Chinese Courses

An introduction to beginning Chinese introducing pronunciation, writing, basic grammar as well as cultural knowledge. Pronunciation stresses both the symbolic and Pinyin systems. Characters are presented initially with the classical forms. Students develop listening skills by engaging in practical everyday conversation. Five classroom hours per week plus one hour peer-learning session per week are required. Successful completion of CHIN 112 and the continuing course CHIN 113 fulfills the foreign language component in the Liberal Studies Program.

An extension of Elementary Chinese I continuing and perfecting previously introduced skills. More complex grammatical structures are introduced as well as more vocabulary. Oral-aural skills are reinforced through daily conversation. Prerequisite: Completion of CHIN 112 or consent of instructor. Five classroom hours per week plus one hour peer-learning session per week are required. Successful completion of CHIN 113, fulfills the foreign language component in the Liberal Studies Program.

Intensive oral-aural practice. In addition to classical written forms, the simplified written characters are introduced. Prerequisite: Completion of CHIN 113 or consent of instructor.

Continuation of Intermediate Chinese I. Particular emphasis is placed on writing skills and composition. Prerequisite: Completion of CHIN 212 or consent of instructor.

This course is an introduction to Chinese culture through the study of three basic forms of Chinese philosophy (Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism) and their influence on the individual and on society as manifested in the art, literature, and politics of China from ancient times to the present. Several of the more common Chinese customs and festivals will also be studied.