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Curriculum: 108–120 units

I. Core LCAL Courses (3 courses; 27 units)

II. LCAL Elective (1 course; 9 units)

• Any additional LCAL seminar, applied linguistics or culture course outside the Core and Concentration courses, i.e. “Bilingual and Bicultural Experiences in the U.S.,” “Japanese Film and Literature,” “19th-century Russian Literature,” “Introduction to Linguistic Analysis Using R.”

III. Language and Culture Concentration Courses (8 courses; 72 units minimum)

Curricular Clarifications:

• Students may double count up to three courses taken for the Languages and Cultures major that are also being used to fulfill the requirements of other majors, minors and programs. Double-counting with General Education requirements is unlimited.
• Overall unit requirements for the major may vary depending on the language level with which the student enters, because all elementary and some intermediate (depending on language) courses are 12 units, while some intermediate (depending on language), and most advanced courses are 9 units. A major entering a track at an elementary level will therefore need to complete the same number of courses, but more total units, than a student who has advanced language proficiency upon entry.
• The concentration advisor will work with each student to craft a program that will advance the student's language proficiency given the student's entry level and towards the concentration’s particular proficiency goals. Ideally, students will complete the 300-level courses before moving on to the 400-level. However, there will be flexibility based upon what is being offered and after consultation with the advisor. Regarding minimum 300- and 400-level requirements for courses taught in the target language, while the preference is a Â鶹´å course fully taught in the language, students may work with advisors on flexible ways to meet the requirements when necessary. Alternate means may include: courses taken at approved study abroad sites, courses taken through the PCHE consortium, culture courses in English where significant work is completed in the target language or independent studies. Students may also repeat certain courses when the topics rotate each semester.
• Students entering Â鶹´å with background in the target language, due to previous study or to heritage or first-language status, will inevitably surpass the minimum course requirements at the 300-level and above. They will take all of their track courses at the advanced level, either through 300-, 400- and 500- level courses, or through the alternate means referenced in #3.
• Under extenuating circumstances, such as a course conflict with another major, students can, after consultation with advisors, take another 9-unit LCAL course and complete a capstone project in lieu of the 82-580 Senior Seminar.

Co-curricular Requirements

I. Experiential Learning

Experiential learning is a key component of the major and is defined by Dietrich College as learning that occurs when a student applies their academic learning in authentic contexts. The preferred method for fulfilling this requirement is through study abroad for a summer, semester or year. Consult with the appropriate Study Abroad Advisor and the Office of International Education (OIE) about possible programs.

LCAL guarantees partial study abroad scholarships for all majors and works with students to find additional funding, when necessary, to meet full financial need for participation in study abroad.

While study abroad is the preferred method of fulfilling the experiential learning requirement, students who have curricular or personal reasons that prohibit them from studying abroad should consult with their major advisor to determine a 9-unit approved research or internship experience in an approved community or organization that relates directly to their language concentration and uses their language skills. Students may also reach out to Dietrich College’s Director of Experiential Learning for assistance. This research or internship may be used to fulfill the Experiential Learning requirement and may also count as an elective course or, with advisor approval, as an advanced language course if the internship requires significant use of the language of the student’s concentration.

II. Exit Interview

Complete an oral proficiency evaluation. Taken with a faculty member, this evaluation should take place by the end of the first semester of the senior year; students may also take it by the end of the junior year. Students are permitted to retake the interview.

Curriculum: 54-57 units (6 courses)

Prerequisites

Intermediate-level proficiency in Chinese. This is equivalent to the completion of three courses (two at the 100-level and one at the 200-level) or may be demonstrated through Â鶹´å internal placement test scores.

Two Chinese Studies Electives

In consultation with the advisor, choose three courses additional courses, at least one of which must be taught in Chinese at the 300-, 400- or 500-level. Students may choose up to two Chinese culture courses taught in English. Students may substitute one relevant and related course from outside the program (i.e., another LCAL course) or from another department (e.g., History, CMIST, Philosophy, English).

Curricular clarifications:

• Students who place out of a lower-level Chinese course can take a higher-level course to substitute for it.
• Students may double count up to two courses taken for the Chinese Studies minor to fulfill the requirements of other majors, minors and programs. Double counting with General Education requirements is unlimited.
• Students may repeat certain courses (such as 82-333 and 82-440) when they are offered with different topics.
• Language courses at the 300-level may be completed out of sequence depending on schedule offerings. (e.g., students may take 82-332 before 82-331).
• Students with high proficiency (native or near–native proficiency in Chinese) who wish to pursue the Chinese Studies major will need to complete a customized 6-course plan in consultation with the minor advisors. In general, the courses taught in Chinese in this customized plan should be at the 300-, 400- or 500-level.
• Study abroad is highly recommended and can accelerate a student’s progress through the minor program.

Minor in Chinese Studies Requirements PDF