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Asian Studies

Asian Studies Program Offices

Xiaoke Jia

Affiliation: Asian Studies, Chinese
Senior Lecturer in Chinese Language, on leave for the 2024 spring semester

Xiaoke Jia is a senior lecturer in Chinese and the coordinator of the Chinese language program at Bowdoin. He earned his M.A. in linguistics and applied linguistics from Beijing Normal University, with a concentration on teaching Chinese as a second language. Prior to joining Bowdoin College, he taught Chinese language for all levels at Princeton University, including both heritage track and non-heritage track. He also taught for the Princeton in Beijing program and served as a head teacher, leading the fourth-year Chinese for four summers.

His research interests include language pedagogy, second language acquisition, and Chinese lexicology. Currently, he is exploring new approaches in Chinese instruction and program development: enriching students' cultural experiences by organizing events related to Chinese traditions; providing first-hand cultural exposure at various levels through "project-based learning" approaches; incorporating Chinese literature into advanced-level courses, guiding students to use their Chinese language as a tool for research; and fostering relationships with prestigious study abroad programs beyond Bowdoin, aiming to provide students with enhanced guidance in applying for international study opportunities.

He is passionate about cooking and Chinese cuisine, occasionally integrating Chinese culinary culture with teaching strategies to enhance students' cultural experience.

Teaching

Princeton University,  Princeton, NJ  09/2010-06/2013  
Lecturer in Chinese Language 

Bowdoin College, Brunswick, ME 09/2008-06/2010  
Lecturer in Chinese Language

Princeton in Beijing Summer Program (2010, 2012, 2020, 2021)  
Head instructor for fourth-year students and teachers

University of California Education Abroad Program Beijing, China  06/2006-08/2006
Instructor for elementary Chinese        

College of Chinese Language and Culture at Beijing Normal University  09/2006-01/2008
Instructor for second -year Chinese

Xiaoke Jia headshot

Education

  • MA, Linguistics and Applied Linguistics, Beijing Normal University
  • BA, Henan University
255 Maine Street
Brunswick, Maine 04011
 (207) 725-3000