Chinese
Chinese at Waikato involves the study of Modern Standard Chinese (Mandarin) and the history, culture and society of ancient and present day China.
China ("Zhongguo" – the Central Kingdom) has a civilisation that spans 4,000 years, the longest unbroken civilisation in the world. It was the centre of East Asian culture for many centuries, exerting a strong influence on its immediate neighbours, including Korea, Japan and Vietnam.
Over the last two decades China has achieved the highest economic growth rate in the world. According to World Bank and IMF estimates, in terms of real size of its economy, China now ranks third internationally. And it's home to one fifth of the world's population and is poised to become a massive world force.
As part of the Asia Pacific region, New Zealand has substantial links with the countries of Chinese-speaking Asia, with China, Hong Kong and Taiwan included among New Zealand's top ten trading partners. There is a large Chinese immigrant community in New Zealand and large numbers of Chinese tourists visit.
An understanding of this emerging modern power and its language is an invaluable tool, whether you are studying Chinese language and culture out of interest or for career reasons.
Key information
| Study Location: | Hamilton |
|---|---|
| Faculty: |
Study Chinese in these qualifications
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Computing and Mathematical Sciences with Honours
- Bachelor of Media and Creative Technologies (China only)
- Bachelor of Music
- Bachelor of Social Sciences
- Certificate
- Diploma
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Graduate Certificate
- Graduate Diploma
- Master of Arts
- Master of Arts (Applied)
- Master of Laws
- Master of Management Studies
- Master of Māori and Pacific Development
- Master of Philosophy
- Master of Science
- Master of Science (Research)
- Master of Science (Technology)
- Master of Social Sciences
- Postgraduate Certificate
- Postgraduate Diploma
Study Chinese as a specialisation of
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Computing and Mathematical Sciences with Honours
- Bachelor of Media and Creative Technologies (China only)
- Bachelor of Music
- Bachelor of Social Sciences
- Certificate
- Diploma
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Graduate Certificate
- Graduate Diploma
- Master of Arts
- Master of Arts (Applied)
- Master of Laws
- Master of Management Studies
- Master of Māori and Pacific Development
- Master of Philosophy
- Master of Science
- Master of Science (Research)
- Master of Science (Technology)
- Master of Social Sciences
- Postgraduate Certificate
- Postgraduate Diploma
Career opportunities
- Diplomat
- Hospitality Operator
- International Lawyer
- Tour Guide
- Translator or Interpreter
- Travel Agent
Papers
Available Chinese papers
Prescriptions for the GradCert(Chin) and GradDip(Chin)
A Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma are available to graduates who have not included Chinese at an advanced level in their first degree.
For further details, contact the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Office.
Prescriptions for the BA(Hons), PGCert(Chin), PGDip(Chin) and MA
To be eligible to be considered for enrolment in graduate Chinese papers, a student should normally have at least a B average in either the best three of their 300 level Chinese papers or all their undergraduate Chinese papers.
To complete a BA(Hons) in Chinese, students must gain 120 points at 500 level, including at least 30 points in research (normally CHINE591) and at least 30 points from papers listed for Chinese.
To be eligible to be considered for enrolment in the MA in Chinese, a student must have completed either:
a) a BA with a major in International Languages and Cultures: Chinese pathway (or equivalent) and have gained at least a B average in either the best three of their 300 level Chinese papers or all of their undergraduate Chinese papers, or
b) a BA(Hons) in Chinese (or equivalent) and have gained at least second class honours (second division).
Completion requirements for the MA in Chinese vary according to admission criteria:
Students admitted under a) above must complete 180 points from approved 500 level papers, including a research foundations paper, and either a 120 point thesis, a 90 point thesis or a 60 point dissertation.
Students admitted under b) above must complete a 120 point thesis; or a 90 point thesis and a further 30 points from approved 500 level papers; or a 60 point dissertation and a further 60 points from approved 500 level papers.
Students contemplating graduate studies should consult the Convenor of Chinese.
Prescriptions for the MPhil
The Master of Philosophy is a one year research-based degree in which students undertake a programme of approved and supervised research that leads to a thesis which critically investigates an approved topic of substance and significance, demonstrates expertise in the methods of research and scholarship, displays intellectual independence and makes a substantial original contribution to the subject area concerned, and is of publishable quality.
Prescriptions for the PhD
The Doctor of Philosophy is a three year research-based degree in which students undertake a programme of approved and supervised research that leads to a thesis which critically investigates an approved topic of substance and significance, demonstrates expertise in the methods of research and scholarship, displays intellectual independence and makes a substantial original contribution to the subject area concerned, and is of publishable quality.
