Courses
All courses carry 3 credits unless otherwise specified.
528 Chinese Language in Contexts
Explores aspects of Chinese language as studied in traditional Chinese linguistics, historical linguistics, sociolinguistics, and Chinese dialectology. Topics include historical sources, traditional divisions, formation of the standard dialect (Mandarin), social variations and geographical distributions. Prerequisites: CHINESE 375 and 427 or consent of instructor. Conducted in Chinese.
555 Masterpieces of Classical Chinese Poetry
Critical reading and appreciation of selections from major anthologies and authors of various poetic genres written in Classical Chinese from the Zhou dynasty to the present. Prerequisite: CHINESE 450 or consent of instructor.
575 Syntactic Structures of Chinese
The general nature of Chinese syntax: Mandarin in particular. Analysis of major syntactic constructions of Mandarin. Issues in Chinese linguistics. Topics of controversy on Mainland China before the Cultural Revolution. Prerequisites: two years of Mandarin or Cantonese and CHINESE 375 or consent of instructor.
576 History of the Chinese Language
Historical survey of the nature and development of Chinese grammatical and phonological structures in three stages: Archaic, Ancient, and Modern. Ability to use source materials in Chinese linguistics developed. Prerequisite: CHINESE 375 or consent of instructor.
577 Chinese Dialectology
Introduction to Chinese dialectology, focusing on geographical distribution and historical development of modern Chinese dialects. Systematic survey of phonological, lexical, and syntactic structures of the seven major Chinese dialectal groups. Reconstruction of the phonological systems of old Chinese, ca. 10th century B.C. and Middle Chinese, ca. 7th century A.D., based on comparative study of modern Chinese dialects. Prerequisite: CHINESE 375 or consent of instructor.
580 Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language I
Introduction to theory and research related to Chinese and other foreign language teaching methods with the emphasis on their application to Chinese teaching. Other topics include language pedagogy, lesson planning, teaching techniques, material development, testing, and teacher development. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
581 Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language II
Examines research and significant issues concerning Chinese language teaching and learning, and their implications for classroom instruction. Topics include language acquisition, inter-language and error correction, testing and assessment, culture and language learning, heritage learners, learning strategies, use of technology. Prerequisite: CHINESE 580 or consent of instructor.
597D Confucianism
Confucianism is a nuanced and complex idea of a comprehensive culture that stems from Heaven and acts on earth through nature and human society. In its many forms, it is also a central ethos of all the civilizations of East Asia. In this course we will read from key books of the Confucian tradition, from its origins with Confucius (551-479 BC) to the Tang dynasty (618-907). Primary readings will be in classical Chinese, with secondary materials in English. Prerequisite: CHINESE 450 or the equivalent.
597F Chinese Political Philosophy
Conventional wisdom holds that China and greater East Asia together constitute a Confucian civilization. One recent commentator even referred to North Korea as a Confucian society. In this course we will explore the non-Confucian roots of Chinese political philosophy, the strains of thought that brought forth the full articulation of philosophies of war, diplomacy and authoritarian political rule. These philosophies, though seldom studied, have been for centuries at the very core of Chinese political life, every bit as strong in practice and in thought as the Confucian tradition, and remain so today. We will read important excerpts from key books in an effort to attain a more realistic and nuanced view of the Chinese political tradition than that which often shapes our perceptions. Prerequisite: CHINESE 450 or the equivalent.
597K Buddhist and Taoist Literature
In this course we will read some of the greatest literature in the Chinese tradition, Buddhist and Taoist literature, much of which has spread throughout Korea and Japan, and has become increasingly recognized as profound contributions to the history of world literature. First we will explore the classics of the Taoist tradition, philosophers such as Laozi, Zhuangzi, and Liezi, poets such as Tao Qian and Li Bai, and the eccentric Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove. Then, we will turn to the classics of Buddhist literature. We will start with passages from crucial sutras (sacred and philosophical writings that convey the teachings of the Buddha) – the Heart Sutra, the Lotus Sutra, and the Chan/Zen Platform Sutra, and the teachings of Linji/Rinzai – and move on to poets such as Xie Lingyun, Wang Wei and Hanshan/Kanzan (Cold Mountain). Prerequisite: CHINESE 450 or the equivalent.
597L Modern Chinese Literature and Culture
This course offers an advanced survey of Chinese literature and culture from the beginning of the 20th century until today. It covers various genres including essays, short stories, novellas, novels, plays, and film from Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the overseas Chinese community. We will examine various literary trends and cultural movements, such as revolutionary, romantic, modernist, feminist, avant-garde, nativist, popular, and rewriting classics. Major themes include the relationship between modern Chinese literature and the world, tradition and modernity, aesthetics and politics, gender issues, writing and geopolitics, production, censorship, and circulation of literature and culture. The readings will be in both Chinese and English.
597M The Ming-Qing Novel I
This course introduces the major works of traditional Chinese fiction, including Journey to the West, Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Water Margin, and Dream of the Red Chamber. We will engage in close readings of these great novels, while paying attention to issues such as the representation of history, gender relations, changes in conceptions of desire, religious and philosophical beliefs, and the characterization of heroes and anti-heroes, among others.
597P Traditional Chinese Drama and Performing Arts
This course introduces the major aspects of Chinese theater from it's origins in early Chinese history to the present. Through a survey of traditional opera and storytelling, this course aims to explore both the artistic values intrinsic to the Chinese theatrical tradition and the social values or forces related to this tradition.
597Q The Ming-Qing Novel II
This course focuses on traditional Chinese novels written in the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911). We will engage in close readings of masterworks of vernacular novels, ranging in genre from romance narratives to martial adventures, while paying attention to the origins and development of Chinese fiction.
670 Intro to Research Chinese Source Materials
Introduction to basic research tools necessary for the study of Chinese primary sources, including dictionaries, biographical and geographical references, indices, bibliographies, calendars, etc. Includes philological problems and exercises in use of source materials. Prerequisite: CHINESE 450 or consent of instructor.
691A Graduate Seminar in Chinese
Topic determined by fields and interests of enrolled students. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
699 Master's Thesis
6 credits