Chinese (CHIN)

For students with no background in Chinese. An introduction to Mandarin Chinese emphasizing pronunciation and grammatical patterns. Introduction to Chinese characters. Prerequisite: None.

Continuation of -011. Prerequisite: CHIN-011.

This accelerated 6-credit course is designed for students of Chinese heritage and advanced beginners with good speaking and listening skills. It covers in one semester the materials equivalent to that of one academic year's Intensive First Level Chinese (011 and 012). The focus is on reading, writing, and grammar, along with continuing improvement of oral communication skills. The purpose of instruction is to utilize previous language background to lay a solid foundation for further Chinese language study (second level). Placement test and instructor's permission are required. Satisfactory completion of this course fulfills the prerequisite for Intensive Second Level Chinese (-111 or -114). Fall.

As the first part of Intensive Second Level Chinese, this course is designed to train students in all four language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Emphasis will be given to the acquisition of a substantial range of vocabulary and grammatical conventions. Six hours of classroom instruction including one hour of drill each week are required.

Continuation of Chin-111. As the second part of Intensive Second Level Chinese, this course is designed to train students in all four language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Emphasis will be given to the acquisition of a substantial range of vocabulary and grammatical conventions. Six hours of classroom instruction including one hour of drill each week are required.

This accelerated course is designed for students of Chinese heritage and advanced beginners with good speaking and listening skills. It covers in one semester the materials equivalent to that of one academic year's Intensive Second Level Chinese (111 and 112). The focus is on reading, writing, and grammar, along with continuing improvement of oral communication skills. The purpose of instruction is to consolidate the foundation which students have built in their first level Chinese courses, to expand their vocabulary, and to introduce them to more complex grammatical structures. Placement test and instructor's permission are required. Satisfactory completion of this course fulfills the prerequisite for Third Level Chinese I (211). Note: Students are expected to enroll in both -013 and -114 during the same academic year. Spring.

This course offers continued training in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in Chinese at an advanced level. Its aim is to guide students through the difficult transition from colloquial Chinese to literary Chinese, and to help students express their ideas about cultural and social matters in Chinese.

Continuation of CHIN-211. This course offers continued training in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in Chinese at an advanced level. Its aim is to guide students through the difficult transition from colloquial Chinese to literary Chinese, and to help students express their ideas about cultural and social matters in Chinese.

This course aims to familiarize students with the linguistic features of modern Mandarin (standard) Chinese. It investigates the fundamentals of Chinese phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and the writing system. The historical development of Mandarin Chinese and the interaction of Chinese with culture and society will also be discussed. At the end of the semester, students are expected to have a good knowledge about the key aspects of Mandarin Chinese as well as its social-cultural meanings. The course will be conducted in English. Knowledge about general linguistics is preferred.

The course uses texts from Chinese philosophy, biography, poetry, and fiction to examine the significance of war in the Chinese cultural tradition. In early philosophical traditions, what are the obligations of rulers facing war? When is warfare justifiable? What aspects of war and individual action are commemorated in later biographies, prose accounts, and the monumental Ming dynasty novel Three Kingdoms? How are individual and cultural memory developed in poetic mediations on battlefields and post-war social landscape? Texts are in English translation, and will emphasize the pre-modern period. Course conducted in English. Prerequisite: None.

Starting from the basic observation that without humans there is no landscape but only land, this course examines how landscapes have been constructed, represented, interpreted, and altered in China, from early to modern times. Course materials will include literature (landscape writing in poetry and prose), visual arts (painting, gardens, and cityscapes), and recent writings that reexamining Chinese culture's complex relationship with landscape. Course taught in English. Prerequisite: None.

