Program in Chinese

Say 你好 to 中文! Invest In Your Future And Stand Out From The Crowd With Chinese! 

Major or Minor in Chinese at North Central College!

Learn the language spoken by nearly 1.3 billion people around the globe! By taking a class in Chinese at North Central, you are becoming a bridge between two important countries. 

Chinese (中文）is one of the world’s oldest cultures, and its language reflects that strong history.  Standard Mandarin Chinese is spoken in China, Taiwan and is one of the four official languages of Singapore, the largest and most profitable port country. The language is a huge advantage in the business world and can even gain you a job in the United Nations. 

At North Central, we offer an in-depth exploration and understanding of the language and culture.  Our course ranges from beginner to advanced, with many extracurriculars to promote active learning. Go beyond the classroom with trips to local Chinese community centers and establishments. Learn in a close-knit group of students and gain a broader appreciation of Asian roots and culture. 

Watch our Chinese Program video here! 

Teacher speaking in front of blackboard

Chinese, B.A.

For additional programs and courses in this department, see World Languages and Cultures.

The Chinese major consists of a minimum of thirty-three credits, including twenty-eight credits in CHNS courses, at or above the 102 level, and at least five credits from CHST courses.

Additional Requirements

Semester Study Abroad

Complete a semester study abroad program in a Chinese-speaking environment or complete 12 credits from the following:

Note:

*CHNS May Term coursework may count toward the major as long as all course work is completed in Chinese

Note:

Students seeking teaching licensure must also complete the Secondary Education major requirements.

Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the B.A. Degree Requirements within the Academic Regulations section of this catalog.

Chinese Minor

For additional programs and courses in this department, see World Languages and Cultures.

A minimum of 24 credit hours in Chinese, including four credit hours at the 300-level or above and one of CHST 105 - China Today or CHST 205 - Understanding China.

CHNS 101 - Elementary Chinese I: Getting to Know People in Your Chinese Neighborhood

4.00 credit hours - Introduction to modern Mandarin Chinese, starting with the sound system and then moving on to basic skills in listening, speaking, reading, writing, and an introduction to Chinese culture. Taught in Chinese.

Cardinal Directions Designation(s): Community Engaged Learning.

CHNS 102 - Elementary Chinese II: Going to the Great Wall of China

4.00 credit hours - Continued development of elementary Chinese skills, with speaking, reading, listening and writing proficiencies developed in a communicative context. Continued focus on authentic Chinese culture. Taught in Chinese.

Prerequisite(s): CHNS 101.

CHNS 105 - China Today

4.00 credit hours - An introduction to the profound socioeconomic transformation that China is currently undergoing and how these changes are impacting the Chinese people. It also explores China’s role in international affairs, global economy, and politics. In addition, a variety of topics regarding contemporary China such as technology, pop culture, social media, and education are covered. Taught in English.

Cardinal Directions Designation(s): Humanities, Ethical Dimensions, Community Engaged Learning.

CHNS 201 - Intermediate Chinese I: Studying Abroad in China

4.00 credit hours - Introduces the theme of “Working in China” to support the development of verbal communication skills, including the introduction of proverbs and idioms. Writing skills are emphasized and students are exposed to important cultural aspects of the Chinese language. Taught in Chinese.

Prerequisite(s): CHNS 102.
Cardinal Directions Designation(s): Humanities, Community Engaged Learning.
iCon(s): Experiencing Place.

CHNS 202 - Intermediate Chinese II: Working In China

4.00 credit hours - Develops the theme of “Working with China” to support the development of verbal and written communication skills, with an increasing exploration of Chinese culture. Taught in Chinese.

Prerequisite(s): CHNS 201.

CHNS 205 - Understanding China

4.00 credit hours - An introduction to key concepts and frameworks integral to the analysis of Chinese culture and society. It highlights not only macro-level processes of social change and continuity but also the everyday experiences of individuals involved in these processes. Taught in English.

Cardinal Directions Designation(s): Social Science, Ethical Dimensions, Community Engaged Learning.

CHNS 293 - Chinese Enrichment

1.00-2.00 credit hours - Individual projects related to other courses that support the development of proficiencies in Chinese. Taught in Chinese.

Prerequisite(s): Instructor consent.

CHNS 295 - Chinese Practicum

1.00-4.00 credit hours - Students assist faculty with pedagogical or other projects in Chinese. Activities vary according to the project needs and student background, but may include such work as the preparation of materials for language learning or assisting faculty through bibliographic research.

Prerequisite(s): Instructor consent.

