Chinese Studies

Chinese Studies: Major, Minor

1.4 billion people in the world — one-fifth of the world’s population — speak Chinese as their first language. At Holy Cross, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the increasingly influential language and culture of China both in and out of the classroom through the vibrant offerings of the Chinese Studies program.

The Chinese Studies program offers up to five years of Mandarin Chinese language courses in addition to courses that explore Chinese literature, cinema, and culture through a range of disciplines. The language courses of the program are supported by small group practice sessions led by Chinese foreign language assistants, who reinforce classroom lessons while simultaneously offering an authentic and contemporary window into Chinese culture. 

In addition to majoring or minoring in Chinese, you can expand the breadth and depth of your studies by participating in a fully-immersive study abroad program in China or Taiwan, pursuing an interdisciplinary degree in Asian Studies or international studies, or pursuing a Chinese language teaching certification. The Chinese Studies program also supports graduating seniors who seek to continue their Chinese studies through various postgraduate scholarships and programs in the Chinese speaking world. 

Program Highlights

Students in the Chinese Studies program take language courses — ranging from elementary to advanced levels — as well as courses on Chinese literature, linguistics, cinema, and culture. Students are encouraged to broaden their understanding of China through courses offered across the college in areas such as Chinese art, economics, history, philosophy, politics, and religions. 

students in china
Study Abroad

Dramatically improve your language proficiency while experiencing Chinese culture firsthand in Beijing, Shanghai or Taiwan.

students on campus
Monthly Events

The Chinese Studies Program organizes monthly activities in the fall and spring semester each year.

Three Foreign Language Assistants
Foreign Language Assistants

Practice your Chinese in small group practice sessions led by Chinese foreign language assistants.

Chinese Studies News

Sunset over Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute in Venice, Italy
Holy Cross’ Long-Term Study Abroad Programs Recognized for Tenth Year in a Row
This year, 86 Holy Cross students are spending the year — yes, the entire year — around the world in Germany, China, Italy, Argentina, Ireland, Spain, France, Australia, Senegal, Scotland, England, Japan and Sri Lanka. What’s more, another 140 students …
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Blog: O’Hara ’20 Looks Forward to Exploring Beijing and Shanghai, China During Year Abroad
NAME Bryn O’Hara ’20 HOMETOWN Boston, Mass. AREAS OF STUDY Chinese major WHERE SHE’S STUDYING Capital Normal University in Beijing, China (fall) and Donghua University in Shanghai, China (spring) DURATION Full academic year WHY SHE CHOSE CHINA “I lived in Shanghai a couple …
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Ten Students and Recent Alumni Receive Prestigious Grants and Scholarships
This spring, College of the Holy Cross students and alumni have won an impressive array of awards from prestigious organizations, including the Fulbright Program, Critical Language Scholarship and NSF Graduate Research Fellowship. These accolades speak to the curiosity, intellect and …