While Confucianism is a broad term encompassing a considerable range of different conceptions of human nature and how to improve it, all of them share the basic view that morality concerns a view about human nature and its cultivation aimed at enhancing the welfare of self and society by producing people of humane and admirable character. Confucianism starts with a challenge to each and every person to improve themselves and to extend the scope of their moral concern from themselves and their immediate family and friends to neighbors, society, and eventually the world at large. The ultimate aim is to move from the individual to “all under heaven” and bring peace, prosperity, and happiness to all. In this class we shall ask, how accurate, plausible, and complete are the theories of human nature that underlie the ethical thought of different Confucian philosophers? Do such theories find any support from the best psychology and cognitive neuroscience of our day? Moreover, are the normative moral claims Confucians derive from their theories of human nature universally valid, merely one variation among many possible forms of society and culture, or without any normative force (i.e. incapable of justifying the moral claims they make)? In order to achieve the ends described in the previous paragraph, this course will describe, analyze, and evaluate the theories of the two most important early followers of Kongzi (Confucius): Mengzi (Mencius) and Xunzi from the perspective of both modern science and comparative philosophy. Our aims are on the one hand, to gain a more accurate and philosophically sophisticated understanding of their views and on the other hand to bring their views into constructive conversation with other thinkers and the insights of contemporary psychology, cognitive neuroscience, anthropology, and philosophy.

Explores aspects of the philosophy of Wang Yangming.

Since the turn of the twenty-first century, the rise of Chinese science fiction has become a momentous literary phenomenon domestically and globally. As a form of speculative literature, Chinese SF has always been associated with understanding China’s economic, sociopolitical, and scientific transformations. The primary concern of this course is to probe the literary arena where Chinese SF becomes a cultural signifier that unpacks drastic social changes, anticipates a new epoch, and, significantly, reveals a sense of anxiety toward an uncertain future. This course explores the development of Chinese SF in a global context since the early twentieth century. The focus of the class will be on literary analysis, with particular attention to the topics of empire and nation, modernity and modernization, and so on. At the same time, we will use Chinese SF as a core from which to introduce various dimensions of Chinese culture and history. This course will be conducted in English in the form of lectures and discussions.

Discourse about the “Chinese Dream” is ubiquitous in contemporary Chinese politics and culture. What it means, however, is less clear; what is has meant, even more so. What a “modern” China could and should look like has been a point of debate for more than 150 years, and the Chinese people’s dreams and aspirations for their country and kin have changed dramatically over that time. While the Chinese state may be one producer of such dreams, so too are the Chinese people, who have made their own dreams known by engaging in the creative production of literature, film, television, and other media. Surveying a range of media produced between the turn of the twentieth century and today, this course investigates the political and cultural debates and issues that have culminated in the contemporary discourse of the “Chinese Dream.”

This course is taught in English and all materials will be available in English translation.

This course investigates the changing meanings and manifestations of “ethnicity” in the territory we now refer to as the People’s Republic of China. What “China” is and has been are not uniform across time, and neither are the ways that Chinese people have understood ethnic identity and difference. Moreover, how the category of ethnicity participated in the creation of “China” as an intellectual concept and political category in the modern era was not inevitable. Through the study of literature, film, historical and political documents, as well as scholarly research, we will grapple with the shifting meanings of both “China” and “ethnicity” and try to lay a foundation for understanding one of the most important issues in modern Chinese culture.

For students who have completed Chinese 212 or equivalent, this course is designed as the first half of a year-long fourth-level Chinese course. It provides integrated, proficiency-oriented language instruction that aims at improving students’ comprehensive Chinese language skills, including speaking, listening, reading and writing at a relatively advanced level. The broad range of reading material includes reports and analyses of Chinese society, news and popular culture in a variety of media, and short literary works. Students will learn colloquial and formal Chinese expressions and grammatical structures, and better understand Chinese political and cultural events. In addition to regular quizzes and short essay assignments, students are expected to prepare group projects, give classroom presentations, and engage in classroom discussions. This course has both mid-term and final exams.

For students who have completed Chinese 212 or equivalent, this course is designed as the second half of a year-long fourth-level Chinese course. It provides integrated, proficiency-oriented language instruction that aims at improving students’ comprehensive Chinese language skills, including speaking, listening, reading and writing at a relatively advanced level. The broad range of reading material includes reports and analyses of Chinese society, news and popular culture in a variety of media, and short literary works. Students will learn colloquial and formal Chinese expressions and grammatical structures, and better understand Chinese political and cultural events. In addition to regular quizzes and short essay assignments, students are expected to prepare group projects, give classroom presentations, and engage in classroom discussions. This course has both mid-term and final exams.

This course trains students in selected techniques of oral expression to develop greater fluency, accuracy, and confidence in spoken Chinese. Conversational topics are based on contemporary issues in Chinese-speaking regions.

