chinese

書不盡言 言不盡意
Writing cannot express all words, words cannot encompass all ideas.
Confucius

Chinese (CHI)

 The study of the Chinese language opens the way to different important fields such as Chinese politics, economy, history or archaeology. But to study Chinese finally means to study a culture, a people. At the heart of Chinese civilization is its rich heritage of novels, short stories, poetry, drama, and, more recently, film. They reflect the values, the struggles, the sensibility, the joys and the sorrows of this great people and often offer insights even into the most intimate feelings of people in the past or into high-level Beijing politics at he present that cannot be found anywhere else. These works help you understand what is behind the language, what makes it powerful, and how it actually functions in Chinese society. To be at ease and effective in a Chinese environment learning the language is half the battle, but knowing about the culture behind the language is the other.

CHI 101

Chinese I

This course is for students who have no previous background in Modern Chinese (Mandarin). The pronunciation is that of Peking. Skills in comprehension, reading, and writing are developed, but emphasis is on speaking.

4CRS., 4HRS.

CHI 102

Chinese II

This is the continuation of the study of Chinese, developing and strengthening skills in comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. The pronunciation taught is that of Peking. Emphasis is on speaking. Prerequisite: CHI 101 or departmental approval

3CRS., 3HRS.

CHI 105

Introductory Chinese I

This course is for students who have had no previous background in Mandarin Chinese. Grammar is taught inductively and simple texts are read. Speaking, reading, and writing are emphasized.
Prerequisite: Departmental Placement

3CRS., 3HRS.

CHI 106

Introductory Chinese II

Students will continue the study of basic Chinese grammar begun in CHI 105. They will also further their skills in listening comprehension, reading and writing in Chinese.
Prerequisite: CHI 105 or Departmental Placement

3CRS., 3HRS.

CHI 200

Chinese III

This course includes a review of grammar plus the study of Chinese civilization and selected readings in Chinese literature. Self-expression through oral and written reports is emphasized. Prerequisite: CHI 102 or departmental approval

3CRS., 3HRS.

CHI 210

Chinese IV

This is an intensive writing and reading course in Chinese language. While developing integrated language skills, it emphasizes writing and critical analysis of content materials. The texts concentrate on Chinese contemporary and classical literary writings, as well as texts treating Chinese culture and history. Prerequisite: CHI 200 or departmental approval

3CRS., 3HRS.

CHI 411

Modern Chinese Film

This course will introduce representative Chinese films during the 20th century. This course will examine the social and cultural impact of films from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan over six basic periods: before the 1930s, 1930-40s, 1949-1966, 1966-1976, 1976-90s, 21st century. Students will develop academic competence in critical thinking and literary appreciation from historical and cultural perspectives. Readings, written work and oral reports will be in Chinese.
Prerequisite: CHI 210 and/or departmental approval

3CRS., 3HRS.

CHI 440

20th Century Chinese literature

A study of 20th century Chinese literary development, this course examines the literary writings, major authors and literary movements in cultural and historical contexts. The course also reviews the development of China’s ethnic minority literature, the growth of popular literature, and the evolution of regional literature. Course readings include selected writings from four historical periods: 1900-16, 1917-49, 1949-85 and 1986-2000. Written projects and oral reports are required.
Prerequisite: CHI 210 or departmental approval or any other 400-level Chinese course, except CHI 476

3CRS., 3HRS.

CHI 476

Chinese Civilization and Language

This is a study abroad course that further develops students’ Chinese language skills and expands their knowledge of Chinese culture and social development. The course is offered as the major part of the Study-Abroad-in-China Program, which includes a combination of class meetings, seminars and field trips to places of historic interest and cultural importance. The course provides opportunities for students to gain first-hand experience about contemporary Chinese cultural life. While participating in skill-based language learning activities that improve students’ competence in listening, speaking, reading and writing, the course gives students opportunities to attend lectures that provide information about Chinese cultural patterns, customs, literature, history, social development and traditions of art and music. The course adopts a unique transcultural-linguistic approach to instruction that efficiently facilitates and enhances the learning of Chinese language and culture. Prerequisite: CHI 102 or above, or proficiency in CHI 102 as determined by the Modern Languages Department placement test and at least 3 credits in a foreign language taught at CUNY.

3CRS., 3HRS.

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