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Undergraduate Bulletin 2007-2008
 
Bulletin Homepage |College of Arts & Sciences | Courses in Chinese Studies

Courses in Chinese Studies

A Eac 100 Introduction to China (3)

This is a preliminary introduction to China and its culture. It covers contemporary developments and provides important historical background. Students also study some simple Chinese language to facilitate short-term social interaction in China.  It does not count for East Asian Studies Department major requirements.

A Eac 101 Elementary Chinese I (5)

An introduction to modern Chinese (Mandarin) with emphasis on speaking, reading and writing. Basic fluency in the spoken language is developed through intensive use and repetition of basic vocabulary and fundamental sentence patterns. Students learn the Pinyin romanization system and the simplified characters used on mainland China. May not be taken by students with any previous knowledge of any Chinese language.

A Eac 102 Elementary Chinese II (5)

Continuation of A Eac 101. Prerequisite(s): A Eac 101. [FL]

A Eac 150 China Through Western Eyes (3)

American and European perceptions of China from the 13th century to the present, emphasizing the origin(s) and influence of these Western perspectives. Readings range from the travel journals of Marco Polo to recent reports. [HU] [GC]

A Eac 160 (= A Gog 160) China in the Post-Utopian Age (3)

An introduction to the human and physical geography of China. After a brief survey of China�s historical geography and development, the course focuses on post-liberation China and the urban, economic, social and demographic problems associated with modernization. A Eac 160Z & A Gog 160Z are the writing intensive versions of A Eac 160 & A Gog 160; only one of the four courses may be taken for credit. [BE IL SS]

A Eac 160Z (= A Gog 160Z) China in the Post-Utopian Age (3)

A Eac 160Z & A Gog 160Z are the writing intensive versions of A Eac 160 & A Gog 160; only one of the four courses may be taken for credit. [BE IL SS WI]

A Eac 170 China: Its Culture and Heritage (3)

Survey of the essential elements of traditional Chinese civilization and their transformation in the 20th century. Focus is on the development of basic Chinese social, political and aesthetic ideas. Conducted in English; no knowledge of Chinese required. [BE HU]

A Eac 180/Z Introduction to Chinese Art and Culture (3)

The course combines a rapid survey of Chinese art with selected readings in Chinese literature to present an introduction to the visual and written culture of traditional China. Evidence from archaeology, sculpture, architecture, and painting will be viewed and analyzed to illustrate such topics as the origins and multiethnic character of Chinese civilization, the nature of the Chinese writing system, the growth of religious systems, and the development of the bureaucratic state. No prior knowledge of Chinese or Art History is required. A Eac 180Z is the writing intensive version.

A Eac 201 Intermediate Chinese I (5)

Speaking, reading, and writing modern Chinese, including continued study of both full-form and simplified characters, introduction to dictionaries, principles of character formation and classification, and the phonetic writing system (chu-yin-fu-hao). Prerequisite(s): A Eac 102 or equivalent.

A Eac 202 Intermediate Chinese II (5)

Continuation of A Eac 201. Prerequisite(s): A Eac 201 or equivalent.

A Eac 210 Survey of Classical Chinese Literature in Translation I (3)

An introduction to the major works of Chinese literature from the oracle bones (18th century B.C.) to poetry and prose writings of the Song dynasty (960-1279). [HU]

A Eac 211 Survey of Classical Chinese Literature in Translation II (3)

An introduction to the major works of Chinese literature from the Y�an dynasty (1279�1368) to the Ch�ing period (1644�1911), with emphasis on plays, poems and fiction. [HU]

A Eac 212 Modern Chinese Literature in Translation (3)

Survey of prose literature in China from the May Fourth Movement (1919) to the present, including works written after the Cultural Revolution. [HU]

A Eac 230 (= A Gog 230) Reform and Resistance in Contemporary China (4)

The course provides a survey of economic and social change in reform-era China (1978-present), beginning with a broad review of the policies that have brought about such a monumental restructuring of the economy. In the later sections of the in-class discussion will focus on the human impacts of the reforms and the extent to which the Chinese people have been constrained in their struggles for a better life and a more just and equitable society. Readings and materials from other media (including contemporary film and literature) will be selected to illustrate some of the ways the Chinese people have been exerting agency in shaping their own fate and resisting the inevitable forces that seem likely to overwhelm them in the new era of free-wheeling capitalism. The classroom discussions will focus on specific case studies of resistance drawn from a variety of sites and a range of contexts in contemporary China, which will be discussed and analyzed in the context of social science theories about the nature of resistance and its outcomes. The course will present ideas and a body of literature that question and critique the dominant �narrative of success� that currently pervades Western media and academic curricula. Prerequisite(s): The course will be offered only to students in the Honors College.

