Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Global China Studies
China has again become a major force in the world, while increasingly the world is drawn to China. More than the scope of the conventional Area Studies, the innovative interdisciplinary major in Global China Studies allows students to build on the knowledge and critical skills gained from the core curriculum to deepen their understanding of global currents in China, whether at the level of state and society or of individuals, and in the context of commercial, religious, cultural, political and other interactions. At the same time, students will gain a greater awareness of the extraordinary complexity of what we call “China” and how that has come about. Global China Studies majors will further their formal language study, either by an additional year of modern Chinese or a year of classical Chinese, or, in consultation with the adviser, by a year’s study of another dialect or language of China. They will learn about digital humanities from the specific perspective of Global China Studies; and finally, are strongly encouraged to study abroad beyond the minimum one semester in order to expand their global experience. Majoring in Global China Studies at NYU Shanghai positions students to pursue graduate education and professional careers in a broad range of areas at the cutting edge of 21st-century experience.
Faculty Mentors
Student Testimonials
Recommended Courses in Spring 2018 for Freshmen and Sophomores
Degree Requirements
Tansen Sen, Room 1218
Director of the Center for Global Asia, Professor of History
Email: ts107@nyu.edu
https://shanghai.nyu.edu/academics/faculty/directory/tansen-sen
Lena Scheen, Room 1222
Assistant Professor of Literature
Email:lms14@nyu.edu
https://shanghai.nyu.edu/academics/faculty/directory/lena-scheen
“Global China Studies majors become proficient in Mandarin, well versed in Chinese history and politics, gain knowledge of Chinese art and culture and overall gain a comprehensive view of the country of China. We then place China in a world view and evaluate China’s role our global past, present, and future. ” – Annie Seaman, Class of 2018
“I have been asked for hundreds of times: ‘Why do you choose Global China Studies? You are Chinese?!’ Yes, I am a Chinese. I mean…WHY NOT?! My initial plan was actually Humanities, so I tried many Humanities courses. However, throughout the process, I have found myself getting extremely excited and attracted every time it came to be about China. Therefore, I decided to make Global China Studies my major, to learn and explore something that fastens my heartbeat. What do I like about this major? Besides that it stimulates the emission of dopamine in my body, it also 1) is supported by exceptional resources, 2) goes beyond Humanities, and 3) allows me to reexamine my country. Located in Shanghai and being an American university, NYU Shanghai is inexorably appealing for anyone who wants to learn about China from a global stance. Apart from humanities courses, I am also going to be exposed to China-related topics in other fields such as social science. As a Chinese, I know China, but knowing something too well from only one side is no better than ignorance. I just like the fact that I get to approach my homeland from new perspectives and to learn about a China that I didn’t know before.” – Xuehan Zhao, Class of 2019
Recommended Courses in Spring 2018 for Freshmen:
- Writing as Inquiry
- GCHN-SHU 110 The Concept of China / One GCS Required Course
- Core Curriculum Course
- English, Chinese, or General Elective
Recommended Courses in Spring 2018 for Sophomores:
- GCS Required Course
- GCS Elective/GCS Required Course
- Core Curriculum Course
- Chinese (International students are encouraged to complete Advanced Chinese II before studying away)
Degree Requirements – 2016-17 Bulletin
Total: 9 Courses
Not every course listed is taught every semester, and in any given semester other courses may be offered that fulfill this requirement. Requirements may be met through equivalent courses in the Global Network with prior approval.
* = offered in Spring ’18 in Shanghai
REQUIRED COURSES: All Six |
GCHN-SHU 110 The Concept of China * |
Chinese Geographies course (choose one):
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A Digital China Studies course (choose one):
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A Worldwide Chinese Diaspora course (choose one):
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Native Chinese speakers: Two additional courses from the “Global China Studies Electives List” below.
Non-Native Chinese speakers: Advanced Chinese I and II OR two Chinese language classes higher than the Intermediate II level such as:
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GLOBAL CHINA STUDIES ELECTIVES: Choose Three | |
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Minor Requirements
Four classes from the required and elective list of Global China Studies courses, of which at least one must be from the required list. Students may take up to two advanced or post-advanced language courses in fulfillment of this minor.