For students with no previous study of Chinese. Builds proficiency in the four basic skills: understanding, speaking, reading, and writing in the Mandarin Chinese language. Investigates Chinese culture and its relationship to the language.

Builds proficiency in the four basic skills: understanding, speaking, reading and writing in the Mandarin Chinese language. Investigates Chinese culture and its relationship to the language.

Builds proficiency in the four basic skills: understanding, speaking, reading, and writing in the Mandarin Chinese language. Investigates Chinese culture and its relationship to the language.

Reviews Chinese language structure; emphasizes progress toward communicative competence and growth in understanding and appreciating Chinese culture.

Reviews Chinese language structure; emphasizes progress toward communicative competence and growth in understanding and appreciating Chinese culture. Typically offered: Winter.

Reviews Chinese language structure; emphasizes progress toward communicative competence and growth in understanding and appreciating Chinese culture. Typically offered: Spring.

The course introduces traditional Chinese culture and its development. The goal is to enhance students’ knowledge about China and East Asia and increase their cultural competence. Students will be able to appropriately interpret traditions and practices in Chinese culture through reading articles about different aspects of Chinese culture and participating in field trips. Required readings about Beijing opera, martial arts, language, poetry and classic Chinese novels and Taoism; field trips and hands-on experiences with some aspects of culture.

The course introduces traditional health beliefs and practices in Chinese culture. The goal is to help students view health and life from another vantage point and increase their cultural competence. Students are able to interpret Chinese practices of keeping healthy by reading articles about Chinese health beliefs and some of the popular practices. Required readings about Confucianism, Yin/Yang, Five elements, Buddhism, Taoism, and conflicts with western concept of personality; assignments about Chinese practices to promote health.

The course explores Japanese and Chinese cultures through the lens of their food and eating etiquette. Students learn about the culture of Japan and China through the specific theme of Japanese and Chinese gastronomy—culinary history, historical and contemporary foodways, regional specialties, festivals and traditions, historical and contemporary tea masters and chefs, restaurant menus, and culinary arts. The content also addresses current events in the food industry and agribusiness, health and nutrition, dieting trends, the influx of fast food, and international and Western influences. In addition, students learn a “pinch” of Japanese and Chinese languages and a “taste” of literature to pique the curiosity of students new to the studies of Japan and China. Typically offered: Spring.

The course explores various cultures that exist along the Silk Road, particularly Uyghur and Han cultures. Students learn about the two ethnic groups’ cultures through specific themes—cuisines, festivals, languages, music, religions. The content also addresses the current situation of Uyghur. Typically offered: Winter.

Student works independently with a faculty member on a mutually agreed upon topic.

Practicum.

Explores a special topic. Topics vary.