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Our Chinese Program at Lewis & Clark is an excellent way to develop your understanding of this rich culture and its language. 

Our Chinese Program at Lewis & Clark is an excellent way to develop your understanding of this rich culture and its language.

Academics
World Languages
Chinese
Chinese
We teach Modern Standard Mandarin in a way that simultaneously develops your speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills, and offers opportunities to explore the rich literary legacy of the Chinese-speaking world. Our connection with Portland has its perks, too: local resources include the Asian collections at the Portland Art Museum, Lan Su Chinese Garden, and the annual International Film Festival.
Majors
Art (Studio)
Art History
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Biology
Chemistry
Classics
Computer Science
Computer Science and Mathematics
Data Science
Economics
Environmental Studies
French Studies
German Studies
Hispanic Studies
History
International Affairs
Mathematics
Music
Philosophy
Physics
Political Science
Psychology
Religious Studies
Rhetoric and Media Studies
Sociology and Anthropology
Student-Designed Major
Theatre
World Languages
Minors
Art and Art History
Artificial Intelligence
Asian Studies
Chemistry
Chinese
Classics
Computer Science
Cybersecurity
Dance
Data Science
Earth System Science
Economics
Education
Entrepreneurial Leadership and Innovation
Environmental Studies
Ethnic Studies
French Studies
Gender Studies
German Studies
Health Studies
Hispanic Studies
History
Japanese
Latin American and Latino Studies
Law and Policy
Mathematics
Middle East and North African Studies
Music
Neuroscience
Philosophy
Physics
Political Economy
Political Science
Religious Studies
Rhetoric and Media Studies
Russian
Theatre
Why Choose a Minor in Chinese?
Our program complements courses on Chinese history, art, society, and religion offered through the Asian studies program. Our students graduate with advanced Chinese language proficiency and a high level of cultural competency obtained not only through appreciation and analysis of translated texts, but also by reading contemporary and classical literature in the original language. Studying this ancient and complex language opens up many opportunities in the modern world, from travel and life abroad to advanced graduate study to careers in education, translation, law, business, and much more.
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What You’ll Study
We offer a minor in Chinese through the
Department of World Languages and Literatures
. Our curriculum incorporates language-intensive courses with a focus on Chinese culture and traditions along with literature courses that explore both ancient and contemporary poetry and fiction in translation, illuminating the rich tradition of Chinese writing throughout the past 3,000 years.
Many of our students earn course credit on overseas programs. In addition to general cultural programs that are open to all students, there are programs designed specifically for developing advanced language skills through immersive learning in
Beijing, China
, and
Taipei, Taiwan
Outside the classroom, the
Keck Interactive Learning Center
is a language center and community area that is packed with linguistic and cultural resources. The
Global Languages and Cultures
Living-Learning Community is a unique on-campus housing option with an immersive language-based focus. Our students are supported each year with a visiting international Language Assistant who teaches our conversation courses and offers tutoring support for each of our language sections.
Curriculum
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Favorite Class



Renaissance Medicine with Hannah Crummé



I took this class my senior year and I really enjoyed the multidisciplinary approach to a fascinating topic that straddles history, literature, science and belief. I loved learning about medieval and early modern approaches to health and healing.




Margarete Maneker BA ’21


Major: History

Minor: Chinese







Favorite Class



Elizabeth Bennett’s International Political Economy course and Kyle Lascurette’s Theories of International Affairs



They were as challenging, engaging, interesting, and eye-opening as any course I took in law school. I still can’t believe I go to take such incredible classes as an undergrad!




Nina Oishi BA ’18


Major: International Affairs

Minor: Chinese Studies and French Studies







Favorite Class



Network Security with Professor of Computer Science Jens Mache



This class challenged my problem-solving skills and taught me about the intricacies of our modern network systems. This class was also a lot of fun because, as students, we were able to apply what we learned through real-world scenarios.




Natalie Zoz BA ’23


Major: Computer science

Minor: Chinese, Data Science (double)







Favorite Class



I have taken a lot of Chinese classes with Instructor Liu Meiru



She is a very knowledgeable and cheerful person. She makes learning Chinese fun.




