Committee Interdisciplinary Major, BA: Chinese Language and Culture BA
The Committee Interdisciplinary Major with a focus in Chinese language and culture is a vital program with growing importance and value as China expands its role as a super power in world economics, manufacturing, technology, and politics.Â
Each year more and more students are joining the ranks of the 1.4 billion people who speak Mandarin, the official language of the People's Republic of China and of Taiwan.
Many students now can find Chinese instruction in their high schools. At 51ÁÔÆæ, students can continue their high school studies or begin from the first semester of Chinese language instruction. We offer eight semesters of Chinese language, and equally as important, we offer an array of classes on Chinese culture. Students can explore classes in Chinese art, Chinese film, the use of Chinese in business settings, Chinese and Asian history, and the politics and religions of the region.
While the study of any Asian language is challenging for native English speakers because of their vast differences from English, students often find it is less difficult than they lead themselves to believe. Successful students of Chinese will dedicate the necessary daily time to practice and repeat...and practice and repeat.
Students are encouraged to participate in 51ÁÔÆæ's well-established  program. Destinations are available in more than 70 sites around the world and vary in length from a few week immersion, to semester-long, to even a full year. Because of the complexities of planning a study abroad experience, students are encouraged to start planning early in sophomore year. Most students engage in study abroad during the second half of sophomore year or during their junior year.
Program Type
Major
Program Format
On Campus
Major Requirements
The Chinese Language and Culture program requires completion of 30 credits in approved Chinese and related courses. Students in the major must complete the fifth- through eighth-semester Chinese courses as the core of the program. In addition, culture-related courses that are taught using the target language are required. Students must complete 30 credits to graduate, at least 15 of them at the advanced level (300 and above) taken in residence at 51ÁÔÆæ. The major requires a minimum of 18 credits at the 300 level or above taught in Chinese. The College requires that students attain at least a 2.0 GPA on all major credits attempted at 51ÁÔÆæ. In addition, students must attain a 2.0 GPA on all major credits attempted, including any transfer work.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required 1 | ||
| Fifth Semester Chinese | 4 | |
| Sixth Semester Chinese | 4 | |
| Seventh Semester Chinese | 3 | |
| Eighth Semester Chinese | 3 | |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Contemporary Chinese Societies through Film | ||
| Chinese Language and Culture | ||
| Business Chinese | ||
| Capstone | ||
| Advanced Independent Study (satisfies the research requirement of the L&S degree) | 3 | |
| Electives (see list of approved electives below) 2 | ||
| Select 10 credits | 10 | |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
- 1
Students whose language skills allow them to begin their study of Chinese beyond the fifth semester course must discuss with the advisor appropriate substitute courses in order to complete the required 30 credits.
- 2
The courses listed below are already approved electives. Other variable content courses with appropriate subtitles may be approved on a semester-by-semester basis to count toward the major.
Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Chinese Painting | 3 | |
| Chinese Art and Architecture | 3 | |
| Topics in Chinese Art: | 1-3 | |
| Contemporary Chinese Society and Culture | 3 | |
| A Taste of China: Learning Chinese Culture and Society through Cuisine | 3 | |
| Chinese Calligraphy | 3 | |
| Introduction to Chinese Poetry | 3 | |
| Contemporary Chinese Societies through Film (if not selected above) | 3 | |
| Chinese Language and Culture (if not selected above) | 3 | |
| Chinese Martial Arts Fiction | 3 | |
| Popular Culture, Entertainment, and China's Modernization | 3 | |
| Study Abroad: | 3 | |
| Business Chinese (if not selected above) | 3 | |
| Internship in Chinese, Upper Division | 3 | |
| Study Abroad: (highly encouraged) | 3 | |
| Advanced Independent Study | 1-3 | |
| Literature and Society: (Chinese Literature before the 20th Century) | 3 | |
| Seminar in Literature and Cultural Experience: (Modern Chinese Literature) | 3 | |
| First-Year Seminar: (Growth and Development in China, Japan, and Korea) | 3 | |
| World Cinema: (Hong Kong Cinema) | 3 | |
| East Asian Civilization to 1600 | 3 | |
| Asian Americans in Historical Perspective | 3 | |
| Premodern China | 3 | |
| Modern China | 3 | |
| Revolution in China | 3 | |
| Introduction to Asian Religions | 3 | |
| Chinese Politics and Foreign Policy | 3 |
Letters & Science Advising
During your time at 51ÁÔÆæ, you may have multiple members of your success team, including advisors, peer mentors and success coaches. Letters & Science students typically work with at least two different types of advisors as they pursue their degrees: professional college advisors and faculty advisors. L&S college advisors advise across your entire degree program while departmental faculty advisors focus on the major.
College advisors are located in Holton Hall (or virtually for online students) and serve as your primary advisor. They are your point person for your questions about navigating college and completing your degree. College advisors will:
- Assist you in defining your academic and life goals.
- Help you create an educational plan that is consistent with those goals.
- Assist you in understanding curriculum, major and degree requirements for graduation, as well as university policies and procedures.
- Provide you with information about campus and community resources and refer you to those resources as appropriate.
- Monitor your progress toward graduation and completion of requirements.
Faculty advisors mentor students in the major and assist them in maximizing their development in the program. You will begin working with a faculty advisor when you declare your major. Faculty advisors are an important partner and will:
- Help you understand major requirements and course offerings in the department.Â
- Explain opportunities for internships and undergraduate research and guide you in obtaining those experiences.
- Serve as an excellent resource as you consider potential graduate programs and career paths in your field.
Students are encouraged to meet with both their college advisor and faculty advisor at least once each semester. Appointments are available in-person, by phone or by video.Â
Currently enrolled students should use the  to make an appointment with your assigned advisor or call (414) 229-4654 if you do not currently have an assigned Letters & Science advisor. Prospective students who haven't enrolled in classes yet should call (414) 229-7711 or email let-sci@uwm.edu.
We encourage you to begin exploring career options when you declare your major or at the start of your sophomore year, whichever comes first.