Q: I'm confused about which Chinese language courses I should take.
A: East Asian Studies offers two types of course tracts of Chinese language courses labeled on Albert as "heritage" or "non-heritage." "Heritage" here is used to assist with Chinese language course placement. For more information, see here.
Q: I don't have any previous background in Mandarin or Chinese dialects. Which course should I take?
A: You are eligible for Elementary Chinese I (EAST-UA 201).
Q: I can speak and understand some Mandarin because I grew up in a Chinese-speaking family or have lived and studied in a Chinese-speaking country/region for an extended time. However, I don't read or write Chinese characters. Which course should I take?
A: You should take Elementary Chinese for Advanced Beginners (UAST-UA 231). Alternatively, you can take the Chinese Placement Exam to determine your level. For information about the exam, see here.
Q: I can speak a Chinese dialect (such as Cantonese), but I don't know how to speak Mandarin. What should I do?
A: You should take the Chinese Placement Exam. Depending on your exam scores, you'll be placed into a course that fits your level. For information about the exam, see here.
Q: I'm a "non-heritage" student who can speak a little Mandarin and read and write some Chinese characters because I have learned Chinese before. What should I do?
A: You should take the Chinese Placement Exam first. Depending on your exam scores, you'll be placed into a course that fits your level. For information about the exam, see here.
Q: I'm eligible for a "non-heritage" track course (at Elementary I or any above levels), but I would like to take a "heritage" track course. Is that possible?
A: Yes, your can; however, you must contact the course instructor so that they can evaluate you first.
Q: I'm supposed to take a "heritage" track course (at Elementary I or any above levels). Can I take a "non-heritage" track course instead?
A: No. Please get in touch with the Chinese Language Coordinator for any unique situations.
Q: I have taken a Chinese exam elsewhere before. Can I use the results for placement at NYU?
A: No. Results from Chinese exams (such as AP, SAT-2, HSK Chinese proficiency test, etc.) are not accepted for placement in East Asian Studies Department courses. For more information, see here.
Additionally, you should take the Chinese Placement Exam. For more information about the placement test, see here.
Q: Where and when can I take the Chinese Placement Exam?
A: The exam is online. You can take it here.
Q: How soon can I get my score?
A: Right away!
Q: I'm unable to take the Chinese Placement Exam online. Can I take it in person?
A: No.
Q: I wish to be exempted from foreign language requirements. What should I do?
A: First, take a placement exam: see here
If you score 81 or above, you can take an in-person Exemption Exam: see here.
You will be exempt if you score 81 or above.
Q: Is the exemption exam only offered in simplified characters?
A: No, it's offered in both simplified and traditional.
Q: I have completed Intermediate Chinese II (EAST-UA 204) or Intermediate Chinese for Advanced Beginners (EAST-UA 232); I would like to develop my listening and speaking skills further. Which course would be suitable for me?
A: You may consider taking Topics in Conversational Chinese (EAST-UA 207). Students are allowed to repeat this 2-point course once.
Q: I have completed Advanced Chinese II (EAST-UA 206) and would like to develop my listening and speaking skills further. Which course would be suitable for me?
A: The next level is: Topics in Advanced Conversational Chinese (EAST-UA 208).
Q: I have completed Advanced Chinese II (EAST-UA 206), and I would like to enhance my comprehension skills in the language further. What options do I have?
A: Our post-advanced courses include:
- Learning Chinese through Media (EAST-UA 211)
- Readings in Chinese Poetry I (EAST-UA 213)
- Readings in Chinese Poetry II (EAST-UA 214)
- Readings in Chinese Culture I (EAST-UA 221)
- Readings in Chinese Culture II (EAST-UA 222)
- Introduction to Classical Chinese (EAST-UA 226)
- Politico-Philosophical Texts in Classical Chinese (EAST-UA 223)
- Narrative Text in Classical Chinese (EAST-UA 224).
For descriptions of these courses, see here.
If you are interested in any of these courses, please get in touch with the course instructor so they can evaluate you.
Q: What are the most advanced Chinese language courses the East Asian Studies department offers now?
A: The most advanced courses are:
Narrative Texts in Classical Chinese (EAST-UA 223) and Politico-Philosophical Texts in Classical Chinese (EAST-UA 224).
For course descriptions, see here.
Q: I'd like to pursue a Chinese language minor. What are the specific requirements for a minor?
A: For more information about minor requirements, see here.
Q: Can I retake Topics in Conversational Chinese (EAST-UA 207) and Topics in Advanced Conversational Chinese (EAST-UA 208)?
A: Yes, you can repeat those two courses once. However, if you are pursuing a Chinese language minor, only up to 4 credits earned from these conversational courses can count toward fulfilling the minor requirements.
Q: I have completed a Chinese course at NYU, but I am not satisfied with my grade. Can I retake the same class?
A: You can retake a course; however, the grades from both classes will be recorded and reflected in your transcript. Additionally, credits earned from a repeated course cannot count toward a minor.
Q: I have taken Chinese courses elsewhere. Can my credits be transferred?
A: Take a placement exam and contact Professor Coderre, Director of Undergraduate Studies. For more information about transferring credits, see here.