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Chinese Studies

Students in Huron’s Chinese Program experience all aspects of the language: listening, speaking, reading and writing in modern standard Chinese. A primary goal is to provide a solid foundation in pronunciation and grammar, as well as basic composition and conversation. Senior courses facilitate students attaining competence in reading authentic modern writings, with the aid of a dictionary.  For students who have attained fluency, elective courses are offered to explore specific aspects of the Chinese language and culture in film, business, literature, and communication.

Students can also take courses on Chinese culture taught in English. They will learn about both traditional and emerging manifestations through the study of history, philosophy, politics, and gender. Students within Huron’s Chinese Program acquire sensitivity to different cultural perspectives to motivate action for economic and social good.

Chinese and East Asia Studies Brochure

CHINESE PLACEMENT FORM

Alumni Stories

Chinese Studies have prepared our alumni for extraordinary success within a variety of careers. Employers look for people with the ability to analyze information, find creative solutions to problems and effectively communicate their ideas: Graduates of this program of all of these skills – what’s more, they’re paired with a thorough understanding regarding the historical, cultural, linguistic and social influences that spur and halt change within and between cultures.

Read stories about alumni from this exciting program, and learn how to distinguish yourself – personally and professionally – as a globally-focused Leader with Heart.

  • I spent my time at Beijing Culture & Language University, where I studied the Mandarin Chinese dialect. While it was definitely work-intensive, it was also instrumental in helping me improve my abilities in Chinese. I had two great teachers that would teach me two hours each from Monday through Friday, and I would also frequently go to the Chinese Corner to practice speaking Chinese with others.
    Dominic LaPere
    4th Year Student
    Read more
HONORS SPECIALIZATION
SPECIALIZATION
MAJOR
MINOR
CHINESE STUDIES

The Chinese language program offers a balanced four-level program of listening, speaking, reading and writing standard Chinese. A primary goal is to provide a solid foundation in pronunciation, grammar, and proficiency in the four language skills in the first three levels. Courses at the fourth level serve to facilitate students attaining competence in reading authentic modern writings, with the aid of a dictionary.

For students who have attained fluency, elective courses are offered to explore specific aspects of Chinese language and culture, in film, business, literature, and communication.

Minor in Chinese Studies

China Studies

The Chinese language program offers a balanced four-level program of listening, speaking, reading and writing standard Chinese. A primary goal is to provide a solid foundation in pronunciation, grammar, and proficiency in the four language skills in the first three levels. Courses at the fourth level serve to facilitate students attaining competence in reading authentic modern writings, with the aid of a dictionary.

For students who have attained fluency, elective courses are offered to explore specific aspects of Chinese language and culture, in film, business, literature, and communication.

Major in China Studies
Minor in China Studies

East Asia Studies

The East Asia Studies Major helps students combine language courses at successive levels of study with courses in culture and literature and in social science approaches to understanding the area.

Major in East Asia Studies
Minor in East Asia Studies

Professors

Learn from professors who have a deep knowledge of China and East Asia more broadly. This faculty comes together, from across the world, to lead students to a more fulsome understanding of these rich cultures, the societal foundations they are built upon, and the people who define them. This department is dedicated to incorporating critical thought, intensive research elements, interactive activities and community engagement projects to ensure students engage with well-rounded learning environments.

Take time to get to know the names and faces who will be supporting you every step of the way as you embark on an enriching exploration of China.

  • Learn about the cultural, social and linguistic traits of one of the most influential powers in the world. Chinese Studies will help you to better understand what events and which people have most significantly shaped China’s extraordinary past, present - and, before long, future.
    Lifang (Lucy) He, PhD
    Assistant Professor, Chinese Studies
    Read more
  • I teach Chinese literature and language with passion and academic rigor. I integrate comparative, cross-cultural perspectives into my teaching and provide stimulating intellectual space for a diverse body of students.
    Yan Lu, PhD
    Assistant Professor, Chinese
    Read more
  • My teaching aims to help students to increase their capacity and commitment to well-informed international and intercultural understanding.
    Clare Gordon, PhD
    Assistant Professor & Co-ordinator, Chinese Program
    Read more

Chinese Studies Faculty

Tenure-stream

  • Dr. Michiya Kawai, Chair & Associate Professor, French and Asian Studies, 519.438.7224 ext. 330
  • Dr. Yan Lu, Assistant Professor & Coordinator, 519.438.7224 ext. 332
  • Dr. Sean Macdonald, Assistant Professor, 519-438-7224 ext. 456

Program sessional and per course instructors 

Professors Emeritis

Chinese Studies Courses

Explore China’s role in the world! At Huron, you’ll find a highly flexible program featuring small, intimate classes, personalized coaching and opportunities for imaginative, independent research and hands-on learning. Broaden your global perspectives, because to lead, you need a heart that understands the world. After your first year you can explore issues such as: Chinese cinema, women in Chinese society and business translation.

