Major Requirements
Minor Requirements

The University of California at Santa Barbara offers a major in Chinese Language and Literature, a subject of perennial interest and value which has acquired particular importance at the present time owing to the expansion of relationships with the People's Republic of China and Taiwan. The Chinese language in various forms is spoken by nearly a billion people in the PRC and many millions more in such places as Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore and elsewhere in Southeast Asia--all of them areas of increasing importance in the modern community of nations.

While there are numerous Chinese sub-languages and dialects, Mandarin is taught at UCSB, as it is the official language both of the People's Republic and of Taiwan. Classical Chinese is also taught; this was the major literary medium until modern times, although a rich vernacular literature developed in the drama and the novel beginning about 1200 A.D. Chinese majors may choose to emphasize either Mandarin or Classical; in either case all majors must take at least one year of each, in addition to meeting other requirements.

A full range of courses on the various epochs of Chinese history is offered at UCSB, and students are expected and encouraged to gain an understanding of China's long past as well as her critical present. Many other departments (e.g., Art, Philosophy, Political Science, Religious Studies) also offer courses on China which afford insight into various special aspects of one of the world's most fascinating and enduring cultures.

Students who do well in Chinese language may apply to study for a year in Hong Kong, Taiwan, or Singapore under the University of California Education Abroad Program. Arrangements can also be made for various periods of study in the PRC through the EAP.

Students who complete the B.A. in Chinese may wish to apply for further study at UCSB in the interdisciplinary program in Asian Studies, for an M.A. degree. Asian Studies is a major in which the student may study China through two or more disciplines combined with language training. This is an alternative major to Chinese in that it provides less specialization and more general knowledge of the interactions of East Asia.

Knowledge of Chinese language can be a distinct advantage in preparation for a variety of careers such as international business, law, journalism, government service, tourism and travel, museum work and education (mainly at the university level). However, it should be noted that additional training or experience is needed to enter many of these fields.