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

Photo by John Buckingham
Isabel Block ’19 Named Class of 2019 Valedictorian
Isabel Block ’19 has been selected to deliver the Class of 2019 valedictory address at the Commencement ceremony on Friday, May 24. Isabel is a mathematics and Chinese double major, a member of the Pi Mu Epsilon Mathematics Honor Society …
Jim Murray in a Chiefs'jersey
Jimmy Murray ’17 Works His Way to 2019 AFC Championship Game
Jimmy Murray ’17 sees opportunity where others see stop signs. He first worked his way onto his high school football team and later onto the Holy Cross football team as a walk-on. In 2018, he beat the odds once more, …
Elizabeth Landis, Matthew Gamber, Selina Gallo-Cruz, Alvaro Jarrin, Geoffrey Findlay, Daniel DiCenso, Shannon Stock, Ji Hao, and Denis Kennedy stand together in front of a fountain
Ten Faculty Members Receive Tenure in 2019
From researching fruit flies to reimagining the first commercially successful color film, College of the Holy Cross faculty members are making massive contributions to their fields — and to their classrooms. Hear a bit more from the 10 newly tenured …