Welcome to the Chinese Program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison!
The Chinese program offers students a range of courses and activities which impart an understanding of the culture and civilization of China. With the completion of three basic years of the language, students will be prepared to handle various types of colloquial Chinese. Most of our majors pursue advanced studies in Chinese linguistics or literature, while others combine an interest in China with a degree in business, education, engineering or journalism.
We are proud to tell you that our program is considered one of the most comprehensive Chinese language programs in the US. That is because our introductory courses meet more frequently than comparable courses offered at other institutions and require more time for self-study. Although these courses may seem very challenging, if you keep up with the daily preview and review required for the courses, by the end of the semester, you will have attained considerable improvement in your Chinese language proficiency. Please review our Frequently Asked Questions for more information about the courses and overall program.
Students are encouraged to explore opportunities to use the language outside of the classroom, especially in internships or study abroad programs. Credits earned while on an approved UW-Madison program may count towards the major requirements. It is important to meet in advance with the undergraduate advisor.
Background Questionnaire
If you are a student with prior experience in Chinese (e.g., self-taught, learned in elementary, middle or high school, or learned from family, relatives or friends, etc.) please fill out this questionnaire in order to receive appropriate advising or guidance about placement into language classes at UW.
Placement Tests
The department requires that students who are new to our program take a placement test before enrolling in a language course beyond the first semester level. Our department administers a computer-based Chinese placement test throughout the year. Please review the upcoming test dates. For more information about the test read more on our FAQs page.
Chinese Major Degree Requirements
Please refer to degree requirements in the Guide.
Chinese Professional Communication Certificate
Please refer to certificate requirements in the Guide.
The Chinese Language curriculum is staggered, that is different courses are offered in the fall semester-only and spring semester-only, general course offerings are:
Fall
- ASIALANG 101 First Semester Chinese
- ASIALANG 201 Third Semester Chinese
- ASIALANG 301 Fifth Semester Chinese
- ASIALANG 378 Chinese Conversation (requisite course: ASIALANG 202)
Spring
- ASIALANG 102 Second Semester Chinese
- ASIALANG 202 Fourth Semester Chinese
- ASIALANG 302 Sixth Semester Chinese
- ASIALANG 379 Business Chinese (requisite course: ASIALANG 202)
International Living Community
中文天地 (Zhongwen Tiandi): Chinese Community
Faculty Director: Tianlu Zhang
Tiandi (literally “Chinese heaven-and-earth”) is a community of students devoted to learning the Chinese language and culture and sharing them with the UW-Madison campus, the state of Wisconsin, and beyond. With the support of a graduate student who works as a Language Program Coordinator, Chinese language learners of all levels, including native speakers, will share in meals, cultural activities, film screenings, and casual conversation. 欢迎光临中文天地!
Studying Abroad
Students are encouraged to explore opportunities to use the language outside of the classroom, especially in internships or study abroad programs. Credits earned while on an approved UW-Madison program may count towards the major requirements.
Please refer to this Major Advising Page for Chinese majors. This information is geared towards helping students consider which study abroad program in China or Taiwan are a good fit.
Declaring the Major
If you have questions about our programs and are exploring your options; or you are ready to declare a major or certificate please make an appointment to meet with Rachel Weiss, Undergraduate Advisor:
Rachel Weiss
E-mail: rweiss@wisc.edu
Office: 1244 Van Hise Hall
Schedule: advising appointment via Starfish.
Phone: (608) 890-0138