Department of Modern Languages and Literatures

O'Dowd Hall, Room 372
586 Pioneer Drive
Rochester, MI 48309-4482
(location map)
(248) 370-2060
Fax: (248) 370-3170

Department of Modern Languages and Literatures

O'Dowd Hall, Room 372
586 Pioneer Drive
Rochester, MI 48309-4482
(location map)
(248) 370-2060
Fax: (248) 370-3170

Many round red Chinese lanterns.

Chinese

One fifth of the planet speaks Chinese. China is one of the largest trading partners to the U.S. and has the second largest economy in the world. China is one of the world’s oldest and richest continuous cultures, over 5000 years old.  Students and faculty at Oakland University Chinese Language (OUCL) truly believe in the value of studying Chinese language and culture!

We offer Additional Major in Chinese Language, Minor in Chinese Language, Minor in Chinese Language & Civilization, and Elementary/Secondary Teaching Minor in Chinese (the third State-Approved Chinese Teacher Preparatory Program in Michigan).  We have two study abroad programs partnering with the prestigious China Foreign Affairs University in Beijing China and National Dong Hwa University in Hualien Taiwan.

We have two student organizations. Chinese Honor Society OU, the first of its kind in Michigan, recognizes high achieving students who demonstrate outstanding academic excellence and strong evidence of engagement and commitment to Chinese language and culture. China Club seeks to promote understanding among Chinese, American and other cultures by hosting language and culture events, and to provide networking opportunities among students and local residents who are interested in Chinese culture, including but not limited to people of Asian origin or descent.

Learn more about the Chinese Studies, B.A. program on the International Studies Program page, and about Minors in Chinese Language below.

Learn more about our study abroad programs: the Beijing in Spring Chinese Language and Culture program, and the Chinese Language and Culture in Taiwan program.

Meet the Chinese FacultyApply NowUseful Chinese Links

Teaching Chinese

Elementary/Secondary Teaching Minor in Chinese (STEP)

Students must complete 20 credits, including CHE 3140, 3160/3180, 3510, 3550 and 4080. At least 12 credits of those required for the elementary/secondary teaching minor in Chinese language must be taken at Oakland University.

CHE 3140 - Chinese Grammar and Reading (4 credits)
CHE 3160 - Chinese Conversation (2)
CHE 3180 - Chinese Composition (2)
CHE 3510 - Chinese Civilization (4)
CHE 3550 - Translation: Chinese (4)
CHE 4080 - Advanced Chinese Conversation and Reading (4)

plus

EED 4240 - Foreign Language Teaching Methods in Elementary and Middle School (4)

Resources:

Additional Major in Chinese

Requirements for the additional liberal arts major in a modern language with another major at Oakland University

Additional majors are available in Chinese, French, German, Japanese and Spanish for students with another major at Oakland University. The requirement is a minimum of 24 credits at the 3000-4000 level. At least 16 credits of those required for the modified liberal arts major in a modern language must be taken at Oakland University.

Visit the University Catalog for more details.

Minors in Chinese

Chinese Minor

The requirement is a minimum of 20 credits at the 2000 level and above, including:

CHE 3140 - Chinese Grammar and Reading (4)
CHE 3160 - Chinese Conversation (2)
CHE 3180 - Chinese Composition (2)
CHE 4080 - Advanced Chinese Conversation and Reading (4)

Chinese Language and Civilization Minor

  1. A minimum of 20 credits at the 2000 level and above, including

    CHE 3160 - Chinese Conversation (2)
    CHE 3180 - Chinese Composition (2)
    CHE 3510 - Chinese Civilization (4)

  2. Two co-requisite courses

    IS 2100 - Perspectives on China (4) (Global Perspective Gen Ed)

    and one from the following

    IS 3900 - Special Topics in International Studies (4) (when the topic is China)
    LIT 1000 - Introduction to Asian Literature (4) (Literature Gen Ed)
    LIT 2900 - Chinese Cinema (4) (Arts Gen Ed)
    LIT 2905 - Studies in Foreign Film (4) (when the topic is Chinese or East/West)
    LIT 3905 - Topics in Foreign Literature (4) (when the topic is Chinese literature)

Note

At least 12 credits of those required for the minor in Chinese language and civilization must be taken at Oakland University. CHE 4800 - Independent Translation Project does not apply toward the minor.

