College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Department of World Languages and Cultures
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Chinese Studies

A large lake and green hill in Taiwan

About

The Chinese Studies program offers Mandarin language courses from elementary through advanced levels along with interdisciplinary courses taught in English on contemporary Chinese literature, culture, society, art, and film. Students can select a regular Chinese minor (17 credits) or a Chinese Languages and Cultures for Professions (LCP) minor (17 credits). Students who complete a Chinese LCP minor seek to become culturally competent global professionals and engage in language and cultural training.

Many courses in the Chinese Studies program satisfy both International Perspectives Requirements and Chinese studies minor requirements. Other programs, such as Anthropology, Architecture, History, and Political Science, offer China-related courses, which can be counted as electives to earn credit toward the minor.

A student’s perspective

Zachariah Watt (’20 computer science) created this video to share how a minor in Chinese Studies enhanced his adventure at Iowa State.

Zachariah Watt sits in his apartment talking to his web camera
Lucy Gates outside smiling holding a black cat

Don’t be intimidated, scared to start, or make mistakes. Trust that you can be successful in learning Chinese if you are willing to learn.

Lucy Gates, ’25 aerospace engineering, Chinese studies minor

Courses

Check out our full list of courses we offer on the ISU Course Catalog, and see this semester’s courses on the ISU Schedule of Classes.

Degrees

The Department of World Languages and Cultures currently offers a Chinese Studies minor in both the “classic” and “LCP” tracks. If you’re interested in Chinese but don’t know where to go from here, start with ann advising appointment!

Ben Marshall smiling while holding up two fingers in each hand as peace signs

The opportunity to learn about a different culture and the language associated with
it is both exciting and rewarding. What I love most about the WLC department is how engaging and interactive the courses are, making language learning both meaningful and enjoyable.

Ben Marshall, ’27 civil engineering, Chinese studies minor
“I plan to study abroad in the summer of 2026 doing an immersive, intensive language program in mainland China.”

study-abroad-taiwan

Study abroad

The Exploring Taiwan: A Subtropical Island program offers students a unique opportunity to explore Taiwan’s vibrant history, dynamic economy, and diverse society. For more information about ISU affiliate programs offered in China and Taiwan, please visit the ISU Abroad website. Note: Study abroad is open to every student, regardless of field of study. Discuss your plans with your academic advisor as well as study abroad advisors on campus to plan your journey

Take the next step

Resources