Chinese, Ph.D.

Program Overview

The Chinese language program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison offers both an M.A. and Ph.D. degree in Chinese, with specializations in either linguistics or literature and culture. The program provides students with a solid foundation in these two areas, ensuring that they are well-prepared for careers in teaching and research. Graduates of the program have a high success rate in finding employment and are well-prepared for careers in teaching, research, and other fields that require a high level of proficiency in Chinese.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: The Chinese language program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison offers both an M.A.
and Ph.D. degree in Chinese, with specializations in either linguistics or literature and culture. The program provides students with a solid foundation in these two areas, ensuring that they are well-prepared for careers in teaching and research.
• Objectives: The program's objectives are to:
• Provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the Chinese language, its history, and its role in Chinese culture.
• Develop students' critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Prepare students for careers in teaching, research, or other fields that require a high level of proficiency in Chinese.
• Description: The program's curriculum includes coursework in Chinese language, literature, linguistics, and culture.
Students also have the opportunity to conduct research under the supervision of faculty members.

Outline:

• Content: The program's content covers a wide range of topics, including:
• Chinese language: Students will study the history of the Chinese language, its grammar, and its various dialects.
• Chinese literature: Students will study Chinese literature from all periods, including classical, medieval, and modern.
• Chinese linguistics: Students will study the structure of the Chinese language, its sound system, and its grammar.
• Chinese culture: Students will study Chinese history, philosophy, art, and religion.
• Structure: The program is typically completed in 5-7 years.
The first two years are spent taking coursework and completing a master's thesis. The remaining years are spent conducting research and writing a doctoral dissertation.
• Course Schedule: The program's course schedule is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the Chinese language and culture.
The following is a sample of the courses that students may take:
• Chinese Language:
• Introduction to Chinese
• Intermediate Chinese
• Advanced Chinese
• Chinese Calligraphy
• Chinese Literature:
• Introduction to Chinese Literature
• Chinese Poetry
• Chinese Fiction
• Chinese Drama
• Chinese Linguistics:
• Introduction to Chinese Linguistics
• Chinese Phonology
• Chinese Grammar
• Chinese Dialectology
• Chinese Culture:
• Introduction to Chinese Culture
• Chinese History

Assessment:

• Methods: Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including:
• Exams
• Quizzes
• Papers
• Presentations
• Research projects
• Criteria: Students are assessed on their knowledge of the Chinese language, literature, linguistics, and culture.
They are also assessed on their critical thinking and analytical skills.

Teaching:

• Methods: The program's teaching methods are designed to provide students with a hands-on learning experience.
Students learn through a combination of lectures, discussions, and workshops. They also have the opportunity to conduct research under the supervision of faculty members.
• Faculty: The program's faculty are experts in their respective fields.
They are committed to providing students with a high-quality education.
• Unique Approaches: The program offers a number of unique approaches to teaching Chinese language and culture.
These approaches include:
• The use of technology: The program uses a variety of technology tools to enhance the learning experience.
For example, students use online resources to learn Chinese characters and grammar.
• The use of authentic materials: The program uses authentic materials, such as Chinese newspapers and magazines, to help students develop their language skills.
• The use of experiential learning: The program offers a variety of experiential learning opportunities, such as study abroad programs and internships.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: Graduates of the program have careers in a variety of fields, including:
• Teaching
• Research
• Translation
• Interpreting
• Journalism
• Business
• Government
• Opportunities: Graduates of the program have the opportunity to work in a variety of settings, including:
• Universities
• Colleges
• Schools
• Research institutions
• Translation agencies
• Interpreting agencies
• Newspapers
• Magazines
• Businesses
• Government agencies
• Outcomes: Graduates of the program have a high success rate in finding employment.
They are well-prepared for careers in teaching, research, and other fields that require a high level of proficiency in Chinese.