This course is a structured introduction to the specific medium and format of Chinese news and other television programs, focusing on politics, economics, and culture. Students will acquire familiarity with specialized vocabulary, idioms, syntax, and stylistic conventions different from more colloquial forms of spoken and written Chinese. Not open to native Chinese speakers.

This course provides students with advanced skills in reading materials related to Chinese business.

This course is a continuation of Chin-321. It trains students to further develop advanced skills in reading materials related to Chinese business.

Readings in Contemporary Chinese Culture & Society. Chinese CHIN 325 is an advanced fourth Level Chinese course, designed to consolidate students’ language skills at the advanced level and promote their cultural literacy. In this course, students will read and discuss intensively articles on various contemporary social-cultural topics, such as urbanization and cultural heritage, entertainment, food culture, and the influence of Confucianism on modern China, etc. To facilitate students’ reading speed and comprehension level, authentic articles on related topics will also be provided for extensive reading and discussion. Through reading, discussion, and writing projects, students are expected to advance their speaking, reading, and writing abilities as well as the ability to understand and comment critically on contemporary social-cultural issues in China. Prerequisites: CHIN 212 or placement test

This course is designed for advanced learners of Chinese as a second language. Participants will study short stories by prominent writers published in the late 1990's. These stories focus on contemporary themes such as the impacts of the market economy on families, recollections of the Cultural Revolution, and the common social issues of sex, drugs, and crime. The course aims to advance cultural literacy and analytical competency in the language. Conducted in Chinese. Textbook: Ying Wang and Carrie E. Reed eds., _Advanced Reader of Contemporary Chinese Short Stories: Reflections on Humanity_(Seattle: University of Washington Press, 2003).

This reading and discussion course studies essays and short stories written in the Republic era before 1949 by some of the most renowned Chinese writers, such as Ba Jin, Lin Yutang and Wang Li. Through reading authentic material in Chinese, students will learn to appreciate Chinese literature and society, learn literary terms, improve vocabulary skills and cultivate analytical abilities.

Readings of current events from Chinese newspapers and periodicals published in mainland China, Taiwan, and the U.S.. Emphasis on the development of all four skills, specially on the reading ability of newspaper articles on different subjects and the analysis of sentence structures. Not open to native Chinese speakers.

This course aims to develop students’ command of the Chinese language through critical study of authentic written and video materials relating to diplomatic interaction between China and the United States. The course is divided chronologically into three thematic units: the establishment of diplomatic relations, the period of conflict, and the early 21st century. Students participating in this class will develop their Chinese ability in critical, practical areas: Understand and appropriately use diplomacy-related Chinese vocabulary Identify complex syntactic structures, understand their form-meaning connections, and utilize them appropriately Analyze Chinese discourse strategies and apply them to appropriate situations Comprehend, critically read, and discuss diplomacy-related Chinese materials Write up and present research reports in Chinese

Classical Chinese is the language of the bulk of the Chinese textual tradition from early historical and philosophical writings down to the early twentieth century. This course introduces the basic structures and vocabulary of that language, which still has a large influence on the formal written prose of modern newspapers and documents. Prerequisite: -212 or permission of instructor.

A reading and discussion class examining traditional Chinese writings about dreams, including passages from historical and philosophical texts, fiction, plays, and dream interpretation manuals. All readings are in Classical Chinese or late-imperial vernacular, with glosses. Dreams will be viewed as manifestations of psychology, links to the other-worldly, harbingers of fate, images of desire, and narrative devices. (This course does not fulfill the humanities and writing General Education requirements.) Prerequisite: CHIN-362 or equivalent.

A reading and discussion class examining major themes in the Chinese narrative tradition from the late Zhou to the Qing dynasty, with particular emphasis on classical tales from the Tang period. All readings are in Classical or late imperial vernacular Chinese, with glosses. Prerequisite: CHIN-362 or equivalent.

This course aims to familiarize students with the linguistic features of modern Mandarin (standard) Chinese. It investigates the fundamentals of Chinese phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and the writing system. The historical development of Mandarin Chinese and the interaction of Chinese with culture and society will also be discussed. At the end of the semester, students are expected to have a good knowledge about the key aspects of Mandarin Chinese as well as its social-cultural meanings. The course will be conducted in Chinese. Knowledge about general linguistics is preferred.