Htoo Ray Wah BA ’23


Major: Asian Studies

Minor: Chinese




Complement Your Education With One of These Majors
The most popular majors for our Chinese minors are
Asian studies
history
, and
world languages and literatures
What Students Are Saying About Lewis & Clark
My favorite class has been Network Security with Professor Jens Mache. This class challenged me, taught me about the intricacies of modern network systems, and allowed me to apply what I learned to real-world scenarios.
Natalie Zoz BA ’23
Computer science | Chinese, Data Science (double) | Lincoln, Nebraska
More about Natalie
I think all of the classes I’ve taken so far expanded my knowledge as a student. I have taken a lot of Chinese classes with
Instructor Liu Meiru
. She is a very knowledgeable and cheerful person. She makes learning Chinese fun.
Htoo Ray Wah BA ’23
Asian Studies | Chinese | Portland, Oregon
More about Htoo
What Can You Do With a Minor in Chinese?
Our alumni use their minor in Chinese in a variety of endeavors. Many make use of their linguistic and cultural training in jobs such as teaching at Chicago Public Schools or working for international businesses like Nike and Facebook, in research and teaching opportunities through Fulbright Fellowships, and by pursuing graduate degrees at institutions like the University of California at Berkeley, the University of Washington, and the University of Chicago. Others transfer the rigor and creativity cultivated in their undergraduate experience into careers in law, computing, chemistry, and public service working for local governments, business, and medicine.
Dedicated Faculty
Our expert professors are your expert mentors. You will learn directly from faculty (no graduate assistants here!) that are nationally recognized in their fields of study and who love to work with and learn from their students. Your professors will inspire you to be a thoughtful and passionate participant in a diverse world. Your small classes will support you as you explore new ideas, find your voice, and speak your truth.
Meet the Professors
U.S. News
Lewis & Clark is on U.S. News & World Report’s 2025
“Best National Liberal Arts Colleges” list
2,139
As of fall 2024, there are 2,139 degree-seeking students enrolled at Lewis & Clark College.
52
nationalities represented in our undergraduate student body
47
U.S. states represented in our undergraduate student body
Top
Lewis & Clark earned a spot on Princeton Review’s 2026
“Best Colleges” list
Invest in Yourself
A private liberal arts education is often
more affordable than you think
. Last year, Lewis & Clark distributed over $74 million in assistance from institutional, federal, state, and private sources. Additionally, we’re so confident that our first-year students will graduate with their bachelor of arts degree in four years that if you don’t, we’ll
cover the extra semester of tuition.
Find Your People
Our student-led
Chinese Club
gives members the chance to practice and deepen their understanding of Chinese language through regular meetups, and organizes events (including the annual
Chinese New Year celebration
!) for the whole campus community to learn more about Chinese culture and history. One of the oldest journals at L&C,
Polyglot
gives the opportunity to students of all levels to publish their work in Chinese.
Where Lewis & Clark Will Take You
I’ve been consulting, specializing in Global IT Organization Transformation.
Kodai Kubota BA ’19
International Affairs | CS/Chinese
More about Kodai
Right after graduation, I spent a year working at a national health policy and advocacy group in Boston. I spent three years at Yale Law School and graduated with my degree in May 2022.
Nina Oishi BA ’18
International Affairs | Chinese Studies and French Studies
More about Nina
I’ve been working in the art world in New York City. I hope to work as a registrar in the future, and/or to get a master’s degree in library science and archival studies.
Margarete Maneker BA ’21
History | Chinese | Larchmont, New York
More about Margarete
Featured News
Outstanding Achievement at the 2025 Chinese Bridge Competition!
At the 2025 “Chinese Bridge” Chinese Proficiency & Talent Competition – Oregon Preliminary our very own Trevor Koo won 1st place, and Marta Alpresa Balaguer, took the 2nd place awards. This is an incredible accomplishments that reflect their dedication, hard work, and talent in learning Chinese. Our Chinese instructor, Meiru Liu said, “I’m so proud of how far you’ve come and the passion you both bring to studying the language and engaging with Chinese culture. Keep up the great work—this is a wonderful milestone on your Chinese learning journey, and I look forward to seeing what you’ll accomplish next!”
Read the story
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