Chinese
We teach Modern Standard Mandarin in a way that simultaneously develops your speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills, and offers opportunities to explore the rich literary legacy of the Chinese-speaking world. Our connection with Portland has its perks, too: local resources include the Asian collections at the Portland Art Museum, Lan Su Chinese Garden, and the annual International Film Festival.
Why Choose a Minor in Chinese?
Our program complements courses on Chinese history, art, society, and religion offered through the Asian studies program. Our students graduate with advanced Chinese language proficiency and a high level of cultural competency obtained not only through appreciation and analysis of translated texts, but also by reading contemporary and classical literature in the original language. Studying this ancient and complex language opens up many opportunities in the modern world, from travel and life abroad to advanced graduate study to careers in education, translation, law, business, and much more.
What You’ll Study
We offer a minor in Chinese through the Department of World Languages and Literatures. Our curriculum incorporates language-intensive courses with a focus on Chinese culture and traditions along with literature courses that explore both ancient and contemporary poetry and fiction in translation, illuminating the rich tradition of Chinese writing throughout the past 3,000 years.
Many of our students earn course credit on overseas programs. In addition to general cultural programs that are open to all students, there are programs designed specifically for developing advanced language skills through immersive learning in Beijing, China, and Taipei, Taiwan.
Outside the classroom, the Keck Interactive Learning Center is a language center and community area that is packed with linguistic and cultural resources. The Global Languages and Cultures Living-Learning Community is a unique on-campus housing option with an immersive language-based focus. Our students are supported each year with a visiting international Language Assistant who teaches our conversation courses and offers tutoring support for each of our language sections.
Connect With Lewis & Clark!
Complement Your Education With One of These Majors
The most popular majors for our Chinese minors are Asian studies, history, and world languages and literatures.
What Students Are Saying About Lewis & Clark
Htoo Ray Wah BA ’23More about HtooI think all of the classes I’ve taken so far expanded my knowledge as a student. I have taken a lot of Chinese classes with Instructor Liu Meiru. She is a very knowledgeable and cheerful person. She makes learning Chinese fun.
Natalie Zoz BA ’23More about NatalieMy favorite class has been Network Security with Professor Jens Mache. This class challenged me, taught me about the intricacies of modern network systems, and allowed me to apply what I learned to real-world scenarios.
What Can You Do With a Minor in Chinese?
Our alumni use their minor in Chinese in a variety of endeavors. Many make use of their linguistic and cultural training in jobs such as teaching at Chicago Public Schools or working for international businesses like Nike and Facebook, in research and teaching opportunities through Fulbright Fellowships, and by pursuing graduate degrees at institutions like the University of California at Berkeley, the University of Washington, and the University of Chicago. Others transfer the rigor and creativity cultivated in their undergraduate experience into careers in law, computing, chemistry, and public service working for local governments, business, and medicine.
Dedicated Faculty
Our expert professors are your expert mentors. You will learn directly from faculty (no graduate assistants here!) that are nationally recognized in their fields of study and who love to work with and learn from their students. Your professors will inspire you to be a thoughtful and passionate participant in a diverse world. Your small classes will support you as you explore new ideas, find your voice, and speak your truth.
Invest in Yourself
A private liberal arts education is often more affordable than you think. Last year, Lewis & Clark distributed over $74 million in assistance from institutional, federal, state, and private sources. Additionally, we’re so confident that our first-year students will graduate with their bachelor of arts degree in four years that if you don’t, we’ll cover the extra semester of tuition.
Find Your People
Our student-led Chinese Club gives members the chance to practice and deepen their understanding of Chinese language through regular meetups, and organizes events (including the annual Chinese New Year celebration!) for the whole campus community to learn more about Chinese culture and history. One of the oldest journals at L&C, Polyglot gives the opportunity to students of all levels to publish their work in Chinese.
Where Lewis & Clark Will Take You
Margarete Maneker BA ’21More about MargareteI’ve been working in the art world in New York City. I hope to work as a registrar in the future, and/or to get a master’s degree in library science and archival studies.
Nina Oishi BA ’18More about NinaRight after graduation, I spent a year working at a national health policy and advocacy group in Boston. I spent three years at Yale Law School and graduated with my degree in May 2022.
Kodai Kubota BA ’19More about KodaiI’ve been consulting, specializing in Global IT Organization Transformation.
Chinese Events
Featured News
Chinese Bridge Trip to Tianjin Normal University
Ten Lewis and Clark students immersed themselves in both language and culture at Tianjin Normal University, organized by Dr. Meiru Liu, LC Chinese Instructor.This fully funded trip by TNU provided unique opportunities for students and strengthened the bond between Oregon and Tianjin, a long-standing sister state-municipality partnership.