Course summary

Lancaster’s joint Chinese Studies and English Literature degree is taught by the Department of Languages and Cultures and the Department of English Literature and Creative Writing. The programme enables you to acquire high-level Chinese language skills while gaining a thorough understanding of China’s historical, cultural, social and political background in a global context. Chinese may be studied at either beginner or advanced level. In English Literature you will study a wide range of authors, genres, historical periods, literary movements, techniques and critical approaches. You will learn language and culture in innovative and engaging ways. For example, students learn the Chinese language in its social and cultural context by participating in a wide range of activities through the Chinese Friendship Project. Recent activities have included a day trip to Manchester Chinatown, Chinese Food Corner, Chinese Film Night, Chinese festival celebration, and more. The first year comprises an exploration of the Chinese language and its cultural context, as well as a core module in English Literature. Alongside this, you can choose another English Literature module such as World Literature or Introduction to Creative Writing. Beginners Languages Studying a language from beginners level is somewhat intense in nature so we only allow students to study one language from beginners level. Please bear this in mind when looking at our first year module options. If you apply to study a degree with a language from beginners level, your optional modules will only include higher level languages and modules in other subject areas.