 

Chinese Courses are divided into three streams:

A. Basic Chinese Language Courses (placement provided)

B. Advanced Language and Culture Courses (taught in Chinese)

C. Chinese Culture and Literature Courses (taught in English)

2024 - 2025 Courses

Stream A: Basic and Professional Chinese Language Courses

Stream A courses are designed for students who wish to acquire or to develop the basic language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. To ensure the best academic experience based on the student’s language background, each student must apply to be placed in a Stream A course at an appropriate level and in the class best suited to them.

Course – see link for Academic Calendar description Instructor Section – see link for Course Outline
CHN 1150 – Beginners’ Chinese 1 Sun 550
CHN 1151 – Chinese 1 Gordon 550
CHN 2250 – Beginners’ Chinese 2 He 550
CHN 3350 – Chinese 3 He 550

The above courses require placement via the Chinese Placement Request Form, available here. Placement opens in June 2024.

Course Instructor Course Outline
CHN 3340A – Business Chinese 1 Gordon 550
CHN 3341B – Business Chinese 2 Gordon 550
CHN 4440A – Business Translation 1 Zhang 550
CHN 4441B – Business Translation 2 Zhang 550

 

Stream B: Chinese Literature and Culture Courses (Taught in Chinese)

These courses are designed for and accessible only to students whose basic language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing are functionally fluent. Course instruction, activities, and readings help the student to prepare for certification or to explore specific aspects of Chinese language and culture through intense textual study, research, analysis, discussions and exercises.

Course Instructor Course Outline
CHN 2240F – Understanding Chinese Business Culture 1 Gordon 550
CHN 2241G – Understanding Chinese Business Culture 2 Gordon 550
CHN 2242F – Representative Works in Traditional Chinese Literature Liu 550
CHN 2244G – Representative Works in Modern Chinese Literature Liu 550
CHN 2246G – Chinese Cinema in Taiwan and Hong Kong He 550
CHN 2247F – Chinese Cities and Chinese Culture Liu 550
CHN 2248F – The Environment in Chinese Literature and Film Zhang 550
CHN 2249G – Chinese Science Fiction Zhang 550
CHN 2270F – Special Topics He 550

 

Stream C: Chinese Literature and Culture Courses (Taught in English)

Course Instructor Course Outline
CHN 1650G – Perspectives on China Zhang 550
CHN 1651F – Chinese Symbols and Icons Liu 550
CHN 2601A – The Political & Socio-Economic Foundations of Modern China Zhang 550
CHN 2602B – The Cultural Foundations of Modern China Liu 550
CHN 2652F – Concepts in Chinese Culture Macdonald 550
CHN 3658F – Chinese Film and Visual Culture Macdonald 550
CHN 3956G – Special Topics: Tradition and Invented Tradition in Chinese Culture Macdonald 550
CHN 3957G – Special Topics: A Taste of China Liu 550

 

 

2023 - 2024 Courses

Stream A: Basic and Professional Chinese Language Courses

Stream A courses are designed for students who wish to acquire or to develop the basic language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. To ensure the best academic experience based on the student’s language background, each student must apply to be placed in a Stream A course at an appropriate level and in the class best suited to them.

Course – see link for Academic Calendar description Instructor Section – see link for Course Outline
CHN 1150 – Beginners’ Chinese 1 Lu 550
CHN 1151 – Chinese 1 Gordon 550
CHN 2250 – Beginners’ Chinese 2 He 550
CHN 3350 – Chinese 3 He 550

The above courses require placement via the Chinese Placement Request Form, available here. Placement opens in June 2023.

Course Instructor Course Outline
CHN 3340A – Business Chinese 1 Gordon 550
CHN 3341B – Business Chinese 2 Gordon 550
CHN 4440A – Business Translation 1 Zhang 550
CHN 4441B – Business Translation 2 Zhang 550

 

Stream B: Chinese Literature and Culture Courses (Taught in Chinese)

These courses are designed for and accessible only to students whose basic language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing are functionally fluent. Course instruction, activities, and readings help the student to prepare for certification or to explore specific aspects of Chinese language and culture through intense textual study, research, analysis, discussions and exercises.