3000-4000 level courses

Students who have at least 2 years of college Chinese and equivalent may enroll in any 3000-level courses in any semester.  The 3000- or 4000-level courses do not have to be taken in the numerical order.

Placement

Students with prior experience with Chinese, in school or at home, must take the placement exam, AND seek consultation with Dr. Chang ([email protected]) within the first two weeks of instruction in a semester, preferably before registration, to ensure the most accurate placement.

Study Abroad

China Foreign Affairs University, Beijing, China

  1. Beijing in Spring at China Foreign Affairs University (CFAU) is OU's faculty-led summer group program offered in even-numbered years.
    More information and to apply: visit Beijing in Spring.
  2. Students interested in studying at CFAU for a full semester or a year or more taking Chinese language or regular courses may contacting Dr. Melanie Chang at [email protected]. Visit CFAU website.

National Dong Hwa University, Hualien, Taiwan

Students interested in studying Chinese language and culture or other courses at National Dong Hwa University (NDHU) for a full semester or a year may find more information by visiting Chinese Language and Culture in Taiwan or contacting Dr. Melanie Chang at [email protected].

China Study Abroad Programs in China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan

OU also offers short- and long-term programs to China, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Taiwan via affiliated institutions. Please visit International Education for all programs.

Scholarship and Financial Aid

For Study Abroad financial assistance please visit Student Financial ServicesSearch scholarship using keywords, such as Chinese, China, Study Abroad, or your own major and department.

Chinese Clubs

China Club

For upcoming events, visit the Chinese Program Facebook page.

China Club seeks to promote social networking opportunities among students who are interested in the Chinese language and culture, including students without Chinese background and those who are of Chinese origin or descent.

China Club Adviser: Melanie Chang, [email protected].

National Collegiate Chinese Honor Society Oakland University Chapter

Founded on January 19, 2016, Chinese Honor Society-OU is the first of its kind in Michigan. Its members share a common passion in Chinese language and culture. All activities are open to everyone!

Membership (by invitation only)

Prospective members of Chinese Honor Society-OU must be enrolled as a Chinese minor and meet the following criteria, as set by the national headquarter, to be inducted into the National Collegiate Chinese Honor Society and receive its certificate.

  1. Must be a full-time student who has successfully completed five semesters of Chinese language courses at the college undergraduate level, or have been placed in the third year Chinese after the placement test.
  2. Must have enrolled in the sixth semester of the Chinese course.
  3. Must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4-point scale in Chinese language courses and have an overall cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4-point scale for all college level courses taken.
  4. Must demonstrate strong evidence of engagement and commitment to Chinese language and culture related in school or community activities.
  5. Must preserve an excellent record of behavior in and out of school.

The deadline for submitting the application form to the Chinese Honor Society-OU advisor, Dr. Melanie Chang ([email protected]), via email is February 15 each year (no late application will be accepted). The completed application should be accompanied by US $20 cash (the lifetime membership and the cost for certificate shipping and handling). Candidates may submit the membership fee to their Chinese instructors or Dr. Chang.

For inducted Honor Society Members, please visit OU Chinese Student Awards and Recognition or National Collegiate Chinese Honor Society web page.

Advising

For advising in Chinese Additional Major and Minors, courses or programs, please contact:
Melanie Chang, Ph.D.
[email protected]
(248) 370-4248
368 O'Dowd Hall

Chinese Placement Exam:
Students with prior experience with Chinese, in school or at home, must take the placement test, AND seek consultation with Dr. Chang within the first two weeks of instruction in a semester, preferably before registration, to ensure the most accurate placement.