Develop advanced fluency in Chinese language and literature, and study the cultural traditions of China from early times to the present day.
Learn the language, literature and culture of China as a major or minor. You’ll receive an interdisciplinary introduction to China’s history, social, philosophical and political issues and other cultural concerns, as well as intense language study.
Students majoring in Chinese graduate as fluent speakers, writers, readers and listeners, comfortable with daily conversation, public speeches, and translation. You’ll have experience interpreting texts, understanding film and other media, and be able to sensitively engage with Chinese culture.
Majors supplement their studies with a semester abroad in Beijing or Hangzhou and are encouraged to live in our language residence hall.
What You’ll Study
- Advanced courses in reading, writing and translation
- Courses in modern Chinese literature and culture
- Courses in classical Chinese poetry or fiction
- Courses in Chinese film or gender and sexuality
Learning at Pomona
“中美关系” “The Relationship between China and America"
Looking at the U.S.-China Trade War and the coronavirus pandemic, Nathan Barewin ’23 explained the impact of these events on U.S.-China relations.
“Acquisition of the Chinese Modal Particle “Le” between Heritage and Non-Heritage Learners with Different Proficiency Levels” 不同汉语水平的华裔非华裔的动态助词“了”的习得
Ava Tiller ’23 examined how second language learners learn complex grammar in Chinese.
The main reason I majored in Chinese was so I could explore the global network that is largely constructed by our two countries. Since beginning to study Chinese in middle school, I have always been fascinated by Chinese culture and the difference from American society. Understanding the relationship between China and the United States has always been my primary source of interest, and majoring in Chinese at Pomona College has given me the opportunities to work with incredible students and faculty to continue to explore this relationship.