CHIN 412(S) Introduction to Classical Chinese*
Classical or "Literary" Chinese was the standard written language of China from around the seventh century BC until the 1920s and served for many centuries as an important written language in Japan, Korea, and Vietnam as well. Moreover, remnants of Classical Chinese are still used frequently in Modern Chinese, in both writing (e.g., newspaper, road signs and academic writing) and speech (e.g., proverbs and aphorisms). This course will serve as an introduction to the basic grammar and vocabulary of Classical Chinese. We will focus on philosophical, political, and historical anecdotes from works from the Spring and Autumn period (770-481 B.C.) through the Han Dynasty (202 B.C. -220 A.D.), as they served as the foundation for the language. While the main objective is to develop reading proficiency in Classical Chinese, the course will also serve to enhance proficiency in Modern Chinese through classroom discussion in Mandarin, translation of Classical Chinese into Modern Chinese, and comparison of Classical Chinese and Modern Chinese vocabulary and grammar. Conducted primarily in Mandarin.
Evaluation will be based on classroom performance, homework, tests, and a final exam.
Prerequisites: Chinese 301 or permission of instructor. No enrollment limit (expected: 12).
Hour: KUBLER