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Chinese Studies

Learn the language while exploring the history, culture, literature, philosophy, religion, and ideas that have shaped China and continue to influence the world today.

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Program Overview

What can you do with a Chinese Studies degree from a liberal arts college?

Chinese Studies explores the language, history, philosophy, religion, literature, and art of China. As you develop your Chinese language skills, you'll also gain a deeper understanding of the traditions, perspectives, and cultural influences that shape Chinese society.

At Wooster, you'll work closely with professors whose expertise spans these fields, connecting language study with history, culture, and ideas. Through coursework, research, and opportunities to study abroad, you'll build the language skills and cultural understanding to communicate across cultures and prepare for graduate study or careers with an international focus.

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Language & Culture

Learn the language while exploring the history, literature, philosophy, religion, and art that bring Chinese culture to life.

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Global Perspective

Develop the language skills and cultural understanding to study, work, and communicate across cultures.

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Faculty Mentorship

Work closely with professors through research, Independent Study, and collaborative learning.

The Wooster Advantage

Why Study Chinese Studies at Wooster?

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Practice your Chinese every day through conversations with fellow students and Chinese international students.
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Live in the Chinese language suite in Luce Hall and immerse yourself in language and culture outside the classroom.
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Experience Chinese culture firsthand through lectures, cultural events, and Chinese film screenings.
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Collaborate through the Ohio Five with faculty and students from neighboring liberal arts colleges.
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Work alongside professors as a teaching assistant or sophomore research assistant.
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Featured Courses

Build your language skills while exploring China's history, culture, and ideas.

  • Beginning Chinese I & II
    Develop a foundation in speaking, listening, reading, and writing Chinese.

  • Chinese Cinema and Cultural Translation
    Explore Chinese society through film and the challenges of translating culture across languages.

  • Women in Chinese Literature
    Examine how literature reflects changing roles, identities, and perspectives in Chinese society.

  • War and Culture in China
    Study the relationship between conflict, history, and cultural change.

  • Literary Chinese
    Read historical texts while strengthening your understanding of classical Chinese language and culture.

Academic Opportunities

Take your learning beyond the classroom.

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Independent Study

Complete a yearlong research project exploring a topic that reflects your academic interests while working one-on-one with a faculty mentor.

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Research & Teaching

Many students work alongside professors as sophomore research assistants or teaching assistants, gaining valuable experience before completing Independent Study.

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Study Abroad & Cultural Engagement

Strengthen your language skills through study abroad while participating in lectures, films, and cultural activities that deepen your understanding of China.

Career Opportunities

Chinese Studies graduates use their language skills and cultural understanding in careers that span education, business, museums, nonprofit organizations, government, and international organizations.

Graduates have gone on to earn advanced degrees, live and work in China, and build careers as:

Key Areas 

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Museum curators

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Librarians

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Ministers

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Corporate managers

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Independent filmmakers

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Researchers and scholars

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Ready to Explore Chinese Studies at Wooster?

Study the language, explore the culture, and work closely with professors who will help you grow as a researcher, global citizen, and lifelong learner.

Meet Your Professors

Learn from professors whose expertise includes Chinese history, philosophy, religion, literature, and art. Through small classes, close mentorship, and collaborative research, you'll build relationships that extend from your first course through Independent Study.
Rujie Wang

Rujie Wang

Professor and Chair of Chinese Studies; Comparative Literature
James Bonk

James Bonk

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

Mark Graham

Lincoln Chair of Religion; Associate Professor of South Asian Studies; East Asian Studies; Co-Liaison to the Museum & Archival Studies Pathway; Associate Dean of Academic Advising
Margaret Ng Wee-Siang

Margaret Ng Wee-Siang

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