Course Instructor Course Outline
CHN 2240F – Understanding Chinese Business Culture 1 Gordon 550
CHN 2241G – Understanding Chinese Business Culture 2 Gordon 550
CHN 2242F – Representative Works in Traditional Chinese Literature Liu 550
CHN 2244G – Representative Works in Modern Chinese Literature Liu 550
CHN 2245F – Cinema in the Chinese Mainland He 550
CHN 2246G – Chinese Cinema in Taiwan and Hong Kong He 550
CHN 2247F – Chinese Cities and Chinese Culture Liu 550
CHN 2248F – The Environment in Chinese Literature and Film Zhang 550
CHN 2249G – Chinese Science Fiction Zhang 550

 

Stream C: Chinese Literature and Culture Courses (Taught in English)

Course Instructor Course Outline
CHN 1650G – Perspectives on China Macdonald 550
CHN 1651F – Chinese Symbols and Icons Liu 550
CHN 2601A – The Political & Socio-Economic Foundations of Modern China Zhang 550
CHN 2602B – The Cultural Foundations of Modern China Liu 550
CHN 2650G – Fiction and Traditional Chinese Society Zhang 550
CHN 2651F – Fiction and Modern Chinese Society Lu 550
CHN 2652F – Concepts in Chinese Culture Macdonald 550
CHN 3656G – Chinese Literature as World Literature Lu 550
CHN 3658F – Chinese Film and Visual Culture Macdonald 550
CHN 3659G – Buddhism in Chinese Culture Liu 550
CHN 3956G – Special Topics: Tradition and Invented Tradition in Chinese Culture Macdonald 550

 

2022 - 2023 Courses

Stream A: Basic Chinese Language Courses

Stream A courses are designed for students who wish to acquire or to develop the basic language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. They are open only to students who are functionally fluent in Chinese. To ensure the best academic experience based on the student’s language background, each student must apply to be placed in a Stream A course at an appropriate level and in the class best suited to them.

Course Instructor Course Outline
CHN 1150 – Beginners’ Chinese 1 Lu 550
CHN 1151 – Chinese 1 Gordon 550
CHN 2250 – Beginners’ Chinese 2 He 550
CHN 3350 – Chinese 3 He 550

The above courses require placement via the Chinese Placement Request Form, available here. Placement opens in June 2022.

Course Instructor Course Outline
CHN 3340A – Business Chinese 1 Gordon / Macdonald 550 / 551
CHN 3341B – Business Chinese 2 Gordon / Macdonald 550 / 551
CHN 4440A – Business Translation 1 Zhang 550
CHN 4441B – Business Translation 2 Zhang 550

 

Stream B: Courses on Chinese Culture and Literature taught in Chinese

These courses are designed for and accessible only to students whose basic language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing are functionally fluent. Course instruction, activities, and readings help the student to prepare for certification or to explore specific aspects of Chinese language and culture through intense textual study, research, analysis, discussions and exercises.

Course Instructor Course Outline
CHN 2240F – Understanding Chinese Business Culture 1 Gordon 550
CHN 2241G – Understanding Chinese Business Culture 2 Gordon 550
CHN 2242F – Representative Works in Traditional Chinese Literature Liu 550
CHN 2244G – Representative Works in Modern Chinese Literature Liu 550
CHN 2245F – Cinema in the Chinese Mainland He 550
CHN 2246G – Chinese Cinema in Taiwan and Hong Kong He 550
CHN 2247F – Chinese Cities and Chinese Culture Liu 550
CHN 2270F – Special Topics: Chinese Science Fiction Zhang 550

 

Stream C: Courses on Chinese Culture and Literature taught in English

Course Instructor Course Outline
CHN 1650G – Perspectives on China Zhang 550
CHN 1651F – Chinese Symbols and Icons Liu 550
CHN 2601A – The Political & Socio-economic Foundations of Modern China Zhang 550
CHN 2602B – The Cultural Foundations of Modern China Liu 550
CHN 3650F – The Chinese Short Story Zhang 550
CHN 3651F – The Chinese Novel Lu 550
CHN 3654G – Trauma, Memory, and Narrative in Chinese Literature and Film Liu 550
CHN 3953G – Special Topic in China Studies: Global Chinese Literature Lu 550
CHN 3954G – Special Topic in China Studies: Concepts in Chinese Culture Macdonald 550
CHN 3955G – Special Topic in China Studies: Chinese Film and Visual Culture Macdonald 550

 

2021 - 2022 Courses

Stream A: Basic Chinese Language Courses

Stream A courses are designed for students who wish to acquire or to develop the basic language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. They are open only to students who are functionally fluent in Chinese. To ensure the best academic experience based on the student’s language background, each student must apply to be placed in a Stream A course at an appropriate level and in the class best suited to them.

