Skip to content
    student-reading
    Home > Academics > Majors > Chinese studies

    Chinese Studies

    Morehouse College is the only HBCU in the U.S. to offer both a major and minor in Chinese studies.

    chinese_studies

     

    Program at a Glance

    STUDENTS CAN IMMERSE THEMSELVES IN CHINESE CULTURE AND SOCIETY

    Department
    The mission of the Chinese program is to develop proficiency in Mandarin Chinese and expertise in Chinese studies and to solidly prepare them for leading roles in political and economic interactions between the U.S.  and China.
    Learn More
    Bachelor of Arts in Chinese studies
    The Chinese Studies major requires a total of 10 courses in Chinese language and culture.
    Learn More

    About Chinese Studies

    • Overview

      CHINESE STUDIES OVERVIEW

      chinese studies 4

      Mission Statement

      The Chinese Studies Program at Morehouse College strives to develop students' proficiency in the Chinese language and deepen their expertise in Chinese Studies. The program offers both a major and minor in Chinese, providing Morehouse men with the skills and knowledge needed to excel as future leaders in the increasingly dynamic political, economic, and cultural interactions between the United States and China.

      1. History

      The Chinese Studies Program at Morehouse College, established in 2008, is a distinctive academic program among Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). It is the only HBCU program that provides both a major and a minor in Chinese Studies.

      2. Uniqueness and National Recognition

      The Morehouse Chinese Studies Program has gained national recognition for its success in increasing and diversifying the composition of American students studying in China. In 2011, Morehouse was the only undergraduate institution—and only minority-serving institution—among six prestigious institutions of higher education to receive grants from Coca-Cola as part of the inauguration of the Obama administration’s 100,000 Strong Initiative. This initiative focuses on increasing the number of U.S. students studying in China. (The other institutions to receive grants from the Coca-Cola fund were Columbia University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Michigan State University, University of Texas - Austin, and UCLA.). The Program also gains attention in the media for its study abroad programs.

      3. Support of Morehouse College Mission

      The Chinese Studies Program at Morehouse College strongly supports the College’s mission by fostering a global perspective and cultural understanding, essential for effective global leadership and service. Through the study of Chinese language, literature, and culture, students gain critical thinking, analytical, and cross-cultural communication skills that align with Morehouse’s emphasis on intellectual and character development.

      4. The Program’s Commitment

      The Chinese Studies Program is committed to increasing students' proficiency in the Chinese language and deepening their understanding of China. Its goals align with the college's mission of producing well-informed future leaders. By broadening students' worldviews and preparing them for professional and academic pursuits in a global context, the Chinese Studies Program reinforces Morehouse’s commitment to service and ethical engagement.

    • Outcomes

      Outcomes

      Students who complete the requirements of a major in Chinese are able to:

      • Attain the intermediate-high level in Chinese speaking, listening and reading, and intermediate level in writing, based on the ACTFL proficiency guidelines
      • Acquire basic critical thinking skills to view issues from non-U.S. perspectives and to engage in cross-cultural and comparative analysis
      • Articulate ideas or write cogently on topics related to China and Chinese culture, using interdisciplinary approaches and sources
      • Argue and discuss various aspects of historical and cultural trends pertaining to China’s diverse and complex past and present.
    • Program Curriculum

      The Chinese Studies Program encompasses six key components: Language Courses; Content Courses on Chinese Culture and Society; The China Forum; China Study Abroad Programs, Cooperation with Chinese Universities and the Chinese Club. 

