The Department of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (AMES)

The Department of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies is located on the second floor of the Folwell Hall, one of the most iconic buildings on UMN campus.

The Chinese Flagship program administratively belongs to the Department of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (AMES). Chinese Flagship students complete a curriculum towards advanced language proficiency and intercultural understanding primarily through Chinese language and culture courses offered by the AMES department.

Many of our students pursue a major in AMES with a subplan in Chinese studies, and may become double or triple majors combining the AMES degree with degrees from other disciplines such as history, global studies, or computer science.

However, you do not have to be an AMES major to study in the Chinese Flagship. If you complete the Flagship course requirements at UMN, you will have automatically qualified for an AMES minor with the Chinese subplan. You are also well-equipped for passing requirements for Certificate in Advanced Chinese.

View full AMES degree options and requirements here. See our “Academic” page for more information. Contact us at chnflag@umn.edu for more questions.

Meet AMES Faculty

History of Chinese Instruction and Related Programs at University of Minnesota

For more than 60 years, the University of Minnesota has offered Chinese language instruction and China-related programming. Below is a brief history.

1949: Richard Mather, the renowned Sinologist, initiated the Chinese language program at the University and established the program’s national prestige.

1979: University of Minnesota set up the first American-based study abroad program with Nankai University in the People’s Republic of China. Meanwhile, the China Center at the University of Minnesota was founded. 

2000: University of Minnesota set up the new Department of Asian Languages and Literatures (now AMES). Dr. Joseph R. Allen, also the founding director of Chinese Flagship, was hired to chair this department.

2009: University of Minnesota opened its Beijing office.

2014: Department of Asian Languages and Literatures (now AMES) received a federal grant to establish the Chinese Flagship program at the University of Minnesota.

2018: University of Minnesota established the Chinese Language and Culture House for Flagship purposes.