Global Studies and Languages

Chinese Studies

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Overview

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.

Requirements

Minor
Advisor: Jing Wang (Click to email)
A minor in Chinese leads students who have already reached an intermediate level of proficiency (above Chinese II) into a more advanced study of the language and culture. The program:

Consists of 6 subjects arranged in 3 levels of study (Tier I, Tier II, and Tier III) starting at Chinese III or higher*
- 5 of these subjects overlap with the 8-subject HASS GIR. The remaining 6^th subject counts for 12 units beyond GIR

A student can concentrate and minor in the same field.
*Please note that Chinese I & II do not count towards the Minor. They do count towards the Concentration.

Sample Roadmap Chinese Minor and Nuclear Science and Engineering Major

SHASS Minor Guidelines and Procedures

Concentration
Advisor: Haohsiang Liao (Click to email)
There are several concentration options, depending on whether the focus is language or literature and culture.

If a student’s incoming level is Chinese I:

4 subjects, Chinese I through Chinese IV are required to complete the concentration

If a student’s incoming level is Chinese II or above:

3 subjects at Chinese II or above are required to complete the concentration

An upper-level concentration may include three subjects, such as Chinese III or Chinese IV and/or intermediate to advanced classes taught in Chinese. Certain subjects offered in English that pertain to Chinese studies may be applied towards fulfilling certain concentration requirements; please see the concentration advisor for approval.

Credit Transfer
Credit transfer advisor: Maria Khotimsky (email)

For the online HASS Concentration Form, click through to studentformsandpetitions.mit.edu

OTHER OPTIONS

Asian and Asian Diaspora Studies

Concentration
Minor
Major Departure

Study Abroad

Study Abroad
Advisor: Haohsiang Liao (Click to email)
You may also consider spending a summer, a semester, or a year abroad. Credits received from most accredited programs will count towards your major, minor or concentration if you consult with the Study Abroad Advisor in Chinese prior to your departure.

MIT-China

Part of MIT International Science and Technology Initiatives (MISTI)

MIT Global Education and Career Development Office : General information about study abroad. All forms related to study abroad and scholarship information available.

OUTSIDE MIT

Associated Colleges in China (Beijing, China)
CIEE Study Abroad (Beijing, Nanjing, Shanghai, China)
Columbia in Beijing (Beijing and Shanghai, China)
Duke in China (Beijing, China)
Harvard Beijing Academy (Beijing, China)
International Chinese Language Program at National Taiwan University (Taipei, Taiwan)
Mandarin Training Center at National Taiwan Normal University (Taipei, Taiwan)
Princeton in Beijing (Beijing, China)
CET Academic Programs (Beijing, Harbin, Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Kunming)

One- or Two-semester Study Abroad Programs

Associated Colleges in China (Beijing, China)
CET Academic Programs (Beijing, Harbin, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Kunming, China)
Chinese Language Education and Research Center (Peking University and Tsinghua University, China)
CIEE Study Abroad (Beijing, Nanjing, Shanghai, China)
Duke in China (Beijing, China)
International Chinese Language Program at National Taiwan University (Taipei, Taiwan)
Inter-University Program for Chinese Language Studies (Beijing, China)
Mandarin Training Center at National Taiwan Normal University (Taipei, Taiwan)
Middlebury in China (Kunming, Hangzhou, Beijing, China)
The Alliance for Global Education (Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai, China)

Study Abroad Programs suitable for IAP

CET Academic Programs (Beijing, Harbin, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Kunming, China)
New Century Language & Culture Center at Tianjin University of Finance and Economics (Tianjin, China)

Scholarships for Study Abroad

Chinese Government Scholarship
Mandarin Training Center Scholarship Program
Taiwan Scholarship and Huayu Enrichment Scholarship Program

Activities

New Course Launch:

21G.120. Business Chinese, Spring 2018.

Chinese Calligraphy, IAP 2018

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Chinese Studies

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