Chinese Program
Department of Modern Literatures and Cultures
Rose Tan, Director of the Chinese Language Program
This section contains information specific to the degree programs in Chinese. For full information regarding departmental policies relevant to all the modern literatures and cultures (MLC) degree programs, study abroad, and course sequencing, see the main page of the Department of Modern Literatures and Cultures.
Study Abroad
Study and travel abroad are strongly encouraged for all students. For students of Chinese, the department offers a summer study program in China. Options for study during the academic year in Chinese-speaking countries are also available. For a complete list, contact the Office of International Education.
The Chinese Minor
Note: The grade point average of the coursework comprising the minor must be no less than 2.00 with no course grade below C- (1.7).
5 units (must include an approved study abroad experience), including
Four units in Chinese at the 300-level or above
One elective from the list below with LAC in Chinese or a 400-level course in Chinese:
- HIST 250 Modern East Asia 1600-1960
- HIST 251 Chinese Revolutions
- HIST 252 China Modern: 1900-1940
- HIST 341 History and Memory: WWII in East Asia
- PLSC 345 Politics of China, Hong Kong and Taiwan
- PLSC 357 International Relations of East Asia
- PLSC 358 The United States and the Pacific Rim
- RELG 355 Selected Asian Religions
Students are expected to fulfill all prerequisites necessary for courses within the minor. Prerequisites do not count toward the minor unless otherwise noted.
Courses
CHIN
101-102 Elementary Chinese
Introduction to standard Chinese (Putonghua) and culture, with emphasis on spoken language as it is used today. Both Jiantizi (simplified forms) and Fantizi (complex form) will be taught. Development of basic reading and writing skills. Study of Chinese cultural forms that underlie the language.
Prerequisite(s): 101 is prerequisite to 102.
Unit(s): 1-1
CHIN
201-202 Intermediate Chinese
Reinforcement and expansion of skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing. Appreciation of Chinese culture.
Prerequisite(s): Chinese 102 is prerequisite to 201; 201 is prerequisite to 202.
General Education Requirement: (202 only, COM2)
Unit(s): 1-1
CHIN
301 Advanced Intermediate Chinese
A continuation of Chinese 202. Focuses on the further development of the four language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
Prerequisite(s): Chinese 202.
Unit(s): 1
CHIN
302 Conversational Chinese
(Summer only; taught in China.) Reinforcement of competent aural and oral communication skills in Chinese. Opportunities to interact with native speakers/language partners on a regular basis.
Prerequisite(s): Chinese 202.
Unit(s): 1
CHIN
311 Insights into Chinese Culture
Introduction to major current issues and influential figures on political, social and, in particular, cultural scenes of China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, with reference to relevant historical background.
Prerequisite(s): Chinese 202.
Unit(s): 1
CHIN
312 Insights into Chinese Culture
(Summer only; taught in China). Reinforcement of communicative language skills, reading, and writing. Emphasis on major current issues and cultural scenes of China and Hong Kong, with reference to relevant historical background. Students will participate in various field trips.
Prerequisite(s): Chinese 202.
Unit(s): 1
CHIN
388 Individual Internship
Internship experiences outside of the department in fields related to Chinese studies. No more than 1.5 units of internship in any one department and 3.5 units of internship overall may be counted toward required degree units.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of department.
Unit(s): .5-1
CHIN
389 Practice Assistantship
Students lead practice sessions associated with the elementary and intermediate language sequence in Chinese. The practice assistantship does not count as credit toward the major or minor. Up to one unit can be applied toward graduation credit.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of department.
Unit(s): .25
CHIN
401-402 Advanced Chinese Language, Literature and Culture
Prepares for more advanced study of Chinese through rigorous vocabulary expansion, more sophisticated language usage patterns, and introduction to basics of formal and literary styles. Materials are designed to advance the student's fluency for everyday communicative tasks as well as reading skills.
Prerequisite(s): Chinese 301 and 311 or permission of the instructor.
Unit(s): 1-1
CHIN
495 Independent Study
Special projects individually pursued under supervision of faculty member.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.
Unit(s): .5-1
CHIN
497 Selected Topics
Special interest topics offered at department's discretion. Recent topics include contemporary readings in culture, literature and history; and romance.
Prerequisite(s): Chinese 301 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
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