East Asian Languages and Literatures

The Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures offers undergraduate programs in Chinese and Japanese languages and literatures. Each program enables students to achieve proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking the language and to acquire a fundamental knowledge of the literature and culture of the country. In addition, four years of Korean language is offered as well as courses in Korean culture and linguistics.

Preparation. Students considering a major in Chinese or Japanese should decide their major as early as possible so that they can satisfy the requirements in four years of undergraduate study. Background in languages, literature, or history at the high school or community college level is good preparation for the student majoring in Chinese or Japanese.

Careers. A major in Chinese or Japanese prepares a student for graduate study in the humanities, social sciences, and professional schools and also for careers in business, teaching, law, journalism, and government agencies. Career options for people with knowledge of Chinese, Japanese, or Korean are steadily increasing.

Chinese Flagship Program. This program is a language option for students who wish to achieve advanced levels of proficiency in Chinese. Flagship courses (CHN 420/520, 421/521, 422/522, 439/539, 445/545, 480/580 as well as content courses taught in Chinese in other departments) expose students to the language and content of a broad range of disciplines, including business, journalism, social sciences, sciences, and the humanities. These courses prepare students to pursue a wide variety of careers in Chinese-speaking environments. Students do not need to be Chinese majors to enroll in Chinese Flagship courses or the program. Those interested in either Flagship-level classes or formally enrolling in the program should visit http://chineseflagship.uoregon.edu/en/index.php. 

Japanese Global Scholars Program. Specifically designed for advanced Japanese speakers committed to linguistic, cultural, and intellectual advancement. The program, open to majors and nonmajors, offers courses on academic topics conducted in Japanese, helping students to become proficient both in the subject areas and the language. In addition, the program coordinates a year abroad with courses relevant to the student's major. For more information, visit http://japanese.uoregon.edu.

Major Requirements

Prospective majors must meet with an East Asian languages and literatures faculty advisor when declaring the major, each spring to obtain the advisor’s signature before fall term registration, and two terms before graduation.

Any course for which a grade lower than C– is received does not count toward the major.

Prospective majors who place above the first term of the third year of a language (CHN or JPN 301) must draft an individualized program in conjunction with a department advisor.

Chinese

Culture-Intensive Option. This option requires 47 graded credits in courses beyond the second-year level including

1. Three years of Chinese language
2. Four courses selected from CHN 150, 151, 152, 305, 306, 307, 308. Two of these must be upper division
3. Four upper-division courses in Chinese language, culture, literature, linguistics, history, art, economics, or other approved areas taken from this or other departments. Of these, at least two must be from the Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures. A third non-Chinese course chosen from within the department may also count toward the culture-intensive option

Language-Intensive Option. This option requires 47 graded credits in courses beyond the second-year level, including

1. Third-Year Chinese (CHN 301, 302, 303); History of Chinese Literature (CHN 305, 306, 307); Literature of Modern Taiwan (CHN 308)
2. Literary Chinese (CHN 436, 437)
3. Three courses chosen from Fourth-Year Chinese (CHN 411, 412, 413), Intermediate Language Strategies (CHN 420, 421, 422), Literary Chinese Texts (CHN 438), Advanced Chinese (CHN 445)

Japanese

Culture-Intensive Option. This option requires 47 graded credits, including

1. Third-Year Japanese (JPN 301, 302, 303)
2. 8 credits of upper-division Japanese language courses beyond the third-year level (which may include JPN 411