Chinese

This is an advanced Chinese language class focusing on developing strong literary skills (both reading and writing). The class is based on a variety of topics selected from articles in various Chinese magazines. Those articles are analyzed and discussed during class, with particular attention given to style, effective use of language, and argumentation. Homework and assignments always involved writing responsive essays to the main article and frequently included individual research on news stories related to the weekly topic in order to develop more compelling arguments.

This intensive course is designed for foreign learners who have completed CHIN9511 (Beginning Cantonese I) or who can demonstrate equivalent competence in the placement test. Students strengthen their mastery of the phonetic romanization transcription, the Jyutping system, and gain enhanced competence in expression in the language. The course introduces more practical sentence patterns and a large range of useful words and expressions related to various aspects of life. 

This course explores Chinese folktales and their relation to Chinese and Taiwanese culture and history. Course activities are paired with images, songs, movie, theater, poetry and discussions to deepen understanding of Chinese culture. The course allows students to explore and explain folktales from their own countries. Assessment: Attendance & Participation (40%), Report (30%), Final (30%).

This course is a continuation of Chinese 4. Based on the 750 Chinese characters and 960 phrases they have learned, students will acquire new words, phrases and idioms to strengthen the usage of the language. The course provides opportunities for the practice of Chinese through short stories, articles, essays, and projects related to Chinese culture and history. 

This course is for students who have taken Advanced I of the Chinese Language Course for International Students. By the end of the course students are capable of using written language to communicate effectively in formal writing and of understanding public announcements, news, and other broadcasts. This course does not use a specific textbook, but brings up topics each class that help students develop proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing. Through the course, students are able to use appropriate Chinese to carry on discussions, and read newspapers and magazines to further understand Taiwanese culture and language. Assessment: assignments and presentations, quizzes and tests, attendance and participation, midterm and final exams.

This course introduces the system of Chinese characters. The first part focuses mainly on overall characteristics and peculiarities of Chinese characters, beginning with an explanation of the difference between ideographic and phonetic Chinese characters, and herewith to clarify various phenomena of Chinese characters (in form, pronunciation, and meaning) from this basic difference, in addition providing an understanding of the dictionary and its usage. The second part surveys the evolution of Chinese characters in specific eras: starting from the prehistoric age which marks the birth of Chinese characters, students trace how Chinese character structures evolve, and how the genesis of famous forms of calligraphy came to be. Finally, the modern reform and innovation of Chinese characters is introduced.