Chinese courses

101,102. Elementary Chinese with Lab.
This is a two-semester sequence providing an introduction to the speaking, reading, writing and oral comprehension of modern Mandarin Chinese. Films, Web sites and other current materials from China acquaint the student with contemporary Chinese culture and colloquial usage. Class sessions plus lab. Open to students with no prior study of Chinese. Also offered through Asian Studies.

103,104. Intermediate Chinese with Lab.
This is a two-semester sequence in intermediate Mandarin Chinese. The course content stresses all the basic language skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking. Emphasis is on active use of the students’ vocabulary and grammar. The course includes material every week on Chinese geography, history, culture and society.  104 also offered through Asian Studies.

232. Cultures of China.
This course is designed to introduce the history and culture of China from its earliest beginnings to the late 19th century, covering Chinese institutions, philosophical trends, religions, literature, arts, and special topics such as gender and family, among others. Materials include Confucian and Taoist classics, Buddhist scriptures, literary and artistic works and films, as well as modern scholarly publications. All readings are in English. No knowledge about China and Chinese language is required. Also offered through Literature in (English) Translation, Asian Studies, and History.

234.Chinese Literature and Film.
This course provides an overview of Chinese literature and film. The first half surveys traditional Chinese literature with a focus on masterpieces in the golden ages of various genres. The second half introduces modern Chinese literature with a focus on film, including representative works by well-known writers Lu Xun and Ba Jin, and famous film directors such as Zhang Yimou, Chen Kaige, Wang Xiaoshuai and others. The aim is to enhance students’ interests and skills in reading and analysis of Chinese literature and film, and improve students’ understanding of the history, society and culture of China. All works are read in English translation. Also offered through Literature in (English) Translation, Film Studies, and Asian Studies.

347, 348. Advanced Chinese.
This is a course in advanced Mandarin Chinese. While continuing to consolidate the foundation which students have built in their intermediate Chinese courses, this course seeks to further develop the student’s ability in all four skills of the Chinese language to the point where he or she will be able to communicate effectively with native speakers of the language, and become better prepared to read all varieties of authentic modern-language texts, including newspapers and short stories. Also offered through Asian Studies.

350. Teaching Languages.
Designed to help students develop competency in language instruction. This course is only offered for student teaching assistants in the department of the Modern Languages and literatures. We explore what it means to be part of a communicative classroom. Students learn how to integrate available technology into their teaching and create original visual and auditory materials and exercises for use in their own lab sections. Many Web 2.0 Tools are used in this course. Teaching Languages is taught in English and cross-listed among all the languages.