Department Home Page

Chinese and Japanese

   Member of the Division of Humanities

Chair(s):

Mariko Schimmel

Faculty:

Chen Chen
Jin Feng
Masashi Harada
Jie Xi
Qiaomei Tang
Dong Yang
 

 

Chinese

At Grinnell, Chinese is an interdisciplinary major that explores the complex interaction between literary, philosophical, aesthetic, religious, political, and other important spheres of human life in China. Emphasis is placed not only on the diversity and uniqueness of Chinese civilization, but also on its contributions to humanity and its heuristic values to the understanding of Western cultural traditions.

A knowledge of Chinese is valuable for students contemplating graduate study or careers in government service or in businesses engaged in international trade. The Chinese department currently offers beginning through advanced levels of Modern Chinese, as well as courses in Classical Chinese, philosophy, and literature in translation. Independent study is encouraged for those who wish to pursue intensive study of individual authors or special topics. Qualified students may opt to do some reading in Chinese to supplement their designated Chinese courses in translation.

Japanese

From its global popular culture and economy to its ancient traditions and rich and complex history, Japan provides Grinnell students with a unique lens to investigate and participate in our interconnected world.  The study of Japanese at Grinnell will equip students with the ability to experience Japanese culture in depth and prepare them for graduate study or careers in government service or international business.

The Japanese Program at Grinnell currently offers a three-year sequence of Japanese language as well as courses in English on Japanese popular culture, modern and classical literature, and film.  Qualified students may opt to do some reading in Japanese to supplement their designated Japanese courses in translation.  Students who are interested in advancing their study beyond our three-year language sequence are strongly encouraged to participate in off-campus study in Japan.  Individual Study is also available for those who wish to pursue intensive study of individual authors or special topics.