Asian Languages and Literatures
Chair: Professors Qiguang Zhao, fall, Mariko Kaga, winter and spring
Professors: Mark Hansell, Mariko Kaga, Kathryn W. Sparling, Qiguang Zhao
Assistant Professors: Ping Fu, Noboru Tomonari
Visiting Assistant Professor: Hong Zeng
The department of Asian Languages and Literatures offers introductory, intermediate, and advanced courses in Chinese and Japanese language, plus a variety of courses in traditional and modern Chinese and Japanese literature in English translation and some linguistics courses related to Asian Languages. Accommodation can be made for students who can speak, but cannot read or write the languages. At the intermediate level, students are encouraged to participate in one of several approved academic programs in China or Japan. A major in Chinese or Japanese is available by petition.
Certificate of Advanced Study in Foreign Language and Literature or Area Studies: In order to receive the Certificate of Advanced Study in Asian Languages students must fulfill the general requirements (refer to Academic Regulations) in the following course distribution: six courses beyond 204, choosing either Japanese or Chinese as the target language. At least four of the six courses must be taught in the target language; at least one must be a course in literature or linguistics related to the target language and conducted in English, and the remaining course may be chosen from either category. Although courses for the certificate may be taken on a S/CR/NC basis, "D" or "CR" level work will not be sufficient to satisfy course requirements.
Language Houses: Students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the language by living in the Language House. The Associate is a native speaker, and students organize and participate in numerous cultural activities in the language houses.
Asian Language Courses (ASLN)
ASLN 111. Writing Systems The structure and function of writing systems, with emphasis on a comparison of East Asian writing systems (Chinese, Japanese, Korean) to Western alphabetic systems. Topics covered include classification of writing systems, historical development, diffusion and borrowing of writing systems, and comparison with non-writing symbol systems. 6 credits cr., SS, Spring—M. Hansell
ASLN 260. Historical Linguistics Concepts and techniques of historical linguistics, especially methods used in the discovery of family relationships between languages and the reconstruction of ancestral forms. Other topics include grammatical, semantic, and lexical change, processes of sound change, language contact, and the use of linguistic evidence in cultural reconstruction. In addition to the more familiar Indo-European languages, data will come from Western Pacific and Australian languages, and especially East Asian languages. Prerequisite: previous experience in linguistics or instructor's permission. 6 credits cr., SS, Not offered in 2005-2006.
ASLN 400. Integrative Exercise 6 cr., S/CR/NC, ND, Fall,Winter,Spring—Staff
Chinese Courses (CHIN)
CHIN 101, 102, 103. Elementary Chinese Introduction to Chinese sentence structure and writing system, together with the development of basic aural/oral skills, with attention to the cultural context. Students who have learned spoken Mandarin Chinese at home or in another context, but who are unable to read or write, are encouraged to consult the department about the possibility of an independent study in Chinese Literacy given fall term. This six credit independent study will cover all the Chinese characters introduced in Chinese 101-204. Successful completion will allow the student to register for Chinese 205 winter term. 6 cr., ND, Fall,Winter,Spring—M. Hansell, H. Zeng
CHIN 115. The Taoist Way of Health and Longevity: Taichi and Other Forms We will study Taichi's theory, practice its movements, explore its invisible thoughts, and read texts concerning it. The course also includes other ways to health and longevity, such as traditional mind-breath meditation and other forms. This course stresses not only mental and physical well-being but also the philosophical roots of health and wisdom formulated in Chinese classics. All readings in English translation. No prerequisites. 6 cr., S/CR/NC, AL,RAD, Spring—Q. Zhao
CHIN 204, 205. Intermediate Chinese Equal emphasis on the development of the four skills: reading, writing, speaking, and listening comprehension, with special attention to activization. The college language requirement is met in Chinese with the completion of Chinese 205. 6 cr., ND, Fall,Winter—H. Zeng, Q. Zhao
CHIN 206. Chinese in Cultural Context This course advances students' proficiency in oral and written Chinese, at the same time integrating elements of traditional Chinese civilization and modern Chinese society. Emphasis is on cultural understanding and appropriate language use. Prerequisite: Chinese 205 or the equivalent. 6 cr., ND, Spring—Q. Zhao
CHIN 207. Tianjin Program: Intermediate Chinese Language This course builds oral and written proficiency, emphasizing expressive ability, accuracy of grammar, and pronunciation. Students learn to read, write, and speak Chinese inside and outside of the classroom. Prerequisite: Chinese 103 or the equivalent. 9 credits cr., ND, Not offered in 2005-2006.
CHIN 212. Tianjin Program: Chinese Culture Local masters will teach Chinese calligraphy, art, Peking opera, Taichi, and/or other martial arts to students, immersing them in the Chinese artistic and spiritual world. 3 cr., S/CR/NC, AL, Not offered in 2005-2006.