      1.    Chinese Language Courses
      The Program offers all levels of Chinese language courses, ranging from beginner to advanced levels. It also includes specialized courses in conversational and business Chinese. (Attachment 3: 2022-2023 Chinese Studies Catalog)

      •    HCSP 101 and 102: Elementary Chinese I and II
      •    HCSP 201 and 202: Intermediate Chinese I and II
      •    HCSP 301 and 302: Advanced Chinese I and II
      •    HCSP 303 and 304: General Conversation I and II
      •    HCSP 310: Business I
      •    HCSP 404 and 402: Chinese Language and Culture I and II.
      •    HCSP 440 Directed studies

      2.    China Content Courses
      The Program currently offers three content courses taught in English: 

      •    HCSP 210: Chinese Culture through Film.
      •    HCSP 331: Modern Chinese Literature.
      •    HEDU 499: Treasure Island—Taiwan: Fighting for Social Justice (J-mester course). 

      These courses provide students with a comprehensive understanding of Chinese culture and society while enhancing their critical thinking and writing skills.  

    • Earn The Major

      Bachelor of Arts in Chinese Studies

      General Education (Core)
      33-48 hours 33-48

      Refer to the general education requirements for more information.

      Chinese Studies Major
      38 hours

      The following courses are required:
      • HCHI 201 Intermediate Chinese
      • HCHI 202 Intermediate Chinese
      • HCHI 210 Chinese Culture Through Film (taught in English)
      • HCHI 301 Advanced Chinese
      • HCHI 302 Advanced Chinese
      • HCHI 331 Modern Chinese (taught in English)
      • HCHI 401 Advanced Chinese: Chinese Language and Culture I
      • HCHI 402 Advanced Chinese: Chinese Language and Culture II
      • HCHI 440 Directed Studies in Chinese
      Choose one course from the list below:
      • HCHI 303 General Conversation
      • HCHI 304 General Conversation
      • HCHI 310 Business Chinese

       

    • Earn The Minor

      Minor in Chinese Studies

      The following courses are required:

      • HCHI 201 Intermediate Chinese
      • HCHI 202 Intermediate Chinese
      • HCHI 301 Advanced Chinese
      Choose one course from the list below:
      • HCHI 302 Advanced Chinese
      • HCHI 303 General Conversation
      Choose one course from the list below:
      • HCHI 401 Advanced Chinese: Chinese Language and Culture I
      • HCHI 402 Advanced Chinese: Chinese Language and Culture II
      • HCHI 440 Directed Studies in Chinese
      Choose one course from the list below:
      • HCHI 210 Chinese Culture Through Film (taught in English)
      • HCHI 331 Modern Chinese (taught in English)

    CHINESE STUDIES OVERVIEW

    chinese studies 4

    Mission Statement

    The Chinese Studies Program at Morehouse College strives to develop students' proficiency in the Chinese language and deepen their expertise in Chinese Studies. The program offers both a major and minor in Chinese, providing Morehouse men with the skills and knowledge needed to excel as future leaders in the increasingly dynamic political, economic, and cultural interactions between the United States and China.

    1. History

    The Chinese Studies Program at Morehouse College, established in 2008, is a distinctive academic program among Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). It is the only HBCU program that provides both a major and a minor in Chinese Studies.

    2. Uniqueness and National Recognition

    The Morehouse Chinese Studies Program has gained national recognition for its success in increasing and diversifying the composition of American students studying in China. In 2011, Morehouse was the only undergraduate institution—and only minority-serving institution—among six prestigious institutions of higher education to receive grants from Coca-Cola as part of the inauguration of the Obama administration’s 100,000 Strong Initiative. This initiative focuses on increasing the number of U.S. students studying in China. (The other institutions to receive grants from the Coca-Cola fund were Columbia University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Michigan State University, University of Texas - Austin, and UCLA.). The Program also gains attention in the media for its study abroad programs.

    3. Support of Morehouse College Mission

    The Chinese Studies Program at Morehouse College strongly supports the College’s mission by fostering a global perspective and cultural understanding, essential for effective global leadership and service. Through the study of Chinese language, literature, and culture, students gain critical thinking, analytical, and cross-cultural communication skills that align with Morehouse’s emphasis on intellectual and character development.

