BGSU students can experience Chinese culture, calligraphy and learn valuable language skills with a minor in Chinese.

Minor 

Chinese | Minor

The BGSU Chinese minor provides solid language skills and fundamental cultural knowledge for students who are interested in Chinese culture and/or who are pursuing China-related careers.

In addition to the substantial language training and comprehensive culture courses, the Chinese program has established a reputation for its all-inclusive and exciting extracurricular activities and events. Many exciting activities and events are organized through the Chinese Language and Culture Club (CLCC). The Chinese New Year and Chinese Moon Festival are celebrated each year. Students practice Kungfu; make kites and lanterns; taste Chinese food; learn calligraphy, paper cutting, and painting. And students also learn social customs, fashions and etiquette of China.

The Chinese program has strong study abroad programs collaborated with many Chinese universities. Study abroad programs are available in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Changsha. BGSU also offers an exchange program with Shandong University and summer study programs in Beijing and Xi’an. A summer study abroad program with the University of Macau is in the process of being developed.

Awareness through Understanding

In its over 5000-year history, China had created a glorious civilization and culture for the world. Studying Chinese language and culture helps students develop an international perspective and establish knowledge of cultural worldview frameworks.

China now is one of the fastest developing counties in the world. Chinese language is currently one of world’s most widely spoken languages. Hence, learning the Chinese language and minoring in Chinese can greatly boost students’ future career opportunities.

Chinese has been named one of the four crucial languages for Americans.

Career - what can you do with a chinese degree?

A minor in Chinese can complement many majors, including political science, public relations, chemistry, business, law, and international studies. As Chinese companies spread worldwide, they will be more likely to hire employees in the U.S. who can speak the Chinese language.

Many careers will benefit from understanding and speaking the Chinese language. China accounted for nearly 30% of global manufacturing output in 2019. If your profession deals with the manufacturing, distribution, or marketing of goods, there is a one in three chance you will be working with factories or wholesalers in China.

Likewise, U.S. exports to China are up 455% from 2001. With nearly 20% of the world’s consumers living in China, its prominence as an export market is only growing.   

Being able to speak, read and understand Chinese will expand your career possibilities and lead to more opportunities to travel to China and work with Chinese people within your chosen career field.

Career paths

  • International Business Executive
  • State Department Diplomat
  • Educator
  • Physician
  • Anthropologist 
  • Product Manager
  • International Lawyer
  • Museum Curator

Quick Facts from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

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Curriculum

BGSU offers a three-year language and culture program in Chinese. The minor combines core Mandarin Chinese language coursework with additional elective work related to topics in Chinese culture. Students majoring in other disciplines are welcomed and encouraged to minor in Chinese.

The courses foster understanding of self and the world while learning the Chinese language and its culture, literature, cinema, drama, business, traditions, and religions. BGSU has active student organizations, research, and education abroad opportunities.

Required courses

A group of BGSU students sitting at desks and paying attention to professor

Sample courses

  • Elementary Chinese Language and Culture
  • Intermediate Chinese
  • Advanced Chinese
  • Modern Chinese Literature
  • Translation of Chinese Classics
  • Traditional and Contemporary Chinese Culture
  • Chinese Film
  • Philosophy in Ancient China
  • History of Traditional Medicine in China
  • Experiencing Language, Culture and History in China
  • Teaching Practice in China

Study Abroad

BGSU offers a summer study abroad program in Bejing and Xi'an, two very different cities in China. Students explore Chinese history and culture, have the opportunity to speak Chinese regularly, and immerse themselves in the Chinese experience. 

Chinese Language and Culture Club

The Chinese Language and Culture Club is for anyone interested in the Chinese language and culture. The club meets every other week for cultural and social activities, which range from calligraphy to Chinese cooking, traditional tea ceremonies, and Chinese film screenings. Anyone interested in Chinese language and culture is encouraged to join. Follow us on Instagram for meeting updates.
 

The Global Village Learning Community

This internationally-minded learning community consists of international and American students of all majors who have a sincere interest in meeting and learning about people from other countries and cultures.

Residents are paired with students of different cultural backgrounds and share a living space. This unique and dynamic community is fueled by cross-cultural conversation, fun times, friendship and moments of discovery.
 

Language Learning Center

The Language Learning Center (LLC) is the central site on the BGSU campus that provides technology support to all language students and language instructors. Equipped with the latest computer and Internet technology, the LLC provides language learners with intensive practice in listening, speaking, reading and writing.

Updated: 08/07/2024 03:19PM