- Autumn 2017
Syllabus Description:
Chinese 482, Advanced Readings in Chinese, Autumn 2017
Autobiography and Memoirs
T,Th 1:30-3:20 PM, Condon Hall (CDH) 128
Prof. John Christopher (Chris) Hamm
206-543-4974
Gowen M235: Office hours MW 11:00 am-12:00 pm or by appointment
Course Overview
Chinese 482 is designed to help you develop advanced Chinese reading skills by working through Chinese texts that have not been modified or supplemented in any way. Through this course you will acquire the tools and develop the skills to enable you to confidently approach unfamiliar Chinese texts. In our reading we will emphasize accuracy of understanding, grammatical precision, and appreciation of style and tone, as expressed through carefully rendered English translations. We will work through the assigned texts together in class; individual students will be called on in turn to read, offer oral English translation, and explain relevant usage and grammatical structures. You will not only develop the necessary knowledge and skills, but will also learn about key reference tools (on- and offline) that will enable you to confidently approach unfamiliar Chinese texts. The course is appropriate for advanced undergraduates at the fourth-year level or higher (i.e. who have completed third-year Chinese), and for graduate students who wish to polish their reading skills. The course will be conducted in English.
This term we will be reading selections from memoirs and autobiographical writings by 20th- and 21st-century Chinese authors.