A Eac 260 (= A Glo 260 & A Gog 260) China in the Global Arena (3)

An introduction to the development of China�s economy and society since the death of Chairman Mao Tse-tung in 1976. Focuses on urbanization, industrialization, export-oriented development, and participation in global trade, finance and politics.  Taught in Shanghai, this multidisciplinary course helps students understand the dynamics of China�s rapid economic growth over the last three decades, and how Chinese scholars interpret the nation�s growing importance in the global system. Prerequisite(s): Taken after, or simultaneously with A Eac 100. [GC]

A Eac 280 (= A Arh 280) Chinese Painting (3)

Introduces students to the major works of traditional Chinese painting and analyzes those works to arrive at an understanding of life in traditional China. The major class activity will be viewing, discussing and analyzing slides of Chinese paintings. Only one of A Arh 280 & A Eac 280 may be taken for credit. [AR]
 
A Eac 300 (= A Glo 300 & A Gog 300) Debating Contemporary China (1)

Enables students who have recently studied in China to discuss and debate major contemporary issues:  the factors underlying China�s rapid economic growth; the impact of China�s economic growth on society, environment and the global system;  the future of China�s political system;  the future of China�s population policies;  the dynamics of Chinese cities;  the situation of Tibet and of ethnic and religious minorities;  the future of Taiwan; relations with other Asian neighbors. Prerequisite(s): At least 3 credits of Study Abroad coursework in China sometime in the previous year.

A Eac 301 & 302 Advanced Chinese I & II (3, 3)

A survey of a wide variety of materials written in modern Chinese, including selections from the works of major 20th-century writers, newspaper articles from both Taiwan and mainland China, and readings from the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution. Students will view and study at least one full-length Chinese movie. Equal emphasis is placed on enhancing reading, writing and oral communication skills. Class is conducted entirely in Chinese. Prerequisite(s): A Eac 202 or equivalent for A Eac 301; A Eac 301 or equivalent for A Eac 302. [OD]

A Eac 310 Classical Chinese I (3)

Introduction to the literary Chinese language and classical Chinese culture through readings of simple texts selected from early classics, including the Chuangtzu and Records of the Grand Historian. Prerequisite(s): A Eac 202 or permission of the instructor.
A Eac 311 Classical Chinese II (3)
Continuation of A Eac 310. Prerequisite(s): A Eac 310 or permission of the instructor.

A Eac 350 (= A Gog 350) Urban Development in China (3)

Provides a comprehensive understanding of urban development in China. Reviews the history of urban development in China and examines the demographic, social, economic, and cultural dimensions of the urbanization process. Analyzes the emerging urban land and housing markets, and the changing urban landscape.

A Eac 357 (= A His 357, A Wss 357) Chinese Women and Modernity (3)

Chinese women and their search for and encounter with modernity will be the focus of this class. What have been the concerns of Chinese women? What forms have women�s movements taken in the Chinese context? What has been the role of women in creating a modern Chinese state and society? These and other questions will be examined over the course of the semester. [BE]

A Eac 373 (= R Pos 373) Government and Politics in the People's Republic of China (3)

Examination of the origins of the Communist movement in China against the backdrop of the decline of dynastic rule and the era of Western imperialism. The implications of ideology, institutions, and individuals for public policy in the People's Republic of China. [BE]

A Eac 379 (= A His 379) History of China I (3)

This course is a survey of China�s historical development from prehistory to the founding of the Ming Dynasty in the fourteenth century. We will concern ourselves especially with the transformation of Chinese social structure over time, the relations between the state and the social elite, and the relationship between China�s intellectual, political, and social histories. Prerequisite(s): junior or senior standing, or 3 credits in East Asian Studies or History. A Eac 379Z is the writing intensive version of A Eac 379; only one may be taken for credit. [WI] [BE]

