COURSE CURRICULUM

The Chinese and Russian BA is a comprehensive five-year program that combines language acquisition with cultural, historical, and societal studies of China and Russian-speaking countries. In the first year, students develop foundational knowledge through compulsory modules covering modern Chinese history and culture and an introduction to Russian studies, complemented by beginner or intermediate language modules in both Chinese and Russian. The second year builds on these skills with intermediate and upper-intermediate Chinese modules, alongside core Russian language development, supported by optional modules exploring Chinese cinema, early modern Chinese society, Cantonese, Russian literature, and the sounds of Russian. Years three and four are spent abroad in China or Taiwan and a Russian-speaking country, providing immersive experiences that deepen linguistic proficiency and cultural understanding. The fifth year emphasizes advanced language skills, including Chinese 3: Advanced Skills and Core Russian Language 3, alongside a final-year project that allows students to demonstrate their abilities through a dissertation, translation project, or digital research-based podcast. Optional modules in the final year allow further specialization in areas such as Chinese to English translation, advanced Russian translation, religion, political economy, and cultural studies. This integrated approach equips graduates with high-level language abilities, intercultural competence, and research skills, preparing them for careers in diplomacy, international relations, translation, global business, or further academic study.