Course Instructor Course Outline
CHN 1150 – Beginners’ Chinese 1 Lu View course outline
CHN 1151 – Chinese 1 Gordon View course outline
CHN 2250 – Beginners’ Chinese 2 He View course outline
CHN 3350 – Chinese 3 He View course outline

The above courses require placement via the Chinese Placement Request Form, available here. Placement opens in June 2021.

Course Instructor Course Outline
CHN 3340A – Business Chinese 1 Gordon View course outline
CHN 3341B – Business Chinese 2 Gordon View course outline
CHN 4440A – Business Translation 1 Zhang View course outline
CHN 4441B – Business Translation 2 Zhang View course outline

Stream B: Courses on Chinese Culture and Literature taught in Chinese

These courses are designed for and accessible only to students whose basic language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing are functionally fluent. Course instruction, activities, and readings help the student to prepare for certification or to explore specific aspects of Chinese language and culture through intense textual study, research, analysis, discussions and exercises.

Course Instructor Course Outline
CHN 2240F – Understanding Chinese Business Culture 1 Gordon View course outline
CHN 2241G – Understanding Chinese Business Culture 2 Gordon View course outline
CHN 2242F – Representative Works in Traditional Chinese Literature Liu View course outline
CHN 2244G – Representative Works in Modern Chinese Literature Liu View course outline
CHN 2245F – Cinema in the Chinese Mainland He View course outline
CHN 2246G – Chinese Cinema in Taiwan and Hong Kong He View course outline
CHN 2247F – Chinese Cities and Chinese Culture Liu View course outline

Stream C: Courses on Chinese Culture and Literature taught in English

Course Instructor Course Outline
CHN 1650G – Perspectives on China Zhang View course outline
CHN 1651F – Chinese Symbols and Icons Liu View course outline
CHN 2601A – The Political & Socio-economic Foundations of Modern China Zhang View course outline
CHN 2602B – The Cultural Foundations of Modern China Liu View course outline
CHN 2650G – Fiction and Traditional Chinese Society Zhang View course outline
CHN 3655G – Chinese Theatre and Culture Liu View course outline
CHN 3951G – Special Topic: Chinese Literature as World Literature Lu View course outline
CHN 3952F – Special Topic: Imagining the World in Modern China  Zhang View course outline
2020 - 2021 Courses

Stream A: Basic Chinese Language Courses

Stream A courses are designed for students who wish to acquire or to develop the basic language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. They are open only to students who are functionally fluent in Chinese. To ensure the best academic experience based on the student’s language background, each student must apply to be placed in a Stream A course at an appropriate level and in the class best suited to them.

Course Instructor Course Outline
CHN 1150 – Beginners’ Chinese I Lu View course outline
CHN 2250 – Beginners’ Chinese II He View course outline
CHN 3350 – Chinese III He View course outline

The above courses require placement via the Chinese Placement Request Form, available here. Placement opens in June 2020.

CHN 1150 – Beginners’ Chinese 1: CHN 1150 gives slightly more attention to correct pronunciation and ease in listening/speaking. Character recognition has priority over writing. It is designed for students with absolutely no previous Chinese cultural or language background.

CHN 2250 – Beginners’ Chinese 2: Students who have successfully completed CHN 1150 or CHN 1151 at Huron or have taken equivalent courses elsewhere may be placed in CHN 2250. Such courses may include OAC Chinese, a Heritage Language program, Saturday language school, tutorial at home, etc.

CHN 3350Chinese 3: Students who have successfully completed CHN 2250 at Huron or have taken equivalent courses elsewhere may be placed in CHN 3350.

Course Instructor Course Outline
CHN 3340A – Business Chinese I Gordon View course outline
CHN 4440A – Business Translation I Gordon View course outline
CHN 4441B – Business Translation II Gordon View course outline

Stream B: Courses on Chinese Culture and Literature taught in Chinese

These courses are designed for and accessible only to students whose basic language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing are functionally fluent. Course instruction, activities, and readings help the student to prepare for certification or to explore specific aspects of Chinese language and culture through intense textual study, research, analysis, discussions and exercises.