This class introduces students to representative Confucian philosophers from the pre-modern period in China, Korea, and Japan. It consists of weekly lectures and related discussion sections. The course will focus on what in the West is called neo-Confucianism, which means that it will be primarily concerned with Confucian thinkers from roughly the 10th century CE onward. Some background in Confucian philosophy is recommended, for example, Theology 2570 “Chinese Philosophy” would help to prepare someone for this class and knowledge of East Asian Buddhism would be helpful. The course will be conducted in English. Students who have questions about preparation are encouraged to consult with and get permission from the instructor.

Readings original texts in the classical language.

This class introduces students to the critical reading of traditional commentaries, primarily those on the Analects, and how to employ these to arrive at different interpretations. It assumes a fairly high level of ability to read Classical Chinese and to understand written English. It will explore and evaluate modern translations of passages from the Analects in English, Japanese, Korean, German, French, and Latin, though facility in these languages are not required to take the class.

This class introduces students to the Extant Works of the Two Cheng [Brothers] from Henan (Henan Chengshi yishu 河南程氏遺書), a collection of recorded sayings that presents the philosophy of two of the most original, creative, and influential thinkers of the Confucian tradition: Cheng Hao 程顥 (1032-85) and Cheng Yi 程頤 (1033-1107). The Extant Works of the Cheng Brothers from Henan arguably laid the foundation for the two major schools of what in the West is called neo-Confucianism. This is an advanced level class and assumes a fairly high level of ability to read Classical Chinese as well as a solid grasp of Confucian philosophy. The class will be conducted as a seminar, students will come to class regularly prepared to read, translate, and discuss the readings assigned for that day.

From May Fourth to June Fourth, from the Chinese Enlightenment to the dissident narratives, this course spotlights some historical events and significant moments in modern Chinese history. Our goal is to trace the trauma, resistance, and resilience that profoundly shaped China from the early twentieth century to the present. By closely examining an assortment of textual and cinematic materials, we will discuss how key cultural-political movements are woven into an array of rhetorical styles and affective scenarios. Throughout the course, we will stay longer with the issues of modernist innovation, socialist processes, feminist thinking, and so on. This course will be conducted in Chinese in the form of lectures and discussions.

This is a fifth-level Chinese course with a focus on modern Chinese-language literature and designed for students who have completed at least two 3000- or 3100-level Chinese courses or placed into the 3500-level; the course will be conducted entirely in Chinese. The course provides a general introduction to Chinese literary writings from the long twentieth century and aims to improve students’ comprehensive Chinese language skills at an advanced level. Students will read and discuss major literary works, primarily in the short story genre, by a broad range of writers, from Lu Xun--arguably “the father of modern Chinese literature"--to globally renowned writers like Eileen Chang and Yu Hua. The goal of this course is to familiarize students with the various literary expressions of modern China, as well as their changing cultural and political contexts.

This is a fifth-level Chinese course with a focus on applying your language skills in advanced reading, writing, and discussion contexts; in many ways, you may think of this as a content course that happens to be conducted in Mandarin Chinese. The topic of the course focuses on modern literature from the island of Taiwan. Once a peripheral island in the Chinese imaginary, it has long since become central to discussions of Chinese identity and nationhood. We will use literature as a lens for learning about Taiwan history, culture, and politics from the twentieth century to today, covering topics such as colonialism, leftism, political oppression, nativism, feminism, and Indigeneity through the works of canonical writers such as Lai He, Long Yingzong, Pai Hsien-yung, Chu T’ien-wen, and Syaman Rapongan.

The course introduces students to a variety of writings by contemporary Chinese scholars and public intellectuals on Chinese literature, history, thought, the arts, both modern and pre-modern. Writings will be drawn from books, intellectual magazines, the web, and journals, and most will straddle the border between academic and serious popular writing. The course is aimed at students who have completed at least one course in Chinese at the 300-level. Attention will be given to reading comprehension and to discussion of the approaches and ideas of the readings, as well as to presentation and translation skills. We may also employ some English-language writings for comparative purposes or background.

Each year the senior seminar will examine critical approaches to literary, historical, and cultural studies in the context of a specific topic in Chinese culture. Utilizing the approaches discussed, students will undertake individual research papers on topics of their own choosing, mastering fundamental research skills for Chinese studies along the way. Prerequisite: Required of, and restricted to, Chinese majors.