100 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|
| CHINE131 | Chinese Language 1: Part A | 20A (Hamilton) |
| An introductory paper designed for students with no previous knowledge of Chinese. It takes an integrated approach involving all four of the skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking. Students with prior knowledge of Chinese should consult the Convenor of Chinese regarding placement. | ||
| CHINE132 | Chinese Language 1: Part B | 20B (Hamilton) |
| This paper is the continuation of CHINE131/CHIN131 and focuses on the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing the Chinese language at an elementary level. | ||
| INTLC101 | International Languages and Cultures | 20B (Hamilton) & 20G (Online) |
| A cultural perspectives paper with a thematic focus on languages and cultures of China, France, Japan, Spain and Latin America. | ||
200 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|
| CHINE204 | Visualising China | 20A (Hamilton) |
| This paper offers a critical examination of a number of key aspects of traditional and contemporary Chinese visual culture within a comparative historical framework. This paper is taught in English, and is delivered largely online. | ||
| CHINE231 | Chinese Language 2: Part A | 20A (Hamilton) |
| This paper focuses on the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing the Chinese language at an intermediate level. | ||
| CHINE232 | Chinese Language 2: Part B | 20B (Hamilton) |
| This paper is the continuation of CHINE231. | ||
| INTLC221 | Understanding East Asia | 20B (Hamilton) |
| This paper offers a critical examination of historical traditions and contemporary life in East Asia, with a focus on China and Japan, and their roles within a global context. This paper is taught in English and is open to all students, including those who have no prior knowledge of Chinese and Japanese. | ||
300 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|
| CHINE306 | Reading and Translation Skills | 20A (Hamilton) |
| This paper is designed primarily for native speakers of Chinese . It is taught bilingually and aims to improve students' bilingual reading skills and develop students' ability to translate from and into Chinese and English | ||
| CHINE321 | Translation Methodology and Practice | 20B (Hamilton) |
| This paper develops students' ability to translate from Chinese to English and vice versa, utilising a variety of readings. Note: This paper is designed for non-native speakers of Chinese only. Native Chinese speakers are eligible to enrol in CHINE306. | ||
| CHINE331 | Chinese Language 3: Part A | 20A (Hamilton) |
| This paper focuses on advanced Chinese language learning and is a continuation of Chinese Language Part 2. | ||
| CHINE332 | Chinese Language 3: Part B | 20B (Hamilton) |
| This paper focuses on advanced Chinese language learning and is a continuation of Chinese Language 3: Part A. | ||
| CHINE380 | Study Abroad | 20X (Block) |
| This paper involves intensive language and/or society and culture instruction at education institutions in Chinese-speaking Asia. | ||
| CHINE390 | Directed Study | 20A (Hamilton), 20B (Hamilton) & 20D (Hamilton) |
| This paper involves an investigation of a particular topic in the field of Chinese Studies. | ||
| INTLC380 | Study Abroad 1 | 20X (Block) |
| This paper will enable students to undertake appropriate individual study abroad programmes as part of their undergraduate degree. Each study programme should have a significant component of time spent offshore, with a series of assessments being agreed in advance with the paper convenor. | ||
500 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|
| CHINE501 | Advanced Chinese Language Acquisition | 20A (Hamilton) |
| The aim of this paper is to enable students to develop their Chinese language communication skills at an advanced level. The paper will cover the four skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. | ||
| CHINE503 | Advanced Research into Modern and Contemporary Chinese Society | 20A (Hamilton) |
| This paper focuses on important issues relating to modern and contemporary Chinese society. It utilises primary sources as a basis for the study of recent social structural changes in Chinese-speaking Asia. | ||
| CHINE504 | Readings in Modern Chinese Literature | 20B (Hamilton) |
| This paper covers selected readings from the literary works of some of the most influential Chinese writers of the twentieth century. The aim of the paper is to develop students' abilities to handle literary texts in the Chinese language, as well as to gain some insight into the social and cultural milieu in which Chinese writers o... | ||
| CHINE507 | Special Topic | 20A (Hamilton), 20B (Hamilton) & 20D (Hamilton) |
| No description available. | ||
| CHINE508 | Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language | 20A (Hamilton) |
| A general overview and analysis of theories and research in the teaching of Chinese as a foreign language and TCFL practice world wide. This paper focuses on language analysis from a pedagogical perspective, the evaluation and development of TCFL teaching materials and curriculum design and development. | ||
| CHINE590 | Directed Study | 20A (Hamilton) & 20D (Hamilton) |
| Students have the opportunity to pursue a topic of their own interest under the guidance of academic staff. | ||
| CHINE591 | Dissertation | 20X (Hamilton) |
| A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation. | ||
| CHINE592 | Dissertation | 20X (Hamilton) |
| A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation. | ||
| CHINE593 | Chinese Thesis | 20X (Hamilton) |
| An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research. | ||
| CHINE594 | Chinese Thesis | 20X (Hamilton) |
| An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research. | ||
800 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|
| CHIN800 | Chinese MPhil Thesis | 20X (Hamilton) |
| No description available. | ||
900 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|
| CHIN900 | Chinese PhD Thesis | 20X (Hamilton) |
| No description available. | ||
Scholarships and prizes
New to Waikato? The International Excellence Scholarship is worth up to $10,000.
Visit our Scholarship Finder for information about possible scholarships
Subject links
Subject Requirements
Chinese is available as a specialisation within the International Languages and Cultures major.
The language acquisition papers are designed primarily for learners of Modern Standard Chinese as a foreign or second language. Students with prior knowledge of Chinese must consult with the programme convenor before enrolling in language acquisition papers. The papers in Chinese history, culture and society are taught in English and are also available to non-language students.
For more information about subject requirements please refer to the catalogue of papers for the most up to date information. If you have any questions and need more advice contact one of our friendly student advisors phone:
Please note: For all graduate subject requirements check the information provided in the papers section above.
Contacts
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences:
Phone: 0800 800 145 or +64 7 838 4932
General and Undergraduate Email Enquiries: chin-fass@waikato.ac.nz
Graduate and Postgraduate Email Enquiries: chin-grad@waikato.ac.nz