who were cut from the same class the previous semester due to the enrollment cap. Please note that you have to attend the first day of class to maintain your preference level. In case of over-enrollment, preference will be given in the following order: declared minors, declared concentrators, first-years, sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students.