This course helps students gain rudimentary knowledge in Chinese characters, pronunciation, syntax, grammar, and sentence patterns, and develop basic skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students will also be introduced to general aspects of Chinese history, geography, culture and society in relation to language learning topics through lectures, demonstrations, videos, films, projects, and first-hand experiences. This course is comparable to two years of high school Chinese.

This course continues to develop linguistic and cultural competence with a gradually increasing emphasis on appreciation and interpretation of literary and cultural readings. Students will be introduced to Chinese history, culture, literature, and art through lecture, demonstration, discussion, research project, composition, and first-hand experience.

The course introduces students to the dialogues, grammar, and vocabulary designed for beginners, and emphasizes business communication: negotiating, socializing, and establishing and maintaining good relationships. Beyond language acquisition, the course provides students with extensive cultural points to help navigate cultural differences in business and daily life. No prior knowledge of Chinese is required.

This course introduces students to major works of classical Chinese literature from antiquity through the Song dynasty. Students will engage with a range of literary genres, including poetry, prose, historical narrative, and philosophical writing. Emphasis will be placed on close reading, literary analysis, and examining how Chinese literature reflects and shapes philosophical, historical, ethical, and aesthetic values across time. Through discussion and written composition, students will develop an appreciation of Chinese literary and cultural traditions while developing critical thinking, intercultural competence, and language proficiency.

The course is the continuation of CHIN 201. The course introduces students to major works of Chinese literature from the Yuan dynasty to the modern era. Students will engage with a range of literary genres, including poetry, prose, drama and fiction. Emphasis will be placed on close reading, literary analysis, and examining how Chinese literature reflects and shapes philosophical, historical, ethical, and aesthetic values across time. Through discussion and written composition, students will develop an appreciation of Chinese literary and cultural traditions while developing critical thinking skill, intercultural competence and language proficiency.

This course offers an introductory survey of contemporary Chinese culture and society as reflected in literature, art, history, geography, politics, economy, and social development through selected readings and audiovisual materials. The emphasis is on the issues of family and kinship, religion, ethnic minorities, gender, institutional culture, market economy, urbanization, environment, and international relations. No previous knowledge of Chinese culture and language is required. The course is taught in English.