An introduction to Mandarin, the language with the largest number of native speakers in the world, which is the national language of China and Taiwan, and one of the official languages of Singapore. Course objectives are for the student to develop simple, practical conversational skills and acquire basic proficiency in reading and writing in both the simplified and the traditional script at about the 500-character level. The relationship between language and culture and the sociolinguistically appropriate use of language will be stressed throughout. Both audio and video materials will be employed extensively. This is an EDI course. Throughout the course we will address issues of how cultural differences inform and are informed by different linguistic contexts and practices. [ more ]

An introduction to Mandarin, the language with the largest number of native speakers in the world, which is the national language of China and Taiwan, and one of the official languages of Singapore. Course objectives are for the student to develop simple, practical conversational skills and acquire basic proficiency in reading and writing in both the simplified and the traditional script at about the 500-character level. The relationship between language and culture and the sociolinguistically appropriate use of language will be stressed throughout. Both audio and video materials will be employed extensively. This is an EDI course. Throughout the course we will address issues of how cultural differences inform and are informed by different linguistic contexts and practices.. [ more ]

These two courses are designed to consolidate the foundations built in Basic Chinese and continue developing students' skills in aural comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. Upon completion of the courses, students should be able to speak Chinese with fluency on everyday topics, reach a literacy level of 1000 characters (approximately 1200 common words written in both traditional and simplified characters), read materials written in simple Standard Written Chinese, and produce both orally and in writing short compositions on everyday topics. Conducted in Mandarin. This is an EDI course. Throughout the course we will address issues of how cultural differences inform and are informed by different linguistic contexts and practices. [ more ]

These two courses are designed to consolidate the foundations built in Basic Chinese and continue developing students' skills in aural comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. Upon completion of the courses, students should be able to speak Chinese with fluency on everyday topics, reach a literacy level of 1000 characters (approximately 1200 common words written in both traditional and simplified characters), read materials written in simple Standard Written Chinese, and produce both orally and in writing short compositions on everyday topics. Conducted in Mandarin. This is an EDI course. Throughout the course we will address issues of how cultural differences inform and are informed by different linguistic contexts and practices. [ more ]

Although the oral skills will continue to receive attention, there is at this level increased emphasis on reading and writing. A major goal of the course will be developing students' reading proficiency in standard written Chinese, the grammar and vocabulary of which differ considerably from the colloquial written Chinese which was introduced during the first two years of instruction. Both simplified and traditional character texts will be used. Conducted in Mandarin. This is an EDI course. In addition to involving immersion in a classroom Chinese environment, much of our focus will be on the ways that various cultural issues are perceived and addressed differently (and, in many instances, in similar ways) in China and the US. [ more ]

Although the oral skills will continue to receive attention, there is at this level increased emphasis on reading and writing. A major goal of the course will be developing students' reading proficiency in standard written Chinese, the grammar and vocabulary of which differ considerably from the colloquial written Chinese which was introduced during the first two years of instruction. Both simplified and traditional character texts will be used. Conducted in Mandarin. This is an EDI course. In addition to involving immersion in a classroom Chinese environment, much of our focus will be on the ways that various cultural issues are perceived and addressed differently (and, in many instances, in similar ways) in China and the US. [ more ]

This CRASS undergraduate seminar emphasizes writing, critical reasoning, and analytical skills. It explores a variety of Zen art forms {painting, sculpture, architecture, ceramics, tea ceremony, and gardens} as expressions or visualizations of the ideals and doctrines of Zen Buddhism in the context of Chinese and Japanese cultures. Highlights include Zen's aesthetic principles as manifested in painting; dry gardens; the tea ceremony and its related art forms; iconographic development in Zen art; political functions of Zen in China and Japan's samurai culture; and feminine motifs of the Bodhidharma (founder of Zen Buddhism) symbology;and gender transformation of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara. [ more ]

This course is designed to enhance the Chinese language proficiency of students who are already at relatively advanced levels. A wide assortment of materials is used including (for speaking/comprehension) audiotapes, videotapes, and films featuring Chinese speakers from various segments of society; and (for reading) newspaper and magazine articles dealing with Chinese politics and economics as well as selections from modern Chinese literature. Conducted in Mandarin. This is an EDI course. In addition to involving immersion in a classroom Chinese environment, much of our focus will be on the ways that various cultural issues are perceived and addressed differently (and, in many instances, in similar ways) in China and the US. [ more ]

This course is designed to enhance the Chinese language proficiency of students who are already at relatively advanced levels. A wide assortment of materials is used including (for speaking/comprehension) audiotapes, videotapes, and films featuring Chinese speakers from various segments of society; and (for reading) newspaper and magazine articles dealing with Chinese politics and economics as well as selections from modern Chinese literature. Conducted in Mandarin. This is an EDI course. In addition to involving immersion in a classroom Chinese environment, much of our focus will be on the ways that various cultural issues are perceived and addressed differently (and, in many instances, in similar ways) in China and the US. [ more ]

Using selections from Chinese literary works, as well as journalistic and academic articles, this advanced reading course is designed to further develop students' abilities to analyze and discuss in Mandarin complex ideas related to Chinese cultural and social issues. Acquisition of specialized vocabulary and improving proficiency in formal discourse, both oral and written, are two primary aims of this course. [ more ]

Classical or "Literary" Chinese was the standard written language of China from around the seventh century BC until the 1920s and served for many centuries as an important written language in Japan, Korea, and Vietnam as well. Moreover, remnants of Classical Chinese are still used frequently in Modern Chinese, in both writing (e.g., newspaper, road signs and academic writing) and speech (e.g., proverbs and aphorisms). This course will serve as an introduction to the basic grammar and vocabulary of Classical Chinese. We will focus on philosophical, political, and historical anecdotes from works from the Spring and Autumn period (770-481 B.C.) through the Han Dynasty (202 B.C.-220 A.D.), as they served as the foundation for the language. While the main objective is to develop reading proficiency in Classical Chinese, the course will also serve to enhance proficiency in Modern Chinese through classroom discussion in Mandarin, translation of Classical Chinese into Modern Chinese, and comparison of Classical Chinese and Modern Chinese vocabulary and grammar. Conducted primarily in Mandarin. [ more ]

Chinese senior thesis. [ more ]

Chinese senior thesis. [ more ]

For students who have completed Chinese 402 and Chinese 412 or equivalent. Interested students must contact the Coordinator of the Chinese Program one semester in advance and present a proposal to the Coordinator or the professor with whom they wish to study during pre-registration week. [ more ]

For students who have completed Chinese 402 and Chinese 412 or equivalent. Interested students must contact the Coordinator of the Chinese Program one semester in advance and present a proposal to the Coordinator or the professor with whom they wish to study during pre-registration week. [ more ]