CHIN 412 Introduction to Classical Chinese (Not offered 1999-2000)*
Also termed Literary Chinese in English and Wenyan or Gudai Hanyu in Chinese, Classical Chinese was the standard written language of China from around the fifth century B.C. until the 1920s and served for many centuries as the lingua franca of China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. Moreover, remnants of Classical Chinese are still used frequently in Modern Chinese, in both writing (e.g., newspapers and road signs) and speech (e.g., proverbs and aphorisms). After several weeks of study of basic grammar and vocabulary, we will read short texts in literature, history, and philosophy from the works of authors such as Confucius, Mencius, Laozi, Zhuangzi, Sima Qian, and the Tang poets Li Bai and Du Fu. While the main objective is to develop students' reading proficiency in Classical Chinese, the course also serves to enhance students' 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 in Mandarin. Evaluation will be based on classroom performance, homework, four tests, and a final exam. Prerequisite: Chinese 301 or permission of the instructor.