    4. The Program’s Commitment

    The Chinese Studies Program is committed to increasing students' proficiency in the Chinese language and deepening their understanding of China. Its goals align with the college's mission of producing well-informed future leaders. By broadening students' worldviews and preparing them for professional and academic pursuits in a global context, the Chinese Studies Program reinforces Morehouse’s commitment to service and ethical engagement.

    Outcomes

    Students who complete the requirements of a major in Chinese are able to:

    • Attain the intermediate-high level in Chinese speaking, listening and reading, and intermediate level in writing, based on the ACTFL proficiency guidelines
    • Acquire basic critical thinking skills to view issues from non-U.S. perspectives and to engage in cross-cultural and comparative analysis
    • Articulate ideas or write cogently on topics related to China and Chinese culture, using interdisciplinary approaches and sources
    • Argue and discuss various aspects of historical and cultural trends pertaining to China’s diverse and complex past and present.

    The Chinese Studies Program encompasses six key components: Language Courses; Content Courses on Chinese Culture and Society; The China Forum; China Study Abroad Programs, Cooperation with Chinese Universities and the Chinese Club. 

    1.    Chinese Language Courses
    The Program offers all levels of Chinese language courses, ranging from beginner to advanced levels. It also includes specialized courses in conversational and business Chinese. (Attachment 3: 2022-2023 Chinese Studies Catalog)

    •    HCSP 101 and 102: Elementary Chinese I and II
    •    HCSP 201 and 202: Intermediate Chinese I and II
    •    HCSP 301 and 302: Advanced Chinese I and II
    •    HCSP 303 and 304: General Conversation I and II
    •    HCSP 310: Business I
    •    HCSP 404 and 402: Chinese Language and Culture I and II.
    •    HCSP 440 Directed studies

    2.    China Content Courses
    The Program currently offers three content courses taught in English: 

    •    HCSP 210: Chinese Culture through Film.
    •    HCSP 331: Modern Chinese Literature.
    •    HEDU 499: Treasure Island—Taiwan: Fighting for Social Justice (J-mester course). 

    These courses provide students with a comprehensive understanding of Chinese culture and society while enhancing their critical thinking and writing skills.  

    Bachelor of Arts in Chinese Studies

    General Education (Core)
    33-48 hours 33-48

    Refer to the general education requirements for more information.

    Chinese Studies Major
    38 hours

    The following courses are required:
    • HCHI 201 Intermediate Chinese
    • HCHI 202 Intermediate Chinese
    • HCHI 210 Chinese Culture Through Film (taught in English)
    • HCHI 301 Advanced Chinese
    • HCHI 302 Advanced Chinese
    • HCHI 331 Modern Chinese (taught in English)
    • HCHI 401 Advanced Chinese: Chinese Language and Culture I
    • HCHI 402 Advanced Chinese: Chinese Language and Culture II
    • HCHI 440 Directed Studies in Chinese
    Choose one course from the list below:
    • HCHI 303 General Conversation
    • HCHI 304 General Conversation
    • HCHI 310 Business Chinese

     

    Minor in Chinese Studies

    The following courses are required:

    • HCHI 201 Intermediate Chinese
    • HCHI 202 Intermediate Chinese
    • HCHI 301 Advanced Chinese
    Choose one course from the list below:
    • HCHI 302 Advanced Chinese
    • HCHI 303 General Conversation
    Choose one course from the list below:
    • HCHI 401 Advanced Chinese: Chinese Language and Culture I
    • HCHI 402 Advanced Chinese: Chinese Language and Culture II
    • HCHI 440 Directed Studies in Chinese
    Choose one course from the list below:
    • HCHI 210 Chinese Culture Through Film (taught in English)
    • HCHI 331 Modern Chinese (taught in English)

    Meet Our Faculty

    headshot--ruihua-shen-1
    Ruihua Shen, Ph.D.
    Professor & Director of the Chinese Studies Program
    BIO
    headshot-Yuxi Chen
    Yuxi Chen
    Adjunct Professor