The Chinese Department at Reed offers immersive language learning and cultural study that prepares students to read and think across linguistic and cultural contexts. Through close work with texts, media, and language in use, the program emphasizes careful reading, critical inquiry, and sustained engagement with Chinese cultures.
The Chinese Department combines intellectual study, a flexible curriculum, and an engaged student community.
Academic Focus
The Chinese Department at Reed offers instruction in modern and classical Chinese language alongside the study of literature, film, and culture. Courses emphasize careful reading, attention to language in context, and sustained engagement with Chinese texts and media.Curriculum and Courses
Students may pursue Chinese as a major or minor, or study the language alongside another field. The curriculum supports students at different levels of experience and encourages connections between Chinese study and broader work in the humanities and social sciences, allowing courses to fit flexibly alongside a wide range of academic interests.
Community and Student Life
Beyond the classroom, the Chinese Department supports a vibrant community of students interested in language and culture. Spaces such as the Chinese House—an on-campus residence hall—and a wide range of events, from campus-wide celebrations to smaller, informal gatherings, provide opportunities for students to practice Chinese, engage with cultural traditions, and build community with peers. These shared spaces and activities allow students to connect their coursework with lived experiences on campus.