Courses

101, 102 Beginning Chinese

Content: Introduction to basic structures of Standard Chinese with the goal of developing an elementary ability to converse, read, and write on topics of daily life. Emphasis on developing communicative competence. Reading and writing Chinese (approximately 400 characters). Contemporary culture introduced in the context of language learning.

Prerequisite: None. Must be taken in sequence.

Taught: Annually, 4 semester credits each.

 

201, 202 Intermediate Chinese

Content: Continuing development of ability to read and write on topics of daily life and general concern in Standard Chinese. Increase in expectation of students’ competence in the written language, including the addition of 900 characters. Introduction to the use of dictionaries. Basic expository writing.

Prerequisite: Chinese 102 or equivalent. Must be taken in sequence.

Taught: Annually, 4 semester credits each.

 

230, 231 Introduction to Chinese Literature in Translation

Content: Introduction to themes in the Chinese literary tradition. English translations of poetry, prose, fiction, drama from the 11th century B.C.E. to the 20th century, with emphasis on premodern Chinese literature. Lectures, discussions, student essays, and supplementary background readings on literary, cultural, historical, philosophical, religious, and social background of Chinese literary works studied. The 231 option for the course entails extra readings and assignments on theories and methodologies for literary and cultural studies. The 230 and 231 options may not be taken simultaneously. Taught in English; no background in Chinese language or literature required.

Prerequisite: None.

Taught: Alternate years, 4 semester credits. May be taken twice for credit if the topic is different.

 

251, 252 Chinese Conversation

Content: Vocabulary and idioms in spoken Chinese. Improving pronunciation and

correcting grammar to increase students’ mastery of spoken Chinese, encourage self-confidence in using the language, and enable students to function in a Chinese environment.

Prerequisite: Chinese 201 or consent of instructor.

Taught: Annually, 2 semester credits each. Both courses may be taken twice for credit or taken in sequence for a maximum of 4 credits, credit-no credit.

 

290, 291 Topics in Chinese Literature in Translation

Content: English translations focusing on literary genre (poetry, prose, fiction, drama), period (ancient, medieval, modern, contemporary), and/or theme (mythology, the supernatural, Taoist writings, secular rituals, race and gender).  Lectures, discussions, student essays, and background readings on literary, cultural, historical, philosophical, religious, and social background of works studied. Topics vary from year to year. The 291 option for the course entails extra readings and assignments on theories and methodologies for literary and cultural studies. The 290 and 291 options may not be taken simultaneously. Taught in English; no background in Chinese language or literature required.

Prerequisite: None. Chinese 230 or 231 recommended.

Taught: Alternate years, 4 semester credits. With consent of instructor, may be taken twice for credit.

 

310 Readings and Composition in Chinese

Content: Oral expression, listening comprehension, reading, and writing.  Expository and creative writing, syntax, idiomatic usage emphasized to promote fluency. Review and consolidation of grammar and Chinese characters from previous years, expansion of structural and idiomatic command. Increased use of Chinese dictionaries. Reading and writing in both regular and simplified characters. Short oral presentations, compositions, other exercises to build toward mastery of speaking, reading, writing. Short prose works, fiction, drama, poetry, print and video media.

Prerequisite: Chinese 202 or equivalent, or consent of instructor.

Taught: Annually, 4 semester credits. With consent of instructor, may be taken twice for credit.

 

320 Advanced Readings in Chinese

Content: Advanced language study based on readings and films about China on topics of cultural interest such as modes of thought, history, contemporary culture, current social issues. Substantial expansion of ability to read characters while maintaining written command through frequent writing exercises. Reading and writing in both regular and simplified characters. Topics vary from year to year.

Prerequisite: Chinese 202 or equivalent, or consent of instructor. Chinese 310

recommended.

Taught: Annually, 4 semester credits. With consent of instructor, may be taken

twice for credit.

 

410 Advanced Readings in Chinese: Society and Culture

Content: A continuation of advanced language study focusing on unedited Chinese texts and the tools necessary for understanding them. Readings from a variety of genres, including belles lettres, academic essays, newspapers. Includes an introduction to library and online resources commonly used for the study of Chinese texts. Students write critical essays on their readings. Content varies from year to year.

Prerequisite: Chinese 320 or equivalent, or consent of instructor.

Taught: Annually, 4 semester credits. With consent of instructor, may be taken twice for credit.

 

444 Chinese Practicum

Content: Advanced Chinese language students lead beginning and intermediate students in conversation groups and in discussions of Chinese culture.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

Taught: Each semester, 1-4 semester credits.

 

490 Honors Thesis

Content: Independent research project suitable for granting departmental honors. Details determined by student in conference with supervising faculty member.

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor. Departmental approval.

Taught: Annually, 1-4 semester credits, credit-no credit.