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Chinese Course Descriptions

Note

(3) = Number of credits.

(Y) = Code for frequency course is offered. Variations are: S = offered fall and spring semesters; Y = offered at least once every academic year (fall or spring semester); SI = offered upon sufficient student interest; IR = offered irregularly. The Department reserves the right to place any student in the course most appropriate to his or her skill level. Such placement will be the responsibility of the coordinator for each language program, and should be made by the fifth class meeting.


CHINESE LANGUAGE

Instruction is regularly offered in the first four years of modern Chinese, and in the first year of the classical language. When demand warrants, Classical Chinese beyond the elementary level is also offered. Literature is taught on a regular basis as well, both in the original and in English translation. Overseas programs are available for advanced students to study in China. Funds for language study in East Asia are available from the Weedon East Asia Travel Fund.

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CHIN 1010 Elementary Chinese (4) (Y)

Introduction to the fundamentals of modern Chinese. No prerequisites. This course is not intended for native or near-native speakers of Chinese. All four basic skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) are equally stressed. Prerequisite: none.

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CHIN 1020 Elementary Chinese (4) (Y)

The second in a two-semester introduction to modern Chinese. All four basic skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) are equally stressed. Course is not intended for native or near- native speakers of Chinese. Prerequisite: CHIN 1010 or equivalent background (as demonstrated in the department's placement test).

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CHIN 1060 Accelerated Elementary Chinese (4) (Y)

Specifically intended for students with native or near-native speaking ability in Mandarin Chinese, but little or no reading and writing ability. The course focuses on reading and writing Chinese. The goals of this course are to help students: (a) achieve control of the Chinese sound system (the 4 tones and Pinyin) and basic components of Chinese characters; (b) be able to write 400-500 characters, (c) express themselves clearly in written form on a variety of covered topics using learned grammar patterns and vocabulary, (d) improve their basic reading skills (including learning to use a Chinese dictionary).

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CHIN 2010 Intermediate Chinese (4) (Y)

Builds on the foundations acquired in CHIN 1010-1020 with further refinement of all four basic skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Course is not intended for native or near-native speakers of Chinese. Prerequisite: CHIN 1020 or equivalent background (as demonstrated in the department's placement test).

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CHIN 2020 Intermediate Chinese (4) (Y)

Prerequisite: CHIN 2010, 2020 are the continuation of CHIN 1020. They are not intended for native or near-native speakers of Chinese. The goals of this course are to help students improve their spoken and aural proficiency, achieve a solid reading level, and learn to express themselves clearly in writing on a variety of covered topics using learned grammar patterns and vocabulary. These goals are approached through grammar and reading-writing exercises, classroom drills, listening and speaking activities, and written quizzes and exams.

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CHIN 2060 Accelerated Intermediate Chinese (4) (Y)

This course is specifically designed for students with native or near-native speaking ability in Mandarin Chinese, but with reading and writing ability equivalent to a student who has completed CHIN 1020. The course focuses on reading and writing Chinese. The goals of this course are to help students: (a) achieve a basic level of reading competency with a vocabulary of 1000 characters; (b) express themselves clearly in written Chinese on a variety of topics using learned grammar patterns and vocabulary. Prerequisite: CHIN 1060 or equivalent (as demonstrated in the placement test).

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CHIN 3010 Pre-advanced Chinese I (3) Y

These courses are the continuation of Intermediate Chinese (CHIN 202). They are not intended for native or near-native speakers of Chinese. All four basic skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) are equally stressed. Readings and discussions are related to various aspects of modern China. The class is conducted mainly in Mandarin Chinese. Prerequisite: CHIN 2020 or equivalent (as demonstrated in the placement test).

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CHIN 3020 Pre-advanced Chinese II (3) Y

Readings and discussion are related to various aspects of modern China. The class is conducted mainly in Mandarin Chinese. Course is not intended for native or near-native speakers of Chinese. All four basic skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) are equally stressed.

Prerequisite: CHIN 3010 or equivalent (as demonstrated in the department's placement test).

