Research

The Chinese Studies Department is dedicated to giving its students research and internship opportunities in China and East Asia.

In addition to the research projects that are integral parts of many many Chinese Literature and Language and East Asian Studies courses, students have opportunities to design semester-long independent research courses, conduct thesis projects, collaborate with faculty members on research, and participate in supported field research and internships in East Asia.

Undergraduate research experiences are frequently required for admission to many graduate and professional schools, while internship opportunities are important for employers. Most elite graduate programs expect significant experiences in East Asia when a student applies. The Chinese Studies Department offers research experiences that help students become competitive graduate program candidates, and many of our recent graduates have continued their education at top graduate and professional programs around the country.

Independent Research

In CHI 295, students conduct independent research in collaboration with a faculty member.

In both the Chinese Literature and Language and East Asian Studies majors, a research seminar (e.g., CHI 405, CHI 406) are required for graduation and are designed to promote, develop, and recognize individual excellence through directed independent research. Contact Prof. Shelley Rigger at shrigger@davidson.edu for more information.

Research with Professors

Chinese Studies faculty members have a wide variety of research interests, and often collaborate with students on projects, as well as co-author papers and articles with them. For example, one graduate from the class of 2015 won a national award for an article that was published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Research with professors can be accomplished during the year or during the summer, with funding from the Davidson Research Initiative, Dean Rusk International Studies Program, and other research organizations and foundations. To find out more, look at the faculty interests and contact individuals for more information.

Many students engage in summer research in Asia. Recently students have conducted research in rural China, Korea, Malaysia, and other areas in East and Southeast Asia. Learn more about different research opportunities.