Chinese

This course focuses on emprise in Chinese literature. Specifically, this course studies a genre of fiction that is uniquely Chinese as the genre usually involves elements including: Kung Fu, Chinese traditional medicine, and other exclusively Chinese cultural elements. The course examines common themes of this popular literature genre by studying key works of important authors such as Jin Yong, Gu Long, and others. Assessment: written reports and class participation (40%), a creative fictional piece (30,000 to 100,000 Chinese characters) OR a final written report (60%).

This advanced Chinese language course combines language and culture, and covers various Chinese and Taiwanese holidays to introduce historical backgrounds of celebrations and customs that are practiced. This course strengthens language skills and vocabulary through discussion, deepening students' understanding of Chinese culture and national holidays. This course is taught fully in Chinese.

The curriculum of the course is designed for Chinese learners who are studying a beginning course in Chinese. The teaching language of this course is mainly in Chinese, supplemented by English. The goal of the course is to help learners acquire basic language ability for common use in daily conversations. The course covers various topics such as introducing self and others; exchanging information with others; buying food or drinks; bargaining; buying tickets; describing and assessing food and their tastes in a simple way; explaining one’s own location and position, and planning travel.. 

This intensive course is intended for foreign learners who have completed CHIN9502 (first year) or have attained an equivalent level of competency. It develops audio-lingual proficiency as well as raises reading and writing ability and the ability to converse on daily topics with Chinese people, and present short speeches based on the assigned topics. Emphasis is placed on everyday topics and common patterns facilitate communication in Chinese. Students learn to write 250 new characters on top of approximately 500 characters acquired at the previous level. Students should be able to recognize no less than 1000 Chinese characters accumulated through previous learning. Students are taught to write short compositions of about 200 characters.

This elementary Cantonese language course is focused on fluency in communication with basic vocabulary and grammar points through various kinds of speaking practice. Real life settings are introduced such as shopping, introducing family members, asking directions etc. Text: CANTONESE I: A SHORT COURSE by the Chinese Language Center at CUHK. Assessment: assignments (40%), final exam (60%).