Peking University, Beijing

This language course teaches pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar of modern Chinese systematically. It focuses on the cultivation of students' reading and writing skills in Chinese and consequently improves students' communication ability. There are three levels according to the textbooks and teaching pace. In level 3 the students learn about 10000 new words and over 500 grammar items; after this course, the students' language level should be equivalent to the HSK level 11. Text: BOYA CHINESE ADVANCED level III (Boya hanyu Feixiang 3). Assessment: tests, homework, participation and class performance.

This course begins with a systematic introduction to the basic theories in folk literature study, thus conducts a detailed analysis of the characteristics of folk literature, its functions and genres, and its relationship with written literature. In addition, various genres of folk literature are introduced with examples chosen from the most representative literary works in China. In this sense, this course is a basic introductory course as well as a selected reading course. Considering the performability and variety of Chinese story-telling and folk opera which may bring difficulty to class lectures, they are not introduced in detail, but instead are presented in the form of video. This course particularly focuses on folksongs and folktales, multimedia presentation are applied. Assessments: Midterm analysis paper 30%, final exam 50%, attendance and class performance 20%.

In terms of literary studies, the course provides a study of two influential European narratives. In terms of cultural studies, the course introduces the central ideas and attitudes of the western world. It examines Virgil's Aeneid and Dante's Divine Comedy. The Aeneid presents the story of a journey with a lofty goal-the foundation of a stable and civilized society, with a hero who embodies the code of reason, duty, and courage. The poem epitomizes the ideals of ancient Greece and Rome. The Divine Comedy presents another journey with a lofty goal- a vision of God, with a hero who seeks spiritual enlightenment. This poem epitomizes Judeo-Christian attitudes. The classical and Christian value systems illustrated in these works are the two most important roots of modern European and North American culture.

This course requires practicing writing Chinese characters, and mastering the strokes and stroke order of Chinese characters. The course covers writing Chinese characters and vocabulary; how to write with Chinese writing brushes; and Chinese calligraphy. Textbook: A new Guide to Chinese Characters II.