Frequently
Asked Questions
This page will be continuously updated with helpful and
informative responses to the most frequently asked student questions.
If the answer you seek does not appear below please contact the Chinese
Studies Program.
CHIN Enrollment FAQs
Q:
When I used WebReg to enroll in a CHIN course, my enrollment was
blocked
and I was instructed to contact the Chinese Studies Program. Can you
just approve me so I can enroll?
The reason you were directed to the Chinese Studies
Program is
so that you can be evaluated by a Chinese language instructor. Detailed
CHIN course enrollment instructions can be found
here.
No. The purpose of blocking enrollment is so that a
student
can be evaluated and then granted permission to enroll in the best CHIN
course that is suited for his/her appropriate background and level.
CHIN Course Levels
Q: How do I
know
which CHIN course I should take?
Each student should meet with a language lecture and participate in
a Chinese language placement interview. A short and informal
conversation with one of our instructors will reveal what CHIN course
is best for you.
Language Requirements
Q: I need to
meet my
language requirement. What is my goal? Can I take CHIN as pass/no pass?
This answer varies according to your college or major. Below are links
to the college websites where you will be able to locate the specific
requirement and if taking a course as pass/no pass is permissible.
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AP Credits
Q: I took the
AP
Chinese Language and Culture test and scored a 3, 4 or 5. Which CHIN
course should I take?
You will most likely be able to skip the CHIN 10 A-B-C series. A
placement interview is the best way to evaluate which CHIN course is
best suited for your ability and background.
Native Speakers
Q: Chinese is
my native language. What CHIN course should I enroll in?
CHIN courses are about learning vocabulary and sentence
structure
for the first time. Native Chinese language speakers are over-qualified
to take CHIN
courses. You may wish to consider taking a non-language Chinese Studies
elective, participating in a
Proficiency
Exam or speaking with an academic advisor regarding alternative
courses.
You may be able to test out of a language requirement via a
Proficiency
Exam. You may also consider taking a Chinese Studies
non-language elective. Luckily, we have a list of those courses on the
following webpage so that may be able to find an alternate course.
Dialects
Q: I want to
learn or improve my
Cantonese or other dialect. How do I
sign up for a course like this?
Regretfully, the Chinese Studies Program does not offer Cantonese
or other dialects. The
Department of Linguistics may offer an introductory course for various
heritage languages. Visit the following
Department
of Linguistics website to learn more about LIDS 19: Directed
Studies.
Syllabus
Q: I need the
syllabus for a
LTEA, MUS, or HIEA course. Can I get that from
the Chinese Studies Program?
Contact the instructor or the department that is offering the course
for a copy of a non-language Chinese Studies elective syllabus. The
Chinese
Studies Program only keeps copies of CHIN syllabi.
If you have lost the syllabus to your CHIN course, it is advisable that
you ask your lecturer/TA first before contacting the Chinese Studies
Program office.
Study Abroad
Q: I want to
study abroad. Where
should I go? What
course(s) should I take?
Selecting courses is entirely up to the student. IT'S YOUR TRAVEL
EXPERIENCE! The Chinese Studies Program does have guidelines. Visit our
Study
Abroad tab at the top of this page. Contact the
Programs Abroad Office
and meet with them by making an appointment for a "
First
Steps Session"
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Petitioning Courses
Q: Why do I need
to petition POLI 113A: East Asian Political Thought and other similar
UCSD courses? Why do I need to bring in the syllabus for this course?
POLI 113A hasn't been approved by the Academic Senate as a permanent
Chinese Studies elective. Not only does the title not specify that
China will be the main focus but the content has the potential to
cover Japan, North Korea and South Korea than it does about China, Hong
Kong and Taiwan. When submitting a petition it is best to include a
current syllabus to offer a clear outline of a course and prove that
said course is 50% or more about China, Taiwan, HK, etc.
For more information about petitioning courses,
click here.
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