Chinese

Overview

Chinese puts you in touch with 1.2 billion people and with a culture still vital after more than 3,000 years. Already the third-largest economy in the world, with an annual economic growth rate well over 10 percent, China is also a nuclear-armed military power playing an increasingly large role in Asia. Our country critically needs proficient speakers of Chinese, not only in government service, but also in business, law, journalism, and technology. But with few exceptions, Americans visit China unable to speak the language. St. Olaf has taught Chinese since 1973 and is one of only a few colleges in the Midwest that offers four years of language study, an active study abroad program, and a broad selection of related courses in art, economics, history, literature, music, philosophy and religion.

General Education Credit

Chinese courses that fulfill General Education requirements are listed in the Class and Lab Schedule.

Comprehensive Credit

Successful completion of 231 or a higher numbered course taught in Chinese, or demonstrated proficiency, fulfills the college foreign language graduation requirement for all students. The Area A literature requirement is fulfilled by Chinese 235 and 236.

Special Programs

Courses in Chinese language, literature and culture count toward a major in Asian Studies (see Index). The minimum language requirement for the Asian Studies major may be met by completing Chinese 232. An optional area of emphasis in Chinese language requires the completion of four semesters of language above Level I. Courses in literature in translation also count towards a concentration in Asian Studies.

Since 1984, St. Olaf has had a sister-school relationship with East China Normal University (ECNU), in Shanghai, China, a city which has been the focus of China's trade and cultural exchange with the West for 150 years. Students with two years of study of Chinese language are encouraged to spend the fall semester and interim on the Term in China program at ECNU. Students may also choose to spend a semester or year at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, a program sponsored by the ACM. (See the Index to find further information on both these programs).

Courses

111 112 Beginning Chinese I, II: An introduction to speaking, reading and writing Chinese; mastery of basic grammar and command of 500 characters for reading and writing. Class meets five hours weekly, including two hours of drill sections. Language laboratory required. Chinese 111 or equivalent is prerequisite to 112.
231 232 Intermediate Chinese I, II: Students continue to develop listening comprehension and reading and use of basic structures through speaking and writing. The vocabulary for reading and writing increases to 1000 characters. Class meets five hours weekly, including two hours of drill sections. Language laboratory required. Chinese 231 or equivalent is prerequisite to 232.
235 The Classical Tradition of Chinese Literature (in English translation): This course spans the development of poetry and prose in the classical language from the beginnings to its culmination in the T'ang dynasty. The history of literature is viewed against the background of the religious, social, and historical tradition, with attention to the identification of distinct Chinese literary values through close readings of the texts. Offered alternate years in the Spring Semester..
236 The Popular Tradition of Chinese Literature (in English translation: Students explore the development of the short story, novel and drama in the vernacular language from the T'ang dynasty to the present, including the literary revolution of the 20th century. A small number of major works are singled out for close attention. Offered alternate years in the Spring Semester.
251 Modern Chinese: Offered every fall for students not participating in the Term in China, this course provides continued practice in speaking, reading and writing at the third-year level. Our text introduces students to Chinese geography and history and modern written style. Conducted entirely in Chinese. Prerequisite: Chinese 232 or equivalent. Chinese 251 and 256 are recommended for students seeking an area of emphasis in Chinese language.
256 Chinese Drama and Film: Students combine viewing of a contemporary film with intensive study of a film script. A contemporary comedy is also read. Prerequisite: Term in China or Chinese 251 or equivalent. Chinese 251 and 256 are recommended for students seeking an area of emphasis in Chinese language. Offered Spring Semester.
298 Independent Study
371 Advanced Chinese: Readings include Chinese newspapers, modern short stories, and articles in the social sciences. Students give frequent oral reports. Conducted entirely in Chinese. Offered Fall Semester.
398 Independent Research

Interim

The following Interim courses were offered in January 1996:

Asian America
Contemporary Chinese Women Writers

Faculty

Pin P. Wan (Chair)
Associate Professor of Chinese, 1987-
B.A., M.A., Fu-Jen Catholic University; M.A., Oregon; Ph.D., Washington
Chinese language and literature

Richard W. Bodman
Associate Professor of Chinese, 1980-
B.A., Harvard; M.A., Ph.D., Cornell
Chinese language and literature