Majors & Minors

Chinese Major & Minors

Students may major or minor in both the course and Honors programs. The Chinese major contains components of language, literature, and culture. Study abroad is encouraged and supported and contributes directly to a major or minor in Chinese. An Honors major or minor in Chinese is also available, and students of Chinese also may choose a special major in interdiscipliarny Chinese studies or a major in Asian Studies, where Chinese language courses above the first-year level as well as Chinese literature and culture courses and credit for study abroad normally may be counted toward the major. Students interested in majoring or minoring in Chinese should consult with the section head of Chinese as soon as possible.

Course Major Requirements

  • A minimum of nine credits in courses numbered 003 and above.

  • Mandatory completion of the following courses: 020, 021, 033 or equivalent; at least one course or seminar on modern Chinese literature/film in translation, and at least one course or seminar on pre-modern literature/culture in translation.

  • Study abroad in a program approved by the section is strongly recommended; transferred credits normally may be counted toward the major.

  • A minimum of six credits of work must be completed at Swarthmore.

  • A culminating exercise, honors seminar, or thesis.

  • Senior Colloquium.

Requirements for Special Major in Interdisciplinary Chinese Studies

  • A minimum of 10 credits in courses numbered 003 and higher.
  • Must complete the following courses: 012/012A or higher; at least three additional courses on language/literature/culture/film, at least one of these concerning the modern period and at least one concerning the pre-modern period.
  • Study abroad in a program approved by the section is strongly recommended; transferred credits normally may be counted toward the major.
  • A minimum of six credits must be completed at Swarthmore.
  • At least one and up to three credits can be earned from other departments on China-related subjects, such as linguistics, sociology, history, economics, political sciences, environmental studies, art history, etc., with the approval of the Chinese section.
  • A culminating exercise, honors seminar or thesis to complete the degree requirements.
  • Senior Colloquium.

Course Minor Requirements

  • A minimum of five credits of work in courses numbered 004 and above.
  • At least two credits in Chinese language courses numbered 004 and above.
  • At least two credits in classical or modern literature/culture/film.
  • A minimum of three credits of work must be completed at Swarthmore.
  • Study abroad in a program approved by the section is strongly recommended; transferred credits normally may be counted toward the minor.
  • Senior Colloquium.

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