A Eac 379Z (= A His 379Z) History of China I (3)

A Eac 379Z is the writing intensive version of A Eac 379; only one may be taken for credit. [BE]

A Eac 380 (= A His 380) History of China II (3)

This course is a survey of China's history during the late imperial and modern periods. It begins with the founding of the Ming dynasty in the late 14th century and concludes with the present day. Of particular interest is the interplay of political, social, and intellectual history during this period. Prerequisite(s): Junior or Senior class standing, or 3 credits in East Asian Studies or History. [BE]

A Eac 380Z (= A His 380Z) History of China II (3)

A Eac 380Z is the writing intensive version of A Eac 380; only one may be taken for credit. [WI] [BE]

A Eac 389 Topics in Chinese Literature, History, and Culture (3)

This course will focus on a selected topic or major work of traditional or modern Chinese literature or history for intensive study. This course is conducted solely in English; knowledge of Chinese is not required. May be repeated for credit when the topic varies. Prerequisite(s): A Eas 103 or A Eac 170 or A Eac 210 or A Eac 211 or A Eac 212 or permission of the instructor.

A Eac 390 Classical Chinese Poetry (3)

This class surveys Chinese poetry written in traditional verse forms, beginning with works from the Book of Poetry (600 BC) and concluding in the eighteenth century. Major poets will include Qu Yuan, Du Fu, Li Bo, and Su Shi. The course will begin with the major linguistic and rhetorical elements of Chinese poetry and proceed to introduce elements of traditional Chinese poetics. No knowledge of Chinese is required. All readings and discussions will be in English. Prerequisite(s): Any one of the following courses: A Eas 103, A Eac 170, A Eac 210, or A Eac 211.

A Eac 395 (= A Arh 480) Y�an and Sung Painting (3)

A seminar on Chinese painting during the Sung and Y�an Dynasties (960-1368) with research into selected paintings. The course will combine a detailed survey of painting during this period with examination of selected topics such as the rise of literati painting, Court painting as government art, and painting as political expression during the Sung-Y�an transition. Prerequisite(s): A Eac 180/A Arh 281 or A Eac/A Arh 280 and permission of instructor.

A Eac 396 (= A Thr 323) Readings in Chinese Drama (3)

After introducing the history and aesthetics of the Chinese theater, this course will concentrate on reading and discussing pieces of Yuan Zaju Drama, Ming Chuanqi Opera, Peking/Beijing Opera, and Chinese shadow plays. Knowledge of the Chinese language is NOT necessary. Prerequisite(s): Any 200-level course (other than language courses) from either the Department of East Asian Studies or the Theater Department, or permission of the instructor.

A Eac 398 (= A His 398) Change in Medieval China (3)

This course focuses on the dramatic change that China underwent between the eighth and the fourteenth centuries. We will examine this transformation from several historical perspectives: political history, economic history, social history, intellectual history, and cultural history in order to better understand China�s shift from aristocratic to literati society. Prerequisite(s) A Eac 379, A His 379, A His 177, or permission of instructor.

A Eac 458 (= A His 458) New Orders in Asia (3)

This class examines the international orders in place in Asia from the days of nineteenth-century imperialism to the search for a twenty-first century post-Cold War order. The focus will be on political, cultural, and economic interactions among the three main East Asian powers: China, Japan, and the US. Prerequisite(s): Junior or Senior class standing.

A Eac 470Z (= A Gog 470Z) China After Deng Xiaoping (3)

This course examines some of the issues associated with modernization and economic development in Post-Deng Xiaoping China. The course focuses on the era of economic reform associated with Deng, and is particularly concerned with the social, spatial and political ramifications of China�s entry into the global economy. Prerequisite(s): any of the following: A Eac 160 Z or 170, or A Gog 102Z or 220. [WI]

A Eac 497 Independent Study in Chinese (1�6)

Projects in selected areas of Chinese studies, with regular progress reports. Supervised readings of texts in Chinese. May be repeated once for credit when topics differ. Prerequisite(s): two 300-level Chinese courses and equivalent, or permission of instructor.