Asian Languages and Literatures
Chair: Associate Professor Mark Hansell
Professors: Mariko Kaga, Kathryn W. Sparling, Qiguang Zhao
Associate Professor: Mark Hansell
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 Japanese is available by petition. From time to time, the department also hosts courses in South Asian Languages and Literatures.
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 taught in English, and the remaining course may be chosen from either category.
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)
LING 111. Writing Systems Cross-listed with ASLN 111. 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, Not offered in 2000-2001.
LING 260. Historical Linguistics Cross-listed with ASLN 260. 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, Winter—M. Hansell
Chinese Courses (CHIN)
CHIN 101. 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 independent study in Chinese Literacy given fall term. This 6 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 credits cr., ND, Fall—M. Hansell
CHIN 102. 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 independent study in Chinese Literacy given fall term. This 6 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 credits cr., ND, Winter—M. Hansell
CHIN 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 independent study in Chinese Literacy given fall term. This 6 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 credits cr., ND, Spring—M. Hansell
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 credits cr., S/CR/NC, AL, Fall—Q. Zhao
CHIN 204. 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 credits cr., ND, Winter—Q. Zhao
CHIN 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 credits cr., ND, Winter—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 equivalent. 6 credits cr., ND, Spring—Q. Zhao
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, Spring—Q. Zhao
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, Winter—Q. Zhao
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. Prerequisites: Chinese 206 or equivalent. 6 credits cr., AL, Not offered in 2000-2001.
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. 6 credits cr., AL, Spring—M. Hansell
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, Not offered in 2000-2001.
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 2000-2001.
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 2000-2001.
Japanese Courses (JAPN)
JAPN 101. 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—M. Kaga
JAPN 102. 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, Winter—M. Kaga
JAPN 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, Spring—M. Kaga
JAPN 204. 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 credits cr., ND, Fall—K. Sparling
JAPN 205. 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 credits cr., ND, Winter—K. Sparling
JAPN 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 credits cr., ND, Spring—K. Sparling
JAPN 233. Modern Japanese Novel in Translation: Mothers/Daughters; Fathers/Sons Critical analysis of twentieth-century Japanese novels by Natsume Soseki, Tanizaki Junichiro, Kawabata Yasunari, Enchi Fumiko, Oe Kenzaburo, Tsushima Yuko and others, with special attention to the social and cultural context, and to reading strategies appropriate to that context. Most of the readings are from the 1960's or later, several of them are absolutely contemporary. All of them have to do with questions of identity, tradition, and generational change: what one might hope to pass on to one's real or metaphorical children, what one might hope to learn from one's real or metaphorical parents. 6 credits cr., AL, Not offered in 2000-2001.
JAPN 236. Classical Japanese Fiction: The Tale of Genji and Its World in Translation Cross-listed with WMST 236. 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 credits cr., AL,RAD, Winter—K. Sparling
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 esthetics 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 theatres, haiku, comic fiction, and the woodblock prints of the Floating World. 6 credits cr., AL,RAD, Not offered in 2000-2001.
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, Fall—K. Sparling
JAPN 346. Advanced Reading in Modern Japanese Literature: Poetry and Drama Introduction to the poetry of Takamura Kotaro, Hagiwara Sakutaro, Miyazawa Kenji, and others, plus one contemporary one-act play, to be read and performed; some consideration of the conventions of both genres. Discussion in Japanese. Prerequisite: Japanese 206 or the equivalent. 6 credits cr., AL, Not offered in 2000-2001.
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 credits cr., AL, Spring—M. Kaga
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 credits cr., AL, Not offered in 2000-2001.
Marathi Courses (MARA)
MARA 101. Elementary Marathi Fundamentals of grammar and composition. Readings of texts and practice in speaking, with primary emphasis on the latter. Required of all students participating in the ACM Program in India. Others may register with the permission of the director of the program. 6 credits cr., ND, Not offered in 2000-2001.