CHNSA Chinese Studies major
The Chinese Studies major provides students with high-quality learning opportunities and an outstanding student experience in learning Chinese language and culture. China is the largest trading partner for Australia, and the historical links between Australia and the Chinese-speaking world have been further enhanced in the 21st century thanks to frequent economic and cultural interactions between the two nations. Chinese Studies equips students with solid language skills and a broad in-depth knowledge of China, its society and people, placing students in a strong position to utilise the opportunities generated by China's long history, rich culture and rapid economic growth. Students will graduate with an in-depth understanding of the increasingly globalising world, as well as a versatile portfolio of skills and aptitudes which enhance employability.
This major is available to students assessed by the discipline as near native speakers.
Outcomes
Students are able to (1) demonstrate a good written and spoken linguistic competence in the Chinese language; (2) understand how culturally specific social structures affect interpersonal communication, and determine how to apply this knowledge to their own interactions in a culturally sensitive manner; (3) identify key ethical, philosophical and social characteristics of Chinese culture, society and history, and apply this knowledge in the context of future employment or postgraduate study; (4) engage effectively in the key debates on Chinese history, society and culture in a professional manner and produce coherent and well-argued written work; (5) demonstrate competence in a set of transferable skills, including (but not limited to) digital literacy, information management, group working, research skills and critical thinking, as well as an ability to manage and take responsibility for their own learning processes with minimum guidance; and (6) apply their country-specific knowledge in the context of their second major (if applicable)..
Broadening guidelines
All students studying towards a Bachelor's Degree at UWA are required to Broaden their studies by completing a minimum of four units (24 points) of study outside their degree specific major. Broadening is your opportunity to explore other areas of interest, investigate new disciplines and knowledge paradigms and to shape your degree to suit your own aspirations and interests. Many of you will be able to undertake more than this minimum amount of broadening study and we encourage you to do so if this suits your aspirations. Over the next few months you will find here some broadening suggestions related to your degree-specific major. While we know that many students value guidance of this sort, these are only suggestions and students should not lose sight of the opportunity to explore that is afforded by your Broadening Choices. Advice can also be sought from your Allocated Student Advising Office.
Prerequisites
This major is designed for near-native speakers. Admission to the major will be required to sit a placement test/ interview.
CHNSA Chinese Studies can be taken as a degree-specific major in the following degree courses:
BP001 Bachelor of Arts
BH005 Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)
Overview of unit sequence
CHNSA Chinese Studies is a degree-specific single major comprising:
- two Level 1 units
- three Level 2 units
- three Level 3 units
| Key to availability of units: |
|---|
| S1 = Semester 1; S2 = Semester 2; N/A = not available in 2021; NS = non-standard teaching period |
Note: Units that are indicated as N/A may be available in 2022 or 2023.
Level 1
Take all units (12 points):
| Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| S1 | CHIN1405 | Chinese 5 | |
| S2 | CHIN1406 | Chinese 6 |
Level 2
Take all units (12 points):
| Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| S1 | CHIN2407 | Chinese 7 |
|
| S2 | CHIN2408 | Chinese 8 |
|
Take unit(s) to the value of 6 points:
| Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| S2, NS | ASIA2001 | Culture, Society and the State in Asia |
|
| N/A | ASIA2002 | Australia and Asia |
|
| S1, NS | ASIA2004 | Popular Culture in Asia |
|
Level 3
Take all units (18 points):
| Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| S1, NS | ASIA3003 | Social Issues in Contemporary China |
|
| S1 | CHIN3409 | Chinese 9: Understanding the Chinese State |
|
| S2 | CHIN3410 | Chinese 10: Understanding Chinese Society |
|
Substitute units
Substitute units—take units if applicable:
| Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | CHIN2801 | China Field Study |
|
Choosing your degree-specific major
Specialised degrees – Bachelor of Advanced Computer Science (Honours), Bachelor of Automation and Robotics, Bachelor of Environmental Design, Bachelor of Music
You must satisfy the requirements of the degree-specific major in your degree before you complete your course.
Bachelor of Philosophy, Politics and Economics
This comprehensive degree does not require you to choose a degree-specific major.
General degrees
You must satisfy the requirements of a degree-specific major before you complete your course. The flexible structure of an undergraduate course allows you to try out a number of different subjects to see what interests you before nominating your degree-specific major. You have the choice to either nominate your degree-specific major when you first enrol in the course or delay nominating it until your second year.
To plan the first year of your study without nominating a degree-specific major, you are advised to choose units that will pave the way to two or more degree-specific majors that are of interest to you. For examples of the choice of units available in first year, search the first-year study plans .
To fully understand the structure of an undergraduate course, read the course structure information and the Undergraduate Degree Course Rules.
The following example illustrates how the CHNSA Chinese Studies degree-specific major can be included in the Bachelor of Arts course.
There are more choices open to you. For more examples, search the study plans .
Choosing a second major
You also have the option to choose a second major from those available in the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Biomedical Science, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Design Only available to re-enrolling students. and Bachelor of Science courses, giving you the opportunity to pursue your interests no matter how different they are.
The following example illustrates how the CHNSA Chinese Studies degree-specific major can be combined with a second major in the Bachelor of Arts course.
For more examples of combinations of majors, search the study plans .