Chinese Language Courses

• Course Code: 01:165:430
• Course Title: Advanced Chinese Grammar
• Semester(s) Offered: Fall, Spring
• Credits: 3

01:165:430 Advanced Chinese Grammar 

Description: Analysis and discussion of Chinese grammar. Explanation of linguistic concepts through problem-solving exercises on Chinese word formation, sentence grammar, and paragraph structure.

Number of Credits: 3 

Prerequisites: 01:165:302 or equivalent

Semesters Offered: Summer

Topics: Improved understanding of Chinese grammar, discussion based grammar analysis, Chinese sound system and word formation.

Expected Work: Attendance, discussion based participation, report

Exams: Midterm and final

Syllabus

• Course Code: 01:165:451
• Course Title: Readings in Modern Chinese Literature
• Semester(s) Offered: Fall
• Credits: 3

16:217:531/01:165:451 Readings in Modern Chinese Literature

This course provides an introduction to representative works in modern and contemporary Chinese-language literature. By examining a wide range of poems, essays, short stories, novellas and novels composed in mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, we will explore modern Chinese literature, culture, history, and thoughts in terms of history and geography, enlightenment and revolution, aesthetics and politics, memory and representation, individual and national imaginations, and the identity crisis and formation in Chinese consciousness.

Grading: weekly one-page single-spaced email comments/feedbacks and related oral/virtual presentations of the findings you have made about the required readings (400+ words for graduate students, and 300+ words for undergraduate students): 50%; * one eight-minute formal presentation of your final paper: 20%; * one final paper –10-15 pages for graduate students, and 7-8 pages for undergraduate students: 30%

Note: Since this class emphasizes focused discussions of each week’s readings, it is essential that students come to class having read all of the assigned materials carefully and prepared to engage actively in the discussion.

For each week’s readings, students will be designated to post a reading response (approximately 300 words) before each session starts. These responses should begin with a summary of the key points of the assigned theoretical and/or critical texts and comment on the relevance or usefulness of reading the literary works within the given theoretical framework. These responses may include ideas, reflections and questions that arise during the reading of the texts. They may also address larger issues or make comparison with other readings. Others are required to have read each week’s postings before class in order to participate in group discussion. Those assigned to oral presentations will also be responsible for presenting on that week’s readings at the beginning of class. The oral presentation should summarize and elaborate on the points made in the Canvas posting. To post a response, log into the Canvas site (https://rutgers.instructure.com/courses/140390 ), choose the page for this class, click on “Discussions” for the relevant week.

This course will introduce students to selected modern Chinese literary works; it will teach students to develop critical approaches to major texts, and to formulate their own ideas to produce an academic paper about Chinese literary imagination and cultural representation.

The assessment methods for this course are designed to evaluate student mastery of the course goals. The assignments require students to read, interpret and discuss texts related to topics and issues in Chinese urban literature, film, and culture, related scholarship, and cultural theory.

Upon completion of the course, students will have learned analytical and rhetoric skills through weekly discussions of the texts and issues, as well as through individual oral presentation to the class. Students will also be able to construct a thesis argument and build support with examples through two short and one long analytical and research papers.

All class materials are maintained under Rutgers University license. They are educational records under FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act), the U.S. federal law that governs access to educational information and records. Therefore, please DO NOT share or circulate course materials outside the class.

• Course Code: 01:165:452
• Course Title: Readings in Modern Chinese Literature
• Semester(s) Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
• Credits: 3

01:165:452 Readings in Modern Chinese Literature 

Description: Selections from representative literary, historical, and ideological works of modern China; emphasis on stylistic and linguistic variations.

Number of Credits: 3 

Prerequisites: 01:165:302 or 322 or equivalent

Semesters Offered: Spring

Topics: This course introduces representative works in modern Chinese literature from the early twentieth century to the 1940s. By examining a wide range of poetry, essays, and short stories, we will explore modern Chinese literature, culture, history, and thoughts through close readings, class discussions, and student writings. 

Expected Work: Attendance, discussion based participation, presentation 

Exams: Final paper 

• Course Code: 01:165:490
• Course Title: Seminar in Chinese Literature and Thought
• Semester(s) Offered: Fall, Spring
• Credits: 3

01:165:490 Seminar in Chinese Literature and Thought 

Description: Readings and research on topics in Chinese literature and thought of either the classical or modern period.

Number of Credits: 3 

Prerequisites: Permission of Instructor 

Semesters Offered: Spring