CHIN 235. Beauty, Good, and Evil in Chinese Literature in Translation This course will focus on the themes of beauty, good, and evil in some well-known Tang and Song poems and tales, and modern short fiction by Lu Xun, Lao She, and other writers. The course will explore both modern and classical Chinese in its cultural and historical context. All readings in English translation. No prerequisites. 6 credits cr., AL,RAD, Not offered in 2005-2006.
CHIN 250. Contemporary Chinese Literature and Film in Translation
This course studies various currents of contemporary Chinese literature since the Cultural Revolution. Works include prose and poetry of representative writers from Literature of Rightists, Literature of the Wounded, Literature of Re-educated Youth, Misty Poetry, Root-searching Literature, Avant-garde Fiction, New Realism and works of women writers. It will also study Chinese films from the fourth generation on to New Wave and post New Wave films. Historical motivation, ideological assertion, literary influence (both Chinese and Western), and stylistic experiments of writers are examined. The literary works and films are matched for overlapping thematic concern, stylistic affinity or source of adaptation. Readings are in English translation. 6 cr., AL, Fall—H. Zeng
CHIN 282. Tianjin Program: Chinese Civilization This lecture course includes a general introduction to Chinese literature, history, geography, and society. It examines the social, ideological, and literary basis of Chinese civilization and society. The course will be conducted in English accompanied by some Chinese vocabulary with its English translation. 6 credits cr., AL,RAD, Not offered in 2005-2006.
CHIN 307. Tianjin Program: Advanced Chinese Language This course builds oral and written proficiency, emphasizing expressive ability, accuracy of grammar, and pronunciation. Students learn to read, write, and speak Chinese inside and outside of the classroom. 9 credits cr., ND, Not offered in 2005-2006.
CHIN 345. Advanced Readings in Chinese Literature: Selected Prose Introduction to well-known modern Chinese prose in the original, with exposure to a variety of themes, genres, and styles. Critical reading, writing, and discussion. Prerequisite: Chinese 206 or the equivalent. 6 credits cr., AL, Not offered in 2005-2006.
CHIN 346. Advanced Readings in Chinese Fiction Readings from well-known writers such as Ba Jin, Lao She, Lu Xun, Cao Xueqin and contemporary authors. The course will expose students to excerpts from modern Chinese novels and short stories. Emphasis on reading, writing, and speaking. Some practice in discussion, translation, review, literary criticism and dramatization. Some readings of classical fiction and other genres like essays and poetry will be included. Prerequisite: Chinese 206 or the equivalent. 6 credits cr., AL, Winter—Q. Zhao
CHIN 347. Advanced Readings in Contemporary Chinese Prose: Newspapers Readings from PRC and Taiwan newspapers will expose students to formal written Chinese. Emphasis is on vocabulary expansion, text comprehension strategies, and differences between colloquial and written usage. Active use of the language (including oral discussion and regular written compositions) will be stressed. Prerequisite: Chinese 206 or the equivalent. 6 credits cr., AL, Not offered in 2005-2006.
CHIN 348. Advanced Chinese: The Mass Media This conversation and composition course will be centered around a Chinese feature film, with additional materials including TV shows, TV commercials, and written materials. Emphasis will be on culturally appropriate language use, and on discussion of the social issues that are implicitly and explicitly addressed on the Chinese-language media. 6 credits cr., AL, Fall—M. Hansell
CHIN 349. Advanced Chinese: Social Commentary This course will focus on increasing students' ability to read, write, and speak about contemporary social issues through readings, essay writing, oral presentations, and class discussion. Readings will be from leading twentieth century Chinese reformers and social critics. 6 credits cr., AL, Not offered in 2005-2006.
CHIN 350. Advanced Chinese: Poems and Stories Introduction to traditional and modern Chinese poems and short stories. The most beautiful poems ever written by the Chinese language help students to experience beauty, inspiration, and emotional purification. Selected stories read and discussed in detail will advance students' proficiency in oral and written Chinese. 6 credits cr., AL, Not offered in 2005-2006.
CHIN 355. Contemporary Chinese Short Stories and Films An advanced Chinese language course that will introduce contemporary short stories and films in the orginal language. The selected stories represent the writing styles of some well-known contemporary Chinese writers such as Yu Hua, Su Tong, Wang Meng, Liang Sizosheng, and Wang Anyi. The selected films were mainly directed by the acclaimed fifth generation film directors such as Cheng Kaige and Zhang Yimou. The historical, cultural and literary forces that shape these creations will be examined. 6 cr., AL, Not offered in 2005-2006.
