No prerequisites except serious interest and willingness to work. By increasing students' vocabulary and their knowledge of sentence patterns, the course focuses on speaking and writing in coherent and well-formed paragraphs. VC.1 and GER post-freshman writing requirement and old writing requirement. An examination of twentieth-century Chinese society through cinematic productions and a critical reading of the writings of major Chinese writers in translation. Emphasis on self and society in a changing culture and the nature and function of literature in the modern nation-building.
All readings are in translation.
Knowledge of Chinese language not required. Course requirements include three short written assignments, a term paper, one presentation, and active class participation. The course places emphasis on communicative function of the language where advanced reading, grammar and conversation are stressed. The contents of the textbook focus on the rapidly changing attitudes and values of modern China. Authentic reading materials are included in each lesson, such as newspaper articles, television, news broadcasts, short works of fiction, and some film.