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CHIN 3015 Language House Conversation (1) (Y) CHIN 3025 Language House Conversation (1) (Y)

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CHIN 3050 Pre-advanced Speaking and Reading in Chinese (3) Y

This course is open to all students who have completed CHIN2020 or CHIN2060. This course focuses on improving oral communication skills needed for various social settings such as carrying on an intelligent conversation about various aspects of modern life, telling a story in a detailed and compelling manner, or engaging in extensive discussions on various social issues. Readings will be used as input to enhance speaking skills. Prerequisite: CHIN 2020/CHIN 2060 or permission of instructor.

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CHIN 4010 Advanced Readings in Modern Chinese (3) (Y)

The goal of this course is to help students understand journalistic and editorial essays through systematic study of sentence patterns and formal writing styles and enhance listening comprehension by watching talk shows and public speeches on line. By the end of the course the students should be able to read authentic materials with the help of a dictionary, be able to write essays in formal style and be able to grasp the main points in speeches. Prerequisite: CHIN 3020, or equivalent (as demonstrated in the placement test).

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CHIN 4020 Advanced Readings in Modern Chinese (3) (Y)

The goal of this course is to help students understand journalistic and editorial essays through systematic study of sentence patterns and formal writing styles and enhance listening comprehension by watching talk shows and public speeches on line. By the end of the course the students should be able to read authentic materials with the help of a dictionary, be able to write essays in formal style and be able to grasp the main points in speeches. Prerequisite: CHIN 4010, or equivalent (as demonstrated in the placement test).

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CHIN 4030 Business Chinese (3) (Y)

Business Chinese is a one-term language course designed for students who have studied CHIN 5810 or CHIN4060. It is aimed to further enhance student's Chinese proficiency through studying the texts in the business context and culture in contemporary China. Prerequisites: CHIN 4020/7020, CHIN4060 or equivalent as demonstrated in the placement test.

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CHIN 4060  Topics on Modern China (3) (Y)

The goal of CHIN 4060 is to continue enhancing students' reading comprehension and writing skills by systematically exposing them to formal written Chinese, works of literature, and vigorous writing exercises. By the end of the course the students should be able to read authentic materials with the help of a dictionary and be able to write essays of 500 words in length on assigned topics. Prerequisite: CHIN4020 or permission of instructor.

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CHIN 4200   Modern Chinese Literary Translation (3) SI

This course combines language skills with knowledge of literary styles and techniques. It is conducted bilingually and focuses on the translation of literary essays, fiction and poetry from modern Chinese into English. Work is project-based and students work both in groups on collective translations, and individually on personalized translation projects. There is also a 10-page analytical paper (in English or Chinese) at the end of the semester, on some aspect of literary translation. Fulfills the capstone requirement for the Chinese and East Asian Studies majors. Prerequisite: CHIN 4020 or equivalent as demonstrated to instructor for permission to enroll.

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CHIN 4830/5830 Introduction to Classical Chinese Prose (3) (Y)

An introduction to classical Chinese, focusing on basic patterns, particles, and vocabulary.  Class conducted in English.  Students of Japanese and Korean with knowledge of Chinese characters welcome.

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CHIN 4840/5840  Introduction to Classical Chinese Poetry (3) (Y)

Introduces the grammar and structure of classical Chinese poetry. Requisite: Consent of Instructor

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CHIN 4993 Independent Study in Chinese (Varies) (SI)

May not substitute for an existing course. Proposed syllabus must be endorsed by an instructor and the Language Program Director and approved by the department chair before the beginning of classes in the semester given. Subject to instructor availability. Preference is given to Chinese and East Asian Studies majors.

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CHIN 5010 Readings in Modern Chinese Literature (3) (Y)

This course is the continuation of Intermediate Chinese (CHIN 202), and is for graduate students to enroll. It is not intended for native or near-native speakers of Chinese. All four basic skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) are equally stressed. Readings and discussions are related to various aspects of modern China. The class is conducted mainly in Mandarin Chinese. Prerequisite: CHIN 2020 or equivalent as demonstrated in the placement test.

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CHIN 5020 Readings in Modern Chinese Literature (3) (Y)

This course is the continuation of CHIN 5010 and is for graduate students to enroll. Readings and discussion are related to various aspects of modern China. The class is conducted mainly in Mandarin Chinese. Course is not intended for native or near-native speakers of Chinese. All four basic skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) are equally stressed. Prerequisite: CHIN 5010 or equivalent as demonstrated in the department's placement test.