Course Instructor Course Outline
CHN 2240F – Understanding Chinese Business Culture I Gordon View course outline
CHN 2241G – Understanding Chinese Business Culture II Gordon View course outline
CHN 2242F – Representative Works in Traditional Chinese Literature Liu View course outline
CHN 2243F – The Chinese Diaspora and Its Literary Representation Lu View course outline
CHN 2244G – Representative Works in Modern Chinese Literature Liu View course outline
CHN 2245F – Cinema in the Chinese Mainland He View course outline
CHN 2246G – Chinese Cinema in Taiwan and Hong Kong He View course outline
CHN 2247G – Chinese Cities and Chinese Culture Liu View course outline

Stream C: Courses on Chinese Culture and Literature taught in English

Course Instructor Course Outline
CHN 1650G – Perspectives on China Gordon View course outline
CHN 1651F – Chinese Symbols and Icons Liu View course outline
CHN 2601A – The Political & Socio-economic Foundations of Modern China Liu View course outline
CHN 2651G – Fiction and Modern Chinese Society Lu View course outline
CHN 3652F – Chinese Discourse on Women and Gender Relations Wu View course outline
CHN 3653G – Women in Chinese Society: Images in Literature Wu View course outline
CHN 3654G – Trauma, Memory and Narrative in Chinese Literature and Film Liu View course outline

欢迎您来休伦大学学院学汉语!

2019 - 2020 Courses
Stream A: Language Courses Instructor  Course Outline 
CHN 1150Beginners’ Chinese 1 Lu View course outline 
CHN 2250Beginners’ Chinese 2 He View course outline 
CHN 3350Chinese 3 He View course outline 
The above courses require placement.

Please request placement/ special permission using the following form: Chinese Placement Form

CHN 3340ABusiness Chinese 1 Gordon View course outline 
CHN 3341B Business Chinese 2 Gordon View course outline
CHN 4440A Business Translation 1 Gordon View course outline 
Stream B: Courses on Chinese Culture & Literature taught in Chinese
CHN 2240F Understanding Chinese Business Culture 1 Gordon View course outline 
CHN 2241G Understanding Chinese Business Culture 2 Gordon View course outline
CHN 2242F Representative Works in Traditional Chinese Literature Liu View course outline 
CHN 2244G Representative Works in Modern Chinese Literature Liu View course outline
CHN 2245F Cinema in the Chinese Mainland He View course outline 
CHN 2246GChinese Cinema in Taiwan and Hong Kong He View course outline
CHN 2247G Chinese Cities and Chinese Culture Liu View course outline
CHN 2271GSpecial Topics: Environment and Ecocriticism in Chinese Literature and Film Lu View course outline
Stream C: Courses on Chinese Culture and Literature taught in English
CHN 1651FChinese Symbols and Icons Liu View course outline 
CHN 1650GPerspectives on China Gordon View course outline
CHN 2601A The Political and Socio-Economic Foundations of Modern China Liu View course outline 
CHN 2602BThe Cultural Foundations of Modern China Liu View course outline
CHN 3650F The Chinese Short Story Lu View course outline 
CHN 3651GThe Chinese Novel Lu View course outline
2018 - 2019 Courses

International Exchange Opportunities

China
Beijing Language & Culture University (BLCU) • Exchange Information Sheet
Program of Study: Business/Economics and Language Program, Minor in Asian Studies
Language Requirements: English

China
City University of Hong Kong • Exchange Information Sheet
Program of Study: Asian Studies, Business, Chinese, Communications, Economics, Psychology
Language Requirement: English

Chinese Studies Careers

Chinese Studies will prepare you for a variety of careers; employers today are looking for people with the ability to analyze information, to find creative solutions to problems and to effectively communicate their ideas. These skills are acquired when studying language and literature.

Where will a degree in Chinese language take you?
  • Teaching (Foreign Language in Canada)
  • Teaching (English in China)
  • Graduate studies in Chinese
  • Interpreters/translators
  • Canadian and International Business (in China)
  • NGOs
  • Politics
  • Journalism
  • Diplomatic services
  • Intelligence analyst
  • Foreign services
  • Marketing
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Extra Curricular Activities

Groups
Chinese Students’ Society at Huron

Chinese Conversation Hour

China Day
Wednesday March 4, 2020
1pm – 5pm
Kingsmill Room 

Annual public celebrations of the rich variety of Chinese culture, as well as of student achievements and performances; the China Day event in 2020 will take the form of an undergraduate student conference.  Please send abstracts to chinese@uwo.ca by January 20, 2020.

In the abstract, please clearly state the subject, the methodology and the thesis (the main argument) of your paper. The maximum length for an English abstract is 300 words and for a Chinese abstract, 350 characters. Along with the abstract, please also provide your contact information, including last name, first name, academic affiliation (e.g., Department, Faculty, University/College), and UWO email address. The organizing committee of the conference will carefully review and evaluate the abstracts. All submitters will receive a decision via email.

Poster

Huron’s Chinese Students’ Society 

  • Check out new events here.
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Key Contacts