Chinese (Bachelor of Arts)

Major

Overview

Mandarin Chinese is one of the world’s most important languages. It is the official language of the People’s Republic of China, Taiwan and Singapore and is widely used in community groups throughout South-East Asia, Hong Kong, North America and Australia. It is one of the five official languages of the United Nations. Develop your communication skills in Chinese, with language fluency further enhanced through an understanding of Chinese culture, history and society. In-country language programs are available to students undertaking a major sequence in Chinese, giving you the opportunity to travel overseas and try out your language skills with native speakers.

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Key information

Unit set code

MJ-A310004 (major)

MN-A310004 (minor)

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online

In-country study

The In-Country Language Program is available to students completing a major sequence in Chinese via study abroad. The program is a unique part of language study and an excellent way of accelerating completion of the major. Second, third and advanced level students have the opportunity to spend between 6 to 8 weeks studying language and culture in its own environment. This enables students to converse, read and write about more complex topics and to discuss ideas and information. Students also build upon their knowledge of grammar based on what they have learnt previously. The program contributes as two credit points (2cp) towards the Chinese language major. For more information about the In-Country Language program please refer to the Work Integrated Learning website or contact the WIL team: artsed-wil@deakin.edu.au.

Career outcomes

Careers in this field include work in the communications industry, community and government organisations, community health organisations, education sector, ethnic affairs associations, foreign affairs departments, multicultural organisations, tourism associations and translation services.

Explore units

Units

  • To complete a Major sequence in Chinese select eight (8) credit points as outlined below;
  • To complete a Minor sequence in Chinese select four (4) credit points as outlined below:

Chinese major sequence for beginners

Complete 6 units (totalling 8 credit points) from:

  • Chinese 1A: An Introduction to the Language and Culture
  • Chinese 1B: Consolidating Skills and Knowledge in Cultural Contexts
  • Chinese 2A: Communication and Culture in Everyday Chinese Societies
  • Chinese 2B: Culture, Society and Language in Contemporary Chinese Communities
  • Chinese 3A: The Four Pillars in Developing Fluency in Chinese (2 credit points)
  • Chinese 3B: The Four Pillars in Finding Fluency and Your Voice in Chinese (2 credit points)
  • The Chinese major sequence for students who have completed Chinese at level 12 or equivalent (non-background speakers) begins at second level and consists of the following units:

    Complete 6 units (totalling 8 credit points) from:

  • Chinese 2A: Communication and Culture in Everyday Chinese Societies
  • Chinese 2B: Culture, Society and Language in Contemporary Chinese Communities
  • Chinese 3A: The Four Pillars in Developing Fluency in Chinese (2 credit points)
  • Chinese 3B: The Four Pillars in Finding Fluency and Your Voice in Chinese (2 credit points)
  • Popular Culture and Society in Languages
  • Advanced Writing and Translation Skills in Languages
  • Chinese major sequence at advanced level for background speakers only

    Complete 6 units (totalling 8 credit points) from:

  • Chinese 2C: Chinese in Real Life: Language, Culture and Society in Contemporary Chinese Societies
  • Chinese 2D: Chinese in Real Life: Putting the Language to Work in Contemporary Contexts
  • Chinese 3C: Chinese in the Professions - Developing and Enhancing Capacities in a Global Context (2 credit points)
  • Chinese 3D: Chinese in the Professions - Enhancing Capacities in a Global Context (2 credit points)
  • Advanced Chinese for Business Purposes C
  • Advanced Chinese for Business Purposes D