Introduction

The East Asian Languages and Literature Department offers courses in the Chinese and Japanese languages, literatures, and cultures, a Chinese concentration, and a study abroad program- Associated Colleges in China (ACC).

The courses offered focus on language acquisition and proficiency, and introduce students to the cultures and civilizations of both countries, especially as they are expressed through their languages. First year courses are taught in the target languages as much as possible, while the upper-level courses are entirely conducted in Chinese or Japanese.

 

Chinese Concentration

The Chinese department recognizes work in the original language as paramount to understanding China and China related issues; its goal is to prepare students for further studies in graduate schools, professional careers in international trade, government service, diplomacy, private business, journalism and other related field. Students wishing to concentrate or minor in Chinese must heed the following guidelines:

A concentration in Chinese consists of nine courses numbered Chinese 140 or higher, including Chinese 150, 220, 300, a 400-level course taken in each semester of the senior year and a required senior project (550). A civilization or cultural course offered by another department and concentrating on China may satisfy the 150 requirement. A Chinese minor requires five courses numbered Chinese 140 or higher, including Chinese 150, 220, and 300.

 

Study Abroad

The Associated Colleges in China (ACC) is a study abroad program in Beijing administered by the East Asian Languages and Literature department at Hamilton College. The ACC program emphasizes studying the Chinese language through individualized instructions with a high level of participation and interaction. The courses at ACC are taught entirely in Chinese and encompass topics in advanced language, Chinese society, economics, politics, religion, art and literature. Prerequisites: two semesters of Chinese and a course in Chinese culture, civilization, or politics, and permission of the ACC director. The ACC program is open to sophomores, juniors and first-semester seniors. It is in principle a full-year program (summer, fall and spring); however, applications may be made for any of the three sessions.

Students of Chinese and Japanese are strongly encouraged to participate in study abroad programs in China and Japan. Students of Chinese are eligible for application to Associated Colleges in China (ACC). Students of Japanese are eligible for recommended study abroad programs such as Kyoto Center for Japanese Language or Japan Center for Michigan Universities.

 

 

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