Chinese 101-102 Elementary Chinese
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.
Chinese 103-104: Intermediate Chinese
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. Also offered through Asian Studies.
LTRN/ASIA 232: Cultures of China
This course is designed to introduce the history and culture of China from its earliest beginnings to late 19th Century, covering Chinese institutions, philosophical trends, religions, literature, arts, and special topics such as gender and family, among others. A variety of materials will be used, including Confucian and Taoist classics, Buddhist scriptures, literary and artistic works, 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.
LTRN 234: Chinese Literature and Film
This course provides an overview of Chinese literature and film. The first half of this course surveys traditional Chinese literature with a focus on masterpieces in the golden age of various genres, such as poetry in the Tang, lyric in the Song, drama in the Yuan, and fiction in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The second half introduces modern Chinese literature with a focus on film, including the representative works by well known writers Lu Xun, Ba Jin, and famous film directors such as Zhang Yimou, Chen Kaige, Wang Xiaoshuai, and others. This course aims at enhancing students’ interests and skills in reading and analysis of Chinese literature and film, and it also seeks to 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.
Chinese 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.
Chinese 350: Teaching Languages.
Designed to help students develop competency in language instruction, Teaching Languages is mandatory for student teaching assistants in the department. We explore what it means to be part of a communicative classroom; students learn to create pedagogically sound activities which complement the textbook and VirtuaLab materials. 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. Teaching Languages is taught in English and cross-listed among all the languages.
489-490. SYE: Independent Study.
For senior students specially qualified. Offered on demand. Also offered through Asian Studies.
