Chinese Minor

The Chinese minor introduces students to the Mandarin language and explores Chinese culture, customs and history.

Program Type Undergraduate Minor
Mode of Study On Campus
Department Languages, Literatures & Cultures
School May School of Arts & Sciences
Stonehill student studying abroad in China
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Program Overview

A minor in Chinese makes a powerful combination with any number of majors — including sociology, marketing, finance, accounting, psychology and criminology. 

Sample Courses

Elementary Chinese I

An introduction to modern standard Chinese commonly referred to as Mandarin. Focus of the course is on basic listening, speaking, reading and writing skills and Pinyin (spelling the sound) system. Students will learn common vocabulary, simple sentence structures and everyday conversational Chinese. Both simplified and traditional character formations will be introduced but the writing will emphasize the simplified form. Chinese culture, customs and history will be incorporated into the course curriculum.

Chinese TV Series

Study of contemporary Chinese TV Series with an emphasis on conversation, culture and language proficiency. The class will view and discuss TV episodes. Students will study the corresponding scripts, related grammar and vocabulary. Completion of written and oral assignments is also required.

Chinese Conversation and Composition

This course is designed to strengthen speaking and writing skills. Students will work independently or with others to write short skits and rehearse them in class. Topics will be related to issues in daily life, such as friendships, school life, dating, shopping, dining, traveling, etc.

Study Abroad for Chinese Minors 

Language minors are encouraged to spend a semester abroad in an approved international program of study or in one of the international internships sponsored by Stonehill College.  

Students may transfer in two pre-approved courses taken abroad to the minor. Additional language courses may be pre-approved as general electives. 

Study Abroad in China

Study Abroad Opportunities

Stonehill is ranked among the best in the nation for sending students on semester-long study abroad programs. Our programs focus on developing global citizens and helping students meet both academic and personal goals. A student’s international experience is attractive to potential employers who seek applicants with global perspective and an understanding other cultures.

Sample countries where students have studied abroad include:

  • University of Salzburg
  • IES in Vienna
  • Champlain Abroad Montreal
  • Beijing Center
  • Fudan University
  • API in Caen
  • API in Paris
  • Campus International De Cannes
  • CIEE in Paris
  • Grenoble École de Management
  • Institut Catholique de Toulouse
  • Université Rennes II
  • Université Grenoble Alpes (CUEF)
  • University of Paris, Sorbonne
  • Freie Universität Berlin
  • IES in Berlin
  • IES in Freiburg
  • Universität Heidelberg (American Junior Year)
  • University of Berlin
  • Florence University of the Arts
  • John Cabot University
  • Umbra Institute in Perugia
  • CIEE Study Center (Rabat)
  • School for International Training

Argentina

  • School for International Training
  • Universidad de Belgrano
  • Universidad de Congresso
  • Universidad Torcuato Di Tella

Brazil

  • CIEE in Rio de Janeiro
  • CIEE in São Paulo
  • Universidade Católica do Salvador

Chile

  • Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaiso
  • School for International Training
  • Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, Viña del Mar
  • Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María

Costa Rica

  • Universidad Veritas

Cuba

  • Universidad Central Marta Abreu de Las Villas
  • Universidad de la Habana

Dominican Republic

  • CIEE in Santiago de los Caballeros (service learning option available)
  • CIEE in Santo Domingo

Ecuador

  • IES Galapagos Islands
  • School for International Training

Panama

  • School for International Training

Peru

  • Pontifícia Universidad Católica del Perú
  • School for International Training
  • CIEE Study Center (Dakar)
  • School for International Training
  • API in Barcelona
  • API in Madrid 
  • API in Seville
  • Granada Institute of International Studies
  • University of Alicante
  • University of Barcelona
  • Universidad de Deusto
  • University of Granada
  • University of Madrid
  • Universidad de Salamanca

Languages, Literatures & Cultures Department

The Chinese Minor is part of the Languages, Literatures & Cultures Department at Stonehill. 

The study of languages, literatures and cultures is a cornerstone of a liberal arts education. The Department offers coursework in seven languages.

Places where Stonehill graduates have recently been employed include:

  • Boston Children’s Hospital
  • Catholic Charities
  • French Embassy
  • Fulbright Recipient (Ecuador)
  • Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office
  • Office of Refugees and Immigrants, City of Boston
  • PricewaterhouseCoopers
  • Ropes & Gray LLP
  • Teach for America
  • World Teach
  • Various school systems

Language experience is invaluable for those students seeking careers in:

  • Education
  • International Studies
  • Psychology
  • Healthcare Administration
  • Political Science
  • Communications
  • Sociology
  • Business

Places where Stonehill graduates have recently attended a full- or part-time graduate program include:

  • Aberystwyth University (Wales)
  • Boston University
  • Middlebury College
  • Northeastern University
  • Universidad Complutense (Madrid)
  • University of Connecticut
  • Universidad de Granada (Spain)

Research Opportunities

Stonehill Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) is an opportunity for students who have completed their first year at Stonehill to perform significant, publishable, full-time research under the guidance of and in collaboration with an experienced faculty researcher.

EXAMPLES OF LANGUAGES, LITERATURES & CULTURES RESEARCH

  • Bridget Ryan ’23 worked with Teresa Villa-Ignacio, Associate Professor of French and Francophone Studies, on Sounding Translation, an Internet-accessible podcast that archives translators’ reflections on the experience of translating contemporary poetry.
  • Alina Shklyarenko ’17 worked with John Golden, associate professor of foreign languages, on “Translating Alexander Blok’s ‘Vozmezdie.’” They have submitted for publication their work on previously untranslated sections of this important poem by the Russian symbolist.
  • Michael Travers ’15 worked with Juan Carlos Martin, associate professor of Foreign Languages, on “Virtual Learning: Beyond the Classroom.” 
  • Spanish major Angela Moskawa ’14 workedwith Juan Carlos Martin, associate professor of Foreign Languages, on “Identity Crisis: Portrayals of the Posthuman in Spanish Narrative and Film.” This project strives to study the concept of post-humanity in Spanish narrative and film, focusing primarily on literary pieces and cinematic works written and produced during the past two decades.
  • Laura Dzgoeva ’14 worked with John Golden, associate professor of foreign languages, on “Translating Alexander Blok.” Blok was a major Russian Symbolist poet; they translated several of his poems into English and have submitted some of their work for publication.

Outside Partnerships & Special Programs

Stonehill College has developed academic affiliations with colleges and universities that enable our students to augment the degree they earn at Stonehill with graduate and undergraduate degrees that further enhance their opportunities.

Save Money: Earn Two Degrees in as Little as Four Years

The Skyhawk Accelerated Dual Degree allows Stonehill students to earn a bachelor's degree and master's degree from Stonehill College in as little as four years. Eligible students receive early and expedited admission to their graduate program of interest and can begin working toward a master's degree in education, data analytics or marketing. Stonehill students also receive 20% off for remaining graduate tuition through the Skyhawk Rate.

Contact Information

Juan C. Martin Galvan

Professor of Spanish
jmartin1@stonehill.edu
508-565-1243
Duffy 244
Languages Lit. & Cultures

Yi-Ting Pomfred

Instructor of Foreign Language
ypomfred@stonehill.edu
Languages Lit. & Cultures

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