Chinese courses
101, 102. Elementary Chinese.
This is a two-semester sequence providing an introduction to the speaking, reading, writing and listening comprehension of modern Mandarin Chinese. Through this course students are expected to be able to communicate in Mandarin Chinese on a basic level. Class sessions plus lab. Open to students with no prior study of Chinese. Also offered through Asian Studies.
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.
125 Early Asian Civilization
An introduction to the history of Asia to 1800 CE. The course focuses on several themes, all turning around how cultures and societies evolve and develop in interaction with each other. We explore cultural encounters through trade, war and diplomacy, personal encounters between individuals of different cultures and the processes of cultural diffusion, and pay attention to geography and the critical use of primary documents. Fulfills HU Distribution (2013 curriculum). Fulfills DIV13 Distribution (2013 curriculum).
201, 202. 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.
232. Chinese Cultures through Fiction and Film.
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, love and friendship, dream and soul, 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 Film Studies.
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, Asian Studies and, Film and Representation Studies.
235. Buddhism & Taoism in Film
This course examines the essence of the "Three Doctrines" by exploring the rich, colorful, and fascinating religious, philosophical, and ethical world in Asian films and explores their relationship with modern society as well. By taking this course, students will 1) Acquire a fundamental knowledge about Buddhism, one of the three major religions in the world, Taoism, the wide-spreading Chinese philosophy and religion, and Confucianism, the core of Chinese culture; 2) Savor wisdom and mysticism in the east, which are included mainly in the Taoist classics and Chan/Zen Buddhism; 3) Enjoy the best literary works and films in Asia; and 4) Develop skills of reading, speaking, writing, critical thinking and scholarly research. All readings are in English. Fulfills HU Distribution.
238. East Asian Literature and Film
This course provides an overview of East Asian literature and film. The first half of this course surveys traditional EA literature with a focus on masterpieces in the golden age of various genres, such as poetry, lyrics, drama, and fiction. The second half introduces modern EA literature with a focus on film, including the representative works by well-known writers Lu Xun, Ba Jin, Kawabata Yasunari, Osamu Dazai, and famous film directors such as Zhang Yimou, Chen Kaige, Yasujirō Ozu, and others. This course aims at enhancing students’ interests and skills in reading and analyzing EA literature and film; it also seeks to improve students’ understanding of the history, society, and culture of East Asia. All works are read in English translation. Students who have completed Chinese 102 or equivalent may earn Chinese language credit by completing select written assignments in Chinese and participating in an extra Chines-language discussion section, by registering via CHIN-234L. Fulfills HU Distribution.
489, 490 SYE Independent Study.
Independent study on advanced Chinese or a topic on Chinese literature and culture for seniors only.