CHIN 356. Modern and Contemporary Women Writers
The course materials encompass the extremely diverse beauty of prose works and poetry by representative modern and contemporary Chinese women writers, including Zhang Ailing, Ding Ling, Xiao Hong, Shu Ting, Huo Yongming, Yi Lei, Wang Anyi, Li Ang, Can Xue, Lin Bai, Chen Ran, and Hai Nan. Historical condition, female subjectivity and modes of expression, literary heritage and innovation are examined. This is an advanced language course and includes films concerned with female lives. Prerequisite: Chinese 206 or equivalent. 6 cr., AL, Spring—H. Zeng
CHIN 360. Classical Chinese
Classical Chinese dominated traditional Chinese culture with its concise grammar, powerful rhetoric, and graceful rhythm. It represents the dignity and glory of an enduring civilization of 5,000 years. Far from being dead, Classical Chinese is frequently referred to and quoted in modern Chinese texts. We will read the elegant essays, wise fables and charming poems written by Confucian masters, Taoist philosophers, and traditional poets. The class will pay attention to the modern application of classical Chinese. We will proceed slowly and thoroughly, immersing ourselves in words that are stronger than swords. Prerequisite: Chinese 206 or equivalent. 6 cr., AL, Winter—Q. Zhao
Japanese Courses (JAPN)
JAPN 101, 102, 103. Elementary Japanese Introduction to the Japanese sentence structure and writing system, together with the development of basic aural/oral skills, with attention to cultural context. 6 credits cr., ND, Fall,Winter,Spring—M. Kaga, N. Tomonari
JAPN 204, 205, 206. Intermediate Japanese Emphasis is on the development of reading skills, especially the mastery of kanji, with some work on spoken Japanese through the use of audiovisual materials. The college language requirement is met in Japanese with the completion of Japanese 205. Japanese 206 focuses on polishing and refining basic survival skills in Japanese. 6 cr., ND, Fall,Winter,Spring—K. Sparling, N. Tomonari
JAPN 230. Topics in Pre-Modern Literature in Translation A topical focus on Japanese poetry and prose from different ages before 1868, with attention to literary, aesthetic, and cultural tradition, and to the relationship between text and society. Consideration of reading strategies appropriate to Japanese literature in translation, and some inquiry into the art and the process of literary translation. 6 credits cr., AL, Not offered in 2005-2006.
JAPN 231. Japanese Cinema in Translation This course examines the extraordinary achievement of Japanese cinema, from the classic films of Mizoguchi, Ozu, and Kurosawa to the pop cinema of Kitano and the phenomenon of anime. The films will be studied for their aesthetic, cultural, and auteur contexts. Particular attention will be paid to the relationship of the film to traditional arts, culture and society. This course is conducted in English and all the course materials are in English translation or in English subtitles. 6 credits cr., AL,RAD, Not offered in 2005-2006.
JAPN 232. Autobiography in Modern Japan in Translation This course examines a variety of Japanese self-narratives from the early modern years to the present. The main texts include Japanese autobiographies as well as background readings that situate the autobiographies in the cultural milieu. We focus largely on the social, historical and economic aspects of the Japanese autobiographies, and discuss their significance. In addition, some texts of oral history that take the form of first-person narratives are explored, in order to make further enquiry into various autobiographical representations of the self, class, gender, ethnicity, and society in Japan. 6 credits cr., AL,RAD, Winter—N. Tomonari
JAPN 233. Japanese Cinema in Translation This is an introductory course on the history of Japanese cinema from its beginnings to the present. We will spend the first half of the term on the well-known early masters (Ozu, Kurosawa, Mizoguchi) and the development of the film industry, then move to the 1950s youth film, 60s political and countercultural films, then finish with one anime and an art-school techno-horror film from the 1990s. All screenings will be subtitled in English. 6 cr., AL, Not offered in 2005-2006.
JAPN 236. Classical Japanese Fiction: The Tale of Genji and Its World in Translation A close look at the great classic of Japanese fiction, with special attention to literary and aesthetic traditions and to the social and cultural context of Heian Japan. 6 cr., AL, Not offered in 2005-2006.
JAPN 237. Literature and Arts of Japan: 1333-1868 in Translation Introduction to the poetry, drama, and fiction of two contrasting eras. From the Muromachi culture, centering on Kyoto and permeated by the aesthetics of Zen Buddhism, the course will examine Noh drama, linked poetry, ink painting, tea ceremony, and garden architecture; from the vibrant, irreverent, urban culture of Edo, centering on Osaka and what is now Tokyo, it will focus on the kabuki and puppet theaters, haiku, comic fiction, and the woodblock prints of the Floating World. 6 credits cr., AL, Not offered in 2005-2006.
