Asian Studies courses 2008-09
Chinese language courses
101 Elementary Chinese (4). F. An introduction to Chinese language and culture, stressing both spoken and written Chinese. After one-semester students will be able to carry on simple conversations in (Mandarin) Chinese, read dialogues written in Chinese, and understand some fundamentals of Chinese social values and ways of thinking. Approximately 300 Chinese characters will be introduced.
102 Elementary Chinese (4). S. A continuation of Chinese 101. Continued study of Chinese grammar, with equal emphasis on improving conversational proficiency and on reading and writing Chinese. Another 300 Chinese Characters will be introduced for reading and writing and as a medium for gaining insight into Chinese culture. Prerequisite: Chinese 101 or permission of the instructor.
201 Intermediate Chinese (4). F. A continuation of Chinese 101. Continued study of Chinese grammar, with equal emphasis on improving conversational proficiency and on reading and writing Chinese. Another 300 Chinese Characters will be introduced for reading and writing and as a medium for gaining insight into Chinese culture. Prerequisite: Chinese 101 or permission of the instructor.
202 Intermediate Chinese (4). S. A continuation of Chinese 201. Completion of the study of basic Chinese grammar and further study of the Chinese writing system, with continued emphasis on both speaking and reading. Two hundred more Characters are taught for reading comprehension and cultural understanding.
215 Advanced Conversation (4). F. This course is designed to develop advanced aural comprehension skills as well as advanced competence in spoken Chinese through exercises, drills, and conversation in class. Students will also continue their study of the written language by learning many new Chinese Characters or pictographs. Prerequisite: Chinese 202 or permission of the instructor.
216 Advanced Grammar and Composition (4). S. The systematic study of advanced grammar and composition. Students will learn many new Chinese Characters as they improve their skills in written Chinese. Conversation practice will also be emphasized. Prerequisite: Chinese 215 or permission of the instructor.
217 Introduction to Modern Chinese Literature: 1911 to the Present (3). F. A continuation of Chinese language study and an introduction to works written by major Chinese authors from 1911, when Chinese literature was first written in the modern vernacular, to the present, as well as selected readings on Chinese history, society, and culture. Prerequisite: Chinese 216 or permission of the instructor.
218 Further Studies in Modern Chinese Literature: 1911 to the Present (3). S. This course builds on Chinese 217 and deals with literary texts of greater linguistic difficulty. It also includes further language study and selected readings on Chinese history, society, and culture. Prerequisite: Chinese 217 or permission of the instructor.
Japanese language courses
101 Elementary Japanese (4). F. An introduction to Japanese language and culture, stressing both spoken and written Japanese. After one semester students will be able to carry on simple conversations in Japanese, read dialogues written in Japanese, and understand some fundamentals of Japanese social values and ways of thinking.
102 Elementary Japanese (4). S. A continuation of Japanese 101. Continued study of Japanese grammar with equal emphasis on improving conversational proficiency and on reading and writing Japanese. Many more “kanji” (Chinese characters) will be introduced for reading and writing and as a medium for gaining insight into Japanese culture. Prerequisite: Japanese 101 or permission of the instructor.
201 Intermediate Japanese (4). F. The goal of this course is to further the student’s ability to speak, understand, read, and write the Japanese language. Extensive oral drills and reading exercises continue to be used. By the end of the term, the student will know 300 “kanji”. Numerous cultural notes and written dialogues portraying various social situations provide insight into Japanese culture and various ways of thinking. Prerequisite: Japanese 102 or permission of the instructor.
202 Intermediate Japanese (4). S. This semester completes the study of basic Japanese grammar and syntax. By the end of the semester the student will have been introduced to all the basic grammar patterns of Japanese and will have mastered a total of 500 “kanji”.
215 Advanced Conversation (4). F. This course is designed to develop advanced aural comprehension skills as well as advanced competence in spoken Japanese through exercises, drills, and conversation in class. Students will also continue their study of the written language by learning many new “kanji”. Prerequisite: Japanese 202 or permission of the instructor.
216 Advanced Grammar and Composition (4). S. The systematic study of advanced grammar and composition. Students will learn many new “kanji” as they improve their skills in written Japanese. Conversation practice will also be emphasized. Prerequisite: Japanese 215 or permission of the instructor.
217 Introduction to Modern Japanese Literature: 1868 to the Present (3). F. A continuation of Japanese language study and an introduction to works written by major Japanese authors from 1868--when Japan opened itself to the rest of the world and entered the modern era--to the present, as well as selected readings on Japanese history, society, and culture. Prerequisite: Japanese 216.
218 Further Studies in Modern Japanese Literature: 1868 to the Present (3). S. This course builds on Japanese 217 and deals with literary texts of greater linguistic difficulty. It also includes further language study and selected readings on Japanese history, society, and culture. Prerequisite: Japanese 217.
