How does majoring in Chinese Studies at a liberal arts college like The College of Wooster prepare students for jobs or graduate school?

Because of Wooster’s multidisciplinary approach to academics, courses in Chinese language and literature, together with related courses from the departments of sociology, history, philosophy, and religious studies, give students a strong background in China and East Asia in general. The majority of graduates in Chinese from Wooster go on to graduate school and pursue a variety of careers. Many graduates choose to continue their study of languages, while others have gone on to work in education, business, film, public policy, and more.

Chinese Studies at The College of Wooster

Chinese Studies at Wooster is a truly multidisciplinary program that includes students from many backgrounds with varying levels of fluency in Chinese.  Students who major or minor in Chinese Studies can expect to immerse themselves in lessons on history, religion, literature, sociology, philosophy, and more. Faculty in the program pride themselves on a classroom culture that allows students to contribute their perspectives while learning from the strengths of others. Those who want to focus on building Chinese language skills can take advantage of intensive language courses, while those who are already fluent in Chinese can focus more fully on literature, history, and other areas.

And while students can build a strong educational foundation as a Chinese Studies major without ever leaving campus, the program is ideally suited to those who with a desire to spend a semester or more learning in China. Off-campus study is both encouraged and supported by The College of Wooster’s longstanding connection to study-abroad partners in China.

Chinese immersion outside the classroom

Chinese Studies students can build skills and find a community of learners through dinners, outings to see Chinese films, and other social functions. Intensive language learners, native speakers, and those who have recently returned from studying abroad can apply to live in the Chinese Language Suite in the Luce Residence Hall. A native Chinese speaker serves as the language assistant in this residential learning experience, where students cook together and plan events throughout the year. Chinese Table, where students and instructors gather for dinner and conversation, is held once a week in a private room at the Lowry Center.

Faculty & Staff

Cynthia D. Bernardy

Academic Administrative Coordinator for Chinese Studies, Classical Studies, English, French & Francophone Studies, German Studies, Russian Studies, and Spanish

cbernardy@wooster.edu

James Bonk

Visiting Assistant Professor of Chinese Studies; East Asian Studies; History

jbonk@wooster.edu

Mark Graham

Associate Professor of Religious Studies; South Asian Studies; East Asian Studies; Co-Liaison to the Museum & Archival Studies Pathway; Associate Dean of Academic Advising

mgraham@wooster.edu

Setsuko Matsuzawa

Professor of Anthropology and Sociology; East Asian Studies

smatsuzawa@wooster.edu

Margaret Ng Wee-Siang

Associate Professor and Chair of History; Archaeology; Chinese Studies; Program Chair of East Asian Studies; Co-Liaison to the Public Health Pathway

mng@wooster.edu

Elizabeth Schiltz

Purna, Rao, Raju Chair of Philosophy, Department Chair of Philosophy; Professor of Philosophy; Chair of South Asian Studies; Classical Studies

eschiltz@wooster.edu

Rujie Wang

Professor and Chair of Chinese Studies; Comparative Literature

rwang@wooster.edu

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