JAPN 240. Literature and Society of Modern Japan in Translation In this course we will look at some canonical works of modern Japanese literature in translation such as those by Soseki, Tanizaki, and Mishima. Their works will be read in the context of Japanese modernity and the construction of the Japanese subject. The representation of society in literature will be discussed as well as the role of literature in society. We will also read contemporary works by Nakagami, Murakami, Yoshimura, and some authors writing in Okinawa in order to explore the intricate relationship between literary practice and modern Japanese society. 6 credits cr., AL,RAD, Not offered in 2005-2006.
JAPN 241. Contemporary and Modern Japanese Fiction in Translation This introduction to modern Japanese fiction addresses a set of novels and stories in (loosely) reverse chronological order--the goal is not to trace the development of a body of national literature buy to start with the more familiar global present and move gradually backward through the twentieth century. Authors include Oe Kensaburo, Tawada Yoko, Murakami Ryu, Tsushima Yuko, Kono Taeko, and Mori Ogai. 6 cr., AL, Not offered in 2005-2006.
JAPN 242. Japanese Poetry in Translation
A topical survey of Japanese poetry in English translation, beginning with earliest written history (sixth century anonymous song), ending with blank verse from the present moment, including longer poetic forms from the Manyoshu, waka in the classical tradition, linked verse, comic senryu, haiku, and sonnets and other poetry from Western traditions. Consideration will be given to the literary, aesthetic, and social contexts of Japanese poetry. We will undertake exploration and analysis of individual poems by reference to the original Japanese and to multiple translations. Special attention will be given to the practice of composition and the process of translation. 6 cr., AL, Spring—K. Sparling
JAPN 343. Advanced Japanese through Fiction and Film In this course we will subtitle in English language a recent Japanese film and also read the novel on which the film is based. The aims of this course are to understand Japanese spoken at a natural speed, to improve the reading skills of Japanese texts, and to comprehend some aspects of contemporary Japan. The students are expected to participate actively in the discussion of film/novel and of subtitles. Prerequisite: Japanese 206 or the equivalent. 6 cr., AL, Not offered in 2005-2006.
JAPN 344. Advanced Writing: Contemporary Prose In this class, students will learn the contemporary styles and forms of casual and formal writing, reports, short essays, etc., while they expand their knowledge of Chinese characters and idiomatic expressions. They will explore various writings with authentic materials. Prerequisite: Japanese 206 or the equivalent. 6 cr., AL, Not offered in 2005-2006.
JAPN 345. Advanced Reading in Modern Japanese Literature: The Short Story Introduction to modern Japanese short fiction in the original, with exposure to a variety of styles. Some practice in critical analysis and literary translation. Prerequisite: Japanese 206 or the equivalent. 6 credits cr., AL, Not offered in 2005-2006.
JAPN 347. Advanced Reading in Contemporary Japanese Prose: Newspapers Introduction to journalistic prose styles, with attention to vocabulary and syntax peculiar to newspapers. Discussion in Japanese. Prerequisite: Japanese 206 or the equivalent. 6 cr., AL, Not offered in 2005-2006.
JAPN 348. Advanced Japanese Conversation and Composition Listening and speaking practice with emphasis on situational context and some attention to aspects of contemporary Japanese culture, using audiovisual materials. Prerequisite: Japanese 206 or the equivalent. 6 cr., AL, Not offered in 2005-2006.
JAPN 349. Advanced Readings in Contemporary Japanese Prose Reading and discussion of advanced Japanese materials. Exercise in speaking the language and in writing compositions. Prerequisite: Japanese 206 or the equivalent 6 cr., AL, Not offered in 2005-2006.
JAPN 350. Advanced Readings in Contemporary Culture Using authentic materials, we will examine various trends in contemporary Japanese society, including new music, fashion, and the lifestyle of the new generation. Sources include TV, video, music CDs, and magazines. Prerequisite: Japanese 206 or the equivalent. 6 cr., AL, Not offered in 2005-2006.
JAPN 351. Advanced Japanese through Documentary Film
In this course we will subtitle in English a Japanese documentary film and also read the script and/or other related materials. The course aims to improve understanding of spoken Japanese at a natural pace, to improve the skill in reading of Japanese texts, and to comprehend some aspects of contemporary Japan. Students are expected to participate actively in the discussion of the film and the subtitles. Prerequisite: Japanese 206 or equivalent. 6 cr., AL, Spring—N. Tomonari
JAPN 399. Senior Research Seminar
Guided exploration of intellectual and practical problems related to conducting research with Japanese materials, and to literary translation from Japanese. Run as a cooperative seminar with issues generated by students. Prerequisites: Japanese 206 or equivalent. 6 cr., AL, Winter—K. Sparling