UWA Handbook 2025

Major Overview

Description

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 taken by beginners. It is incompatible with a pass in WACE Chinese: Second Language CSL 2A/2B or higher.

Students should be aware that this major does not provide a pathway to an Honours.

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
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.

Incompatibilities

WACE Chinese: Second Language CSL 2A/2B or higher

Courses

CHNSB Chinese Studies can be taken as a degree-specific major in the following degree courses:

• BP001 Bachelor of Arts
• BP054 Bachelor of Modern Languages
• BH005 Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)

Units