Alumni Perspective
"After graduation, my senior thesis led me to a Fulbright research grant, allowing me to return to Guizhou, China for a year to build upon my previous research. Since returning, I've worked in audience insights at the Field Museum, contributed to grant writing, program development, and entrepreneur support at a startup incubator, and am currently in market research contracting."
Katie Uram ’16, Market Research Consultant at AndreaBeatyLLC
Chinese Language & Literature, East Asian Studies
Naperville, Illinois
Unbagging First-Year Studies
Martyn Smith, director of First-Year Studies, unbags the 10 works being used in First-Year Studies during the 2021-2022 academic year.
History of the Chinese Language (in English)
Discover the history of the Chinese language, including the structural characteristics of the language, invention and evolution of the writing system, general survey of the major dialects, dichronic changes, spread and influence of the Chinese lexicon in East Asia.
Go Global
You can go deeper and explore China or Japan yourself through several study abroad options. Visit Asia with one of Lawrence's affiliated programs.
Full Immersion
Take part in immersive weekend language retreats at Björklunden, Lawrence’s beautiful estate on the shores of Lake Michigan.
The Chandler Senior Experience
As a senior, you'll spend an one-term independent study that culminates in the completion of a substantial paper or project derived from previous coursework in your areas of interest. If you are sufficiently advanced in your Chinese language skills, you are encouraged to use some Chinese language sources in carrying out your research.
Recent Senior Experiences include:
- An Analysis of Chinese Practices of Financial Management
- Lives of Sustenance Farmers, Migrant Workers and Individuals of Minority Ethnic Groups in Southwest China
- Creative Writing in Chinese: Nirvana High
Hands-on History
Interact with important artifacts as you explore Lawrence’s broad and deep collection of Japanese woodblock prints.
Chinese & Japanese Outcomes
Linguistic and cultural proficiency prepares you for a global career or graduate study.