Chinese Language
About Chinese
Our Program and Courses
The ability to speak Chinese and understand its varieties and cultural impact has never been more valuable given China’s growing global influence. In small classes that emphasize close collaboration between students and professors, you will develop the tools to reflect critically on the cultural practices, products and perspectives of the Chinese-speaking world and your own.
Minor in Area Studies: Asian Studies (China)
You can minor in Asian Studies (China) through F&M’s International Studies program. Our Area Studies minor allows you to tailor your academic experience by focusing your minor on a specific region of the world.
By the time you graduate, you will:
- Have attained proficiency in Chinese and be able to communicate effectively and cohesively orally and in writing
- Be able to demonstrate a solid knowledge of relevant and current social debates through the news, art, history, film, music and literature.
- Be able to present, connect, and analyze Chinese literature and discuss the perspectives they represent.
- Have learned modes of critical analysis that enhance and inform your own questions and interests.
- Be able to build linguistic, cultural, and cross-cultural competence.
Chinese Language Placement Exam
If you’re admitted to F&M and plan to study Chinese, you may be asked to complete a language placement exam. You will complete this test the summer before you arrive on campus.
Wondering what a Chinese course is like? Take a look at our course catalog to explore what’s available to you.
Our Faculty and Staff
Jin Gong
Visiting Assistant Professor, Chinese Language Program
Jennifer Redmann
Professor of German, Department Chair of German, Russian & East Asian Languages (Chinese,
Japanese)
Learning Outside the Classroom
Off-Campus Study
When learning a foreign language, it’s important to experience its use in communities
that speak it natively. Each summer, students will have the option to study abroad
in China, with longer visits possible when demand and availability allow. Some of
the most popular programs include studying at the Institute for Study Abroad (IFSA)
in Shanghai, The Alliance for Global Education in Shanghai, CET in Kunming, China,
and the School for International Training (SIT) China.
Learn more about off-campus study at F&M
Success Beyond F&M
At F&M, we prepare you to be world-ready. Our graduates are purpose-driven leaders at the top of their industries committed to shaping a better future. Within six months after graduation, 92% of the Class of 2025 were either employed or furthering their education. This is higher than the national average, which is typically in the mid-80% range. And by studying Chinese at F&M, the interpretive skills and creative thinking abilities you gain are valuable for any post-college plan.
Alumni Spotlight
“These experiences sparked my interest in global affairs and diplomacy, nurturing my dream of becoming a diplomat myself one day.”
Read More »
Alumni Spotlight
Young Alumna Bridges the Miles to Wuhan
Read More »
What does art of the past tell us about the transformation of visual and material
experience over time? By studying History of Art and Architecture at F&M, you’ll actively
engage with this living dimension of the past through its artifacts, images, architecture,
and relevant texts. International studies is an innovative program that combines off-campus study in a
non-English-speaking location with on- and off-campus coursework. As a student of
international studies at F&M, you will develop a global perspective and immerse yourself
in the languages and cultures of non-English-speaking countries and regions. Humans find meaning in many forms, and one of the most widespread and varied of those
is religion. As a religious studies student at F&M, you will have the opportunity
to study numerous belief systems, including American religions, Buddhism, Christianity,
Judaism, Hinduism, and Islam, while challenging your own perceptions and those of
the world around you. April 30, 2026 Lauren Pittman ’26 wanted top-notch academics and a competitive lacrosse program when choosing a college. At Franklin & Marshall, “I could get the best of both worlds,” said Pittman, named the USA Lacrosse Magazine Division III Preseason Player of the Year prior to her senior season. April 30, 2026 Meghan Kelly has been named director of the Franklin & Marshall College Library, following a year of service in the interim role and more than a decade of leadership within the library itself. She will oversee operations at the College Library’s two locations: Shadek-Fackenthal Library and Martin Library of the Sciences. April 30, 2026 Three Franklin & Marshall College first-year students were recently recognized for their exemplary writing across a wide range of subjects they discovered through their Connections courses, which are explicitly designed to help new students explore and answer complex questions related to real-world issues.Related Fields of Study
History of Art and Architecture
International Studies
Religious Studies
The Latest at F&M
Senior Lacrosse Standout Eyes Medical Career
Meghan Kelly Named Director of College Library
First-Year Students Honored for Excellence in Writing