Asian Languages (Chinese), BA

Arizona State University

The BA program in Asian languages with a concentration in Chinese emphasizes proficiency in reading, writing and speaking Mandarin and in reading classical Chinese.

China is one of the world's oldest continuous civilizations and newest economic giants, and when you've studied Chinese language and culture you'll have gained a competitive edge in the dynamic frontier of international business and relations as well as in the arts and sciences.

The BA program in Asian languages with a concentration in Chinese emphasizes proficiency in reading, writing and speaking Mandarin and in reading classical Chinese.Students gain an in-depth understanding of the fundamentals of the rich Chinese cultural tradition, centered on primary Chinese texts (these are in Chinese and in English translation) from the literary, intellectual and religious cultures of Chinese-speaking societies. These texts include visual and written materials on a variety of topics, including:historylinguisticsliterary theorymediaphilosophyreligionurban cultureHighly motivated students interested in learning Chinese to professional level of proficiency are encouraged to inquire about the Chinese Language Flagship Program. All students with higher levels of linguistic competency may enroll in targeted courses (they are conducted in Chinese) offered as part of the Chinese flagship track.In addition to the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, students interested in pursuing concurrent degrees or a second baccalaureate in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are advised to visit the college's website for more information and requirements.