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| You are Here: Catalogs > 2002-03 > Academic Programs > Chinese* |
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The Chinese Language and Culture Program |
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Chinese*
Department of Linguistics
For study abroad options, see the Study Abroad section or contact the Study Abroad Programs Office at (716) 645-3912. Career Opportunities The courses offered in the Chinese program give students the opportunity to develop advanced skills in a strategic Asian language and to study the people and cultures of China. Many students opt to combine a minor in Chinese with a major in the social sciences, engineering, the humanities, the sciences, or management. Students majoring in business administration, geography, international business and world trade, and the interdisciplinary social sciences programs in international studies and Asian studies would find their bachelor's degrees complemented by the study of the Chinese language. Given China's huge population, its geopolitical importance, its massive and growing economy, and U.S. interest in that country as a trading partner, the need for large numbers of U.S. citizens who are fluent speakers of Chinese and are knowledgeable about Chinese culture will continue to grow. Special Major in East Asian Languages and Cultures Of interest to students enrolled in Chinese language and culture courses is the East Asian Languages and Cultures (EALC) section in the Department of Linguistics. The EALC consists of the Chinese, Japanese, and Korean programs. This special major, which combines courses offered in the three programs, can be arranged with faculty members of the three programs in the EALC section. For more information, contact Dr. Mitsuaki Shimojo, coordinator of the East Asian Languages and Cultures section and director of the Japanese Language and Culture Program, 609 Baldy Hall, (716) 645-2177; e-mail: shimojo@acsu.buffalo.edu. The Asian Studies Program also offers a special major in Asian studies and a minor in East Asian studies. For more information, contact Dr. Thomas Burkman, 714 Clemens Hall, (716) 645-3474, e-mail: burkman@acsu.buffalo.edu. Chinese (CHI) Note: Not all courses are offered every semester. Interested students should obtain a list of current offerings with descriptions from the departmental office, or webpage prior to registration each semester. 101-102 First-Year Chinese (5-5) (F; Sp) CHI101 Prerequisite: none CHI102 Prerequisite: CHI101 Basic language skills in speaking, reading, and writing of modern vernacular Chinese. Fluency in speaking and reading strongly emphasized. Not open to native speakers of Mandarin or those who can read and/or write Chinese characters. LEC 104 Transitional First-Year Chinese (5) Designed for students who can speak Mandarin or any local dialect of Chinese but have only a little knowledge of reading and writing in Chinese. Students taking this course are not permitted to enroll in CHI101, CHI102, and vice versa. LEC 201-202 Second-Year Chinese (3-3) (F; Sp) CHI201 Prerequisite: CHI102 CHI202 Prerequisite: CHI201 or equivalent Sequel to CHI102. Reading substantially accelerated, oral practice based on reading materials. LEC 280 Survey of Chinese Culture (3) Surveys major cultural and traditional elements that have influenced various aspects of Chinese life. Topics include classical Chinese philosophical ideals, religion, women, family, education, Chinese language and symbolic reference, and literature and art. The course is taught in English; no knowledge of Chinese language is required. LEC 301-302 Third-Year Chinese (3-3) (F; Sp) CHI301 Prerequisite: CHI202 CHI302 Prerequisite: CHI301 or equivalent Readings and discussions, written and oral, of works on contemporary cultural and social life in the vernacular. LEC 311 Masterpieces of Classical Chinese Literature in Translation (3) Studies representative works of classical Chinese literature. Course is taught in English. No knowledge of the Chinese language is required. LEC 322 Modern Chinese Literature in Translation (3) The history of modern China is a continuous process of political, social, cultural, and intellectual metamorphoses, and modern Chinese literature is a part and a reflection of these changes. With readings of representative literary works in English translation, the course discusses the birth and development of modern Chinese literature, with emphasis on this literature as a mirror of and a moving force for modern China's social, political, cultural, and intellectual changes. Course is taught in English. No knowledge of the Chinese language is required. LEC 341-342 Literary Chinese I-II (3-3) CHI341 Prerequisite: CHI202 or equivalent CHI342 Prerequisite: CHI341 or equivalent A reading course on historical, philosophical, and literary works in the literary language of Wenyan by leading men of letters in classical China. LEC 371-372 Business Chinese (3-3) CHI371 Prerequisite: CHI202 or equivalent CHI372 Prerequisite: CHI371 or equivalent Both courses emphasize speaking and listening skills in a business context. Reading and writing assignments are used extensively to enhance students' conversational skills, presentations and classroom discussions. Topics covered include the influence of traditional Chinese culture, such as Confucianism, Taoism and military stratagem, on the Chinese style of business negotiation and etiquette. Students also study current materials on China's business and trade organizations, regulations, and practices. LEC 401-402 Readings on Chinese Culture and Customs (3-3) CHI401 Prerequisite: CHI302 or equivalent CHI402 Prerequisite: CHI401 or equivalent An advanced vernacular Chinese (baihua) language course with readings on daily life and customs in China today. In learning the language, the student learns how a Chinese person would behave, think and talk in various situations, and studies and discusses the differences between Chinese and American social customs and behaviors (all in Chinese, of course). This is an informative course for a student whose future career may require close contact and association with China. LEC 411 The Three Kingdoms, or Sanguo Yanyi: A Classical Chinese Novel in Translation (3) Study of a Chinese historical novel written in the late fifteenth century: The Three Kingdoms, or Sanguo Yanyi. The novel covers the period from the disintegration of the Han Empire in B.C.E. 168 to the unification under a Jin Dynasty in 280. Not only has it been the most popular and influential novel in China for centuries, it has also been widely read in other East Asian countries and Vietnam. Nearly all the episodes in the novel's 120 chapters have been adapted for the theatre. This novel has had tremendous influence on the popular view of this period of history and historical personalities and has also set models of social behavior and interpersonal conduct followed by the Chinese and peoples in East Asia and Vietnam. LEC 420 Readings in Post-Mao Chinese Fiction (3) Prerequisite: CHI302, CHI342 or equivalent Designed to study Chinese fiction in its original language, written in post-Mao (1976) years in which Chinese writers produced many of the best novels and short stories in the history of modern Chinese literature. The course is also an advanced language course and, as such, acquaints students with language issues ranging from plebeian to the most sophisticated forms of expression. LEC 430 Special Topics (3) May be offered in Chinese, English, or both. LEC 431 Special Topics (3) May be offered in Chinese, English, or both. LEC 490 Directed Readings in Chinese (V) Prerequisite: permission of instructor Readings tailored to individual needs and interests of students of advanced standing. TUT Chinese Language and Culture - Minor Acceptance Criteria Completion of CHI101-102 or equivalent Minimum grade of "C+" in CHI201 or the equivalent Minimum GPA of 2.0 in courses required for the minor, and minimum grade of "C" in all Chinese language and China-centered/related courses in order to graduate Advising Note Students with advanced Chinese language proficiency or whose mother tongue is Chinese should consult with the program advisor to arrange an appropriate program. Requirements Six courses or a minimum of 18 credit hours, including: Three Chinese language courses above CHI201 CHI280, 311, 322, or 411 Two Chinese language courses above the 300 level and/or China- centered/related courses taught in English above the 200 level in CLC or in other departments Questions and Comments about this site should be sent to:
Last updated: Thursday, 09-Dec-2004 15:21:17 EST
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