College of Arts and Sciences
609 Baldy Hall
North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260-1030
Phone: 716.645.2177
Fax: 716.645.3825
Web: linguistics.buffalo.edu/chinese
Karin Michelson
Chair
Tsan Huang
Program Director
thuang3@buffalo.edu
�This area of study is available as a special major in consultation with the program coordinator and the student's academic advisor. It is not a separately registered degree program. Refer to the Special Majors section in this catalog for more information.
China has the world's oldest living civilization, and its culture has had significant impact on its neighboring countries. Now China is rapidly becoming a major player in world politics, and its economy is expanding fast. Not only is China a country that one must deal with politically, economically, and culturally, it also provides opportunities to the world in business, scholarly research, and within many other contexts. Mandarin Chinese (or Putonghua) is the official language.
The Chinese curriculum provides a solid foundation for an understanding and appreciation of the rich and diverse culture of China. The language (Mandarin Chinese) and culture courses offered are useful to students who aspire to an East Asia�related academic or professional career in education, government, communication, business, or other fields in the United States and abroad.
The curriculum of the Chinese program includes:
Courses designed to develop or improve competence in spoken and written Chinese.
Courses for the advanced study of Chinese language and culture.
Courses that examine Chinese business etiquette.
East Asian Studies. Of interest to students enrolled in Chinese language and culture courses is the East Asian languages and cultures (EALC) section in the Department of Linguistics. The EALC consists of the Chinese, Japanese, and Korean programs. This special major, which combines courses offered in the three programs, can be arranged with faculty members of the three programs in the EALC section.
For more information, contact Dr. Mitsuaki Shimojo, coordinator of the East Asian languages and cultures section and director of the Japanese Language and Culture Program, 609 Baldy Hall, (716) 645-2177; e-mail: shimojo@buffalo.edu.
The Asian studies program also offers a BA in Asian studies and a minor in Asian studies. For more information, contact Dr. Thomas Burkman, 714 Clemens Hall, (716) 645-3474, or via e-mail at burkman@buffalo.edu.
For study abroad options, see the Study Abroad section in this catalog or contact the Study Abroad Programs office at (716) 645-3912.
The courses offered in the Chinese program give students the opportunity to develop advanced skills in a strategic Asian language and to study the people and cultures of China. Many students opt to combine a minor in Chinese with a major in the social sciences, engineering, the humanities, the sciences, or management.
Students majoring in business administration, geography, international business and world trade, and the interdisciplinary social sciences programs in international studies and Asian studies would find their bachelor�s degrees complemented by the study of the Chinese language. Given China's huge population, its geopolitical importance, its massive and growing economy, and U.S. interest in that country as a trading partner, the need for large numbers of U.S. citizens who are fluent speakers of Chinese and are knowledgeable about Chinese culture will continue to grow.
Minimum GPA of 2.0 in prerequisite and required courses.
Application should be made when the student has completed the prerequisite courses or during the semester in which they will be completed.
Students with advanced Chinese language proficiency or whose mother tongue is Chinese should consult with the program advisor to arrange an appropriate program.
CHI 101- CHI 102 First-Year Chinese or CHI 104 Transitional First-Year Chinese (or equivalent proficiency)
CHI 201-CHI 202 Second-Year Chinese
CHI 301-CHI 302 Third-Year Chinese
Two China-related or Chinese language courses, which may include one course from another department
Contact Dr. Tsan Huang (thuang3@buffalo.edu) with questions.
Credits: 4
Semester: F
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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Develops necessary language skills for both
business and travel. Little or no knowledge of the Chinese language
required. Basics about Chinese culture and business etiquettes are also
integrated in the course.
Credits: 5
Semester: F Sp
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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Basic language skills in speaking, reading, and writing of modern vernacular Chinese. Strongly emphasizes fluency in speaking and reading. Not open to native speakers of Mandarin or those who can read and/or write Chinese characters.
Credits: 5
Semester: F Sp
Prerequisites: CHI 101
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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Basic language skills in speaking, reading, and writing of modern vernacular Chinese. Strongly emphasizes fluency in speaking and reading. Not open to native speakers of Mandarin or those who can read and/or write Chinese characters.
Credits: 5
Semester: Sp
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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For students who can speak Mandarin or any local dialect of Chinese but have only a little knowledge of reading and writing in Chinese. Students taking this course are not permitted to enroll in CHI 101- CHI 102 and vice versa.
Credits: 10
Semester: Sp
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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An intensive course covering both Chinese 101 and 102 in one semester.
Students taking this course are not permitted to enroll in CHI 104 or CHI
101- CHI 102, and vice versa.
Credits: 4
Semester: F
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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Designed to help students develop basic language skills for both business and travel. No prior knowledge of the Chinese language required. Basics about Chinese culture and business etiquettes are also integrated in the course.
Credits: 3
Semester: F
Prerequisites: CHI 102 or permission of instructor
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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Continuation CHI 102. Reading speed is substantially accelerated, and there is oral practice based on the reading materials.
Credits: 3
Semester: Sp
Prerequisites: CHI 201 or equivalent
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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Continuation of CHI 201. Reading speed is substantially accelerated, and there is oral practice based on the reading materials.
Credits: 3
Semester: Sp
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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Surveys major cultural and traditional elements that have influenced various aspects of Chinese life. Topics include classical Chinese philosophical ideals, religion, women, family, education, Chinese language and symbolic reference, and literature and art. Taught in English; requires no knowledge of Chinese language.
