Chinese Courses Spring 2005

CHN 102: Elementary Chinese II
Section 000 MW 11:45-12:35and TT 10:00-11:15 Zhu Max 15
Section 001 MW 10:40-11:30 and TT 11:30-12:45 Zhu Max 15
Section 002 MW 2:00-2:50 and TT 2:30-3:45 Ho Max 10
Section 003 MW 12:50-1:40 and TT 1:00-2:15 Zhu Max 15
(Section 002 is a distance-learning course with Oxford campus.)

Content: This course is the second semester of the two-semester Elementary Chinese course. It is designed for those who have taken CHN101. The course aims at further developing fundamental language skills. All four skills (speaking, reading, listening and writing) will be emphasized and learned in communicative context. Students are expected to actively participate in class by engaging in interactive activities and reading and writing practices. Many aspects of everyday Chinese culture will be introduced through these activities.

Required Texts: Tao-chung Yao and Yue-hua Liu, Integrated Chinese Textbook Level I Part II; Tao-chung Yao and Yue-hua Liu, Integrated Chinese Workbook Level I Part II; Tao-chung Yao and Yue-hua Liu, Integrated Chinese Character Workbook Level I Part II

Particulars: Prerequisites: CHN 101 or consent of instructor. Grading is based on active class participation, written and oral assignment, regular quizzes, lesson tests, and final examination.

CHN 190: Mind and Body in China
Section 00P TT 1:00-2:15 Ho Max 15 (Freshmen only)

Content: This course will explore the theoretical and practical aspects of the concept of "Mind and Body" in Chinese religious traditions. As we explore how these traditional Chinese views fit into a modern context, students will have hands-on-experience with this ancient widsom, such as Qigong, Tai-chi, seated and moving meditation, acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine, spiritual practice in nature, and Daoist methods of enhancing longevity.

Required Texts: TBA

Particulars: There will be short written assignments, a group project on developing practical methods of mind/body cultivation and a research paper comparing Chinese and other conceptions of mind and body.

CHN 202: Intermediate Chinese II
Section 000 MW 10:40-11:30 and TT 11:30-12:45 Kurtz/Yu Max 15
Section 001 MW 11:45-12:35 and TT 1:00-2:15 Kurtz/Yu Max 15

Content: This course provides intermediate-level training in spoken and written Chinese in cultural context, based on language skills developed in CHN 201. Particular attention is given to complex grammatical patterns, discourse characteristics, and discussions of cultural topics

Required Texts: Tao-chung Yao and Yue-hua Liu, Integrated Chinese Textbook Level 2;
Tao-chung Yao and Yue-hua Liu, Integrated Chinese Workbook Level 2

Particulars: Prerequisites: CHN 201 or consent of the instructor.

CHN 302WR: Advanced Chinese II
Section 000 MWF 12:50-1:40 Cai Max 15

Content: This is the second semester of Advanced Chinese. The course places emphasis on the communicative function of the language where advanced reading grammar and conversation are stressed. Periodic translation exercises will provide students the opportunity to gauge how well they understand nuances in the language. The content of the textbook focuses on the rapidly changing attitudes and values of modern China. Authentic reading materials are included in each lesson, such as newspaper articles, television, news broadcasts, short works of fiction, and some film. Students will be expected to read complex and simplified characters. Satisfies G.E.R. post-freshman writing.

Required Texts: China Scene: An Advanced Chinese Multimedia Course

Particulars: Prerequisites: CHN 301 or consent of the instructor.

CHN 360WR: Chinese Women in Film and Fiction
Section 000 MWF 2:00-2:50 Cai max 11
cross-list as ASIA 360WR max 2
cross-list as WS 360WR max 2

Content: An examination of woman as trope in modern Chinese cinema and literature in the twentieth century. It explores how "the modern woman" became a cultural construct and how that construct has redefined gender role and femininity. Special attention will be paid to such issues as self-identity, love, marriage, family, and social opportunities. All readings are in English translation. Knowledge of Chinese language is not required. Satisfies G.E.R. post-freshman writing requirement and G.E.R. area V.C.

Required Texts: The Three Inch Golden Lotus by Feng Jicai; The Butcher's Wife by Li Ang; Contemporary Women Writers: Hong Kong and Taiwan. Ed. Eva Hung; Bamboo Shoots after the Rain: Contemporary Stories by Women Writers of Taiwan. Eds. Ann C. Carver and Sung-sheng Yvonne Chang; Stories on reserve

Particulars: All readings are in English translation. Course requirements include three short written assignments, a research paper, one presentation, and active class participation.

CHN 373S/WR: Confucian Classics
Section 000 TT 2:30-3:45 Kurtz Max 9
cross-list as REL 374S/WR max 3
cross-list as ASIA 370S/WR max 3

Content: For more than two thousand years, a small set of texts associated with Confucius (551-479 BC) and his disciples formed the core of the Chinese educational curriculum. As a store of knowledge shared by all educated men and women, the Confucian Classics shaped Chinese literati culture from late antiquity to the early 20th century. The goal of this survey course is to illustrate the diversity of the literary and cultural practices that evolved around this unique body of writings. The course is roughly divided into two parts. First, we will attempt to establish a framework for understanding the textual history and changing significance of the Classics throughout Chinese history. Drawing on a broad selection of primary sources (to be read in English translation), we will then examine how the canonized ideas were refracted in literary, philosophical, religious and political discourse. Satisfies G.E.R. post-freshman writing requirement and G.E.R. area IV.A (Humanities, textual).

Required Texts: Nylan, Michael. The Five “Confucian” Classics. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2001. Gardner, Daniel K. Chu Hsi. Learning to Be a Sage. Selections from the Conversations of Master Chu, Arranged Topically. Berkeley et al.: University of California Press 1990.

Particulars: Knowledge of Chinese is NOT required. Grading: class participation, written assignments, exams, paper.

CHN 402WR: Advanced Reading in Modern Chinese
Section 000 TT 10:00-11:15 Li Max 15

Content: This course is the continuation of Chinese 401. It aims at further developing students' ability to use the Chinese language at a more advanced level and deepening students understand of Chinese culture and society. Students are expected to prepare in advance, then read and discuss the material in Chinese. The emphasis of the course is placed on accurate reading comprehension and expansion of vocabulary and grammatical knowledge for expressing sophisticated ideas. Satisfies G.E.R. post-freshman writing requirement.

Texts: TBA

Particulars: Prerequisite: CHN 401 or consent of instructor.

CHN 397R: Directed Reading
Section 00P (Permission only)
VC

CHN 495BWR: Chinese Honors II
Section 00P (Permission only)

CHN 496R: Chinese Language Internship
Section 00P (Permission only)
VC

This page last updated November 8, 2004