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CHIN 5810 Media Chinese I (3) (Y)

Studies electronic and print media in Chinese, emphasizing current events as reported in the Chinese speaking world, to further develop proficiency in all four language skills. Prerequisite: CHIN 4020 or CHIN 4060 or equivalent as demonstrated in the department’s placement test.

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CHIN 5830 Introduction to Classical Chinese (3) (Y)

Introduction to the grammar and structure of classical Chinese.

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CHIN 7010 Advanced Readings in Modern Chinese (3) (Y)

This course is the continuation of CHIN 5020 and is intended for graduate students. The goal of this course is to help students understand journalistic and editorial essays through systematic study of sentence patterns and formal writing styles, and enhance listening comprehension by watching talk shows and public speeches on line. By the end of the course the students should be able to read authentic materials with the help of a dictionary, to be able to write essays in formal style and to be able to grasp the main points in speeches.

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CHIN 7020 Advanced Readings in Modern Chinese (3) (Y)

This course is the continuation of CHIN 7010 and is intended for graduate students. The goal of this course is to continue to help students understand journalistic and editorial essays through systematic study of sentence patterns and formal writing styles and to enhance listening comprehension by watching talk shows and public speeches on line. By the end of the course, the students should be able to read authentic materials with the help of a dictionary, be able to write essays in formal style and be able to grasp the main points in speeches. Prerequisite: CHIN 7010 or instructor permission.

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CHIN 7030 Business  Chinese (3) (Y)

Business Chinese is a one-term language course designed for students who have studied CHIN 5810 or CHIN 4060. CHIN 7030 is for graduate students. It is aimed at further enhancing students’ Chinese proficiency through studying the texts in a business context and culture in contemporary China. Prerequisites: CHIN 4020/7020, CHIN 4060 or equivalent language proficiency.

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CHIN 8993 Independent Study (Varies) (SI)

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CHINESE LITERATURE IN TRANSLATION

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CHTR 3010/5010 Survey of Traditional Chinese Literature  (3) (Y)

Introductory survey of Chinese literature from earliest times (first millennium BCE) to the Qing Dynasty (ended 1911) in English translation, including major works from the genres of poetry, essays, drama, and fiction. In addition to familiarizing students with the Chinese literary canon, the course will focus on literary analysis and interpretation, cross-cultural reading, and philosophical, political, and social issues in Chinese literary culture.

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CHTR 3020/5020 Survey of Modern Chinese Literature  (3) (Y)

Survey of Chinese literature and film in English translation since the beginning of the 20th century. Contending strands such as revolutionary, romantic, modernist, nativist, popular and women’s writing are represented by their most distinctive achievements. Major themes include tensions between Chinese and Western culture, tradition and modernity, masculinity and femininity, elite and popular, individual and national identities and class consciousness.

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CHTR 3132   Legends and Lore of Early China (3) (SI)

This course explores early Chinese legends and lore through close readings in two texts: the Zuo Commentary on the Spring and Autumn Annals (Chunqiu Zuo zhuan) and the Categorized Biographies of Women (Lienü zhuan). Students will also examine the systems of belief and legendary events that shaped the lives of a diverse array of heroes and exemplars.

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CHTR 3559/5559 (New Course in Chinese in Translation)

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CHTR 3840/5840 Writing Women in Modern China (3) (Y)

This seminar focuses on works of fiction from modern China that articulate womanhood from a variety of perspectives. In addition to women writers (Qiu Jin, Ding Ling, Eileen Chang, Xi Xi, Chen Ran, Zhu Tianxin), male writers such as Xu Dishan, Mao Dun, and Lao She who devote unusual attention to feminine subjectivity are also included.

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CHTR 3850/5850 Chinese Documentary Writing and Film. (3) (Y)

A seminar exploring the role of the documentary impulse in modern Chinese writing and film. Beginning with reportage literature and foreign documentaries about China from the early 20th century, the course follows the development of documentary art forms in the People’s Republic of China (with some attention to Taiwan as well), culminating in the recent trend of independent documentary filmmaking and its influence on narrative film aesthetics.