CHNS 297 - Internship

0.00-12.00 credit hours

CHNS 299 - Independent Study

1.00-12.00 credit hours

CHNS 310 - Exploring China Through Film

4.00 credit hours - Examines the rich tradition of Chinese cinematography to explore major cultural themes, such as the family structure, parent-child relationships, the evolving role of women, gender issues, and other profound developments taking place in contemporary Chinese cultures. Taught in Chinese. Repeatable with different content.

Prerequisite(s): CHNS 202.

CHNS 311 - Exploring China Through Popular Culture

4 credit hours - A survey of the significant cultural production in recent Chinese film, music, popular literature, and other forms of mass media. Taught in Chinese. Repeatable with different content.

Prerequisite(s): CHNS 202.

CHNS 364 - Contemporary Chinese Identities I

2.00 credit hours - Examination of historical, ethnic, and geographic factors that have contributed to the creation of Chinese identities, and their implications for today. Taught in English. Supports May Term travel/study course in China.

CHNS 393 - Chinese Enrichment

1.00-2.00 credit hours - Individual projects related to other courses that support the development of proficiencies in Chinese.

Prerequisite(s): Instructor consent.

CHNS 397 - Internship

0.00-12.00 credit hours

CHNS 399 - Independent Study

1.00-12.00 credit hours

CHNS 410 - Communication and Composition

4.00 credit hours - Focuses on the continued development and expansion of vocabulary, oral proficiency, and writing skills. Students read, discuss and summarize texts. Taught in Chinese.

Prerequisite(s): One 300-level course in Chinese.

CHNS 411 - Chinese for Professional Settings

4.00 credit hours - Development of linguistic and cultural skills related to the professional use of Chinese, focusing on the forms of interaction required for successful business communication. Taught in Chinese.

Prerequisite(s): One 300-level course in Chinese.

CHNS 480 - Capstone Portfolio

4.00 credit hours - Preparation of a collection of documents including revised work from prior courses, and reflections on the student’s growth as a Chinese major and intercultural questions. Additional assignments may be included but the portfolio must represent all five skills and include evidence of the student’s extracurricular participation in the Chinese program. Required for the Chinese major. Taught in Chinese.

Prerequisite(s): Instructor consent.

CHNS 497 - Internship

0.00-12.00 credit hours

CHNS 499 - Independent Study

1.00-12.00 credit hours

 

 

 

Extra-curricular and professional activities that will enrich your Chinese language education.

 

Student Organizations

  • Chinese Club
    • Join your fellow Chinese learning classmates in club events ranging from trips to Chinatown in Chicago to celebrations of Chinese cultural events like Chinese New Year, Lunar Moon Festival, and many more. Take a visit to Xilin Community center to watch the Chinese Spring Festival celebration and Lantern Festival. Come to a movie night, go out for hot pot, or take some time to make bubble tea. Anything can happen at a Chinese club!

  • International Club

    • Meet students from not just China but all over the world. Take part in cultural events from around the world and celebrate diversity and inclusivity at North Central College.

Language Learning Support

  • Language Resource Center
    • Listen to audio samples
    • Watch Video from around the world
    • Work with language tutors
  • Chinese Corner
    • Twice a week meetings that give students the opportunity to speak Chinese together, learning Chinese tongue twisters and songs

 

Cultural Events

  • Exploring China through film
    • Film showing of "Mulberry Child" followed by a discussion with the main characters Jian and Lisa Ping
  • Participation in Xilin Chinese Spring Festival and Lantern Festival

 

Community Involvement

  • Active participation in the local Xilin Asian Community helping English Tutors
  • NCC/Xilin sponsored workshops for teachers of Chinese
  • Representing China in NCC Annual International Festival

 

Study Abroad Programs 

  • Cardinal Destination Courses Abroad (May Term Trips)
    • CARD 261*1 - The Silk Road: China and the West - Learn all about the Silk Road and its relationship to both ancient and contemporary China and the West. Students will travel to Beijing, Xi’an, Luoyang, and Shanghai to understand how globalization today compares to globalization from thousands of years ago as they travel along the oldest trade routes in the world. 
  • East China Normal University in Shanghai, China, is one of the most prestigious universities in the country. One of the most beautiful university campuses, labeled as the “garden university,” has over 207 hectares of beautiful garden land. 
  • Tunghai University in Taichung, Taiwan, is the oldest private university in Taiwan. Located on Taichung’s Tatu Mountain, it has a beautiful campus and architectural landmarks, including the world-famous Luce Chapel.
Chinese Club Logo

Chinese Club Logo