Credits: 3
Semester: F
Prerequisites: CHI 202 or permission of instructor
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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Involves readings and discussions, both written and oral, of works on contemporary cultural and social life in the vernacular.
Credits: 3
Semester: Sp
Prerequisites: CHI 301 or permission of instructor
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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Continuation of CHI 301. Involves readings and discussions, both written and oral, of works on contemporary cultural and social life in the vernacular.
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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Studies representative works of classical Chinese literature. Taught in English; requires no knowledge of Chinese language.
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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The history of modern China is a continuous process of political, social, cultural, and intellectual metamorphoses, and modern Chinese literature is a part of and a reflection of these changes. With readings of representative literary works in English translation, the course discusses the birth and development of modern Chinese literature, emphasizing this literature as a mirror of and a moving force for modern China's social, political, cultural, and intellectual changes. Taught in English; requires no knowledge of Chinese language.
Credits: 3
Semester: F
Prerequisites: CHI 202 or equivalent
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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A reading course on historical, philosophical, and literary works in the literary language of Wenyan by leading men of letters in classical China.
Credits: 3
Semester: Sp
Prerequisites: CHI 341 or equivalent
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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Continuation of CHI 341. A reading course on historical, philosophical, and literary works in the literary language of Wenyan by leading men of letters in classical China.
Credits: 3
Semester: F
Prerequisites: CHI 302 or permission of instructor
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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Involves readings, listening comprehension and discussions (both written and oral) of short fiction and non-fiction pieces on contemporary cultural
and social life in the vernacular. Helps the students to develop a better grasp of the grammatical structure of the language.
Credits: 3
Semester: F
Prerequisites: CHI 351 or permission of instructor
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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Continuation of CHI 351. Involves readings, listening comprehension and discussions (both written and oral) of short fiction and non-fiction pieces on contemporary cultural and social life in the vernacular. Helps the students to develop a better grasp of the grammatical structure of the language.
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: CHI 202 or equivalent
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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Emphasizes speaking and listening skills in a business context. Uses reading and writing assignments extensively to enhance students' conversational skills, presentations and classroom discussions. Topics covered include the influence of traditional Chinese culture, such as Confucianism, Taoism, and military strategies, on the Chinese style of business negotiation and etiquette. Students also study current materials concerning China�s business and trade organizations, regulations, and practices.
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: CHI 371 or equivalent
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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Continuation of CHI 371. Emphasizes speaking and listening skills in a business context. Uses reading and writing assignments extensively to enhance students' conversational skills, presentations and classroom discussions. Topics covered include the influence of traditional Chinese culture, such as Confucianism, Taoism, and military strategies, on the Chinese style of business negotiation and etiquette. Students also study current materials concerning China�s business and trade organizations, regulations, and practices.
Credits: 3
Semester: F
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
View Schedule
Surveys major cultural and traditional elements that have influenced various aspects of contemporary Chinese life. Topics include Chinese philosophical ideals, religion, women, family, education, Chinese language and symbolic reference, literature and art in both traditional and modern China. Taught in English; requires no knowledge of Chinese language.
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: CHI 302 or equivalent
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
View Schedule
An advanced vernacular Chinese (Baihua) language course with readings on daily life and customs in China today. In learning the language, students learn how a Chinese person would behave, think, and talk in various situations. Students also study and discuss the differences between Chinese and American social customs and behaviors (all in Chinese, of course). An informative course for a student whose future career may require close contact and association with China.
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: CHI 401 or equivalent
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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Continuation of CHI 401. An advanced vernacular Chinese (Baihua) language course with readings on daily life and customs in China today. In learning the language, students learn how a Chinese person would behave, think, and talk in various situations. Students also study and discuss the differences between Chinese and American social customs and behaviors (all in Chinese, of course). An informative course for a student whose future career may require close contact and association with China.
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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May be offered in Chinese, English, or both.
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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May be offered in Chinese, English, or both.
Credits: 2 - 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: permission of instructor
Corequisites: None
Type: TUT
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The content of this course is variable and therefore it is repeatable for credit. The University Grade Repeat Policy does not apply.
Involves readings tailored to the individual needs and interests of students of advanced standing.
Credits: 3
Semester: F
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: TUT
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Course for senior-level majors intended to provide a learning experience that integrates knowledge from lower-level courses. Topics may vary.
Credits: 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: TUT
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The content of this course is variable and therefore it is repeatable for credit. The University Grade Repeat Policy does not apply.
Hands-on experience in language and cultural studies at institutions and organizations in Western New York and/or nationwide.
Credits: 1 - 8
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: TUT
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The content of this course is variable and therefore it is repeatable for credit. The University Grade Repeat Policy does not apply.
Students collaborate with faculty research mentors on an ongoing project or conduct independent research under the guidance of a faculty member. This experience provides students with an inquiry-based learning opportunity and engages them as active learners in a research setting.
Credits: 1 - 3
Semester:
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: TUT
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The content of this course is variable and therefore it is repeatable for credit. The University Grade Repeat Policy does not apply.
Allows students with some prior knowledge of Chinese to sit in courses, help tutor students taking lower level Chinese courses and
help the instructors with some of the grading.
Updated: Jun 5, 2006 10:51:41 AM