Chinese at Carthage

The Modern Languages Department at Carthage offers a major and minor in Chinese. Students who study Chinese at Carthage will enjoy small classes, individualized attention, and a program centered on helping students achieve their personal and professional goals.

The Chinese Program

Beginning courses focus on the spoken language and are usually taught by native Chinese speakers. Students are exposed to the cultures of Chinese-speaking countries from the first day of their first Chinese course.

Yet the Chinese program at Carthage goes beyond mastering the language. It is a four-year program with curriculum courses in Chinese history, film, politics, culture, and Asian religion.

Faculty from various academic departments at Carthage regularly lead study tours to China. Students of all majors have the opportunity to study the country’s incredible history, growing economy, and rich culture. Modern language majors are also required to spend at least one full semester abroad.

Outside the classroom

Chinese lunch table

During the weekly Chinese Lunch Table, students chat in Chinese with each other and with professors, Target Language Experts, and international students from China.

Chinese Club

Chinese Club is a student-run organization that hosts meetings and events for students interested in China. Expand your knowledge of China and its culture outside of class. International students from China are regular and integral members of the club.

Field Trips

The Chinese program organizes field trips every semester to locations like Chinatown and the Chinese American Museum of Chicago. Experience first-hand cultural practices, tea ceremonies, Chinese cooking, and calligraphy demonstrations.

Popular minors and second majors

• Art
• Asian Studies
• Communication
• Education
• Graphic Design
• History
• International Political Economy
• Political Science
• Marketing

After Carthage

China, which has the second largest economy in the world, is on the rise. Chinese, spoken by 1.3 billion people, is the second largest language (next to English) in the world. Studying Chinese language and culture leads to jobs as Chinese teachers; interpreters for governments, business companies, and hospitals; translators for publishers and magazines; or English teachers in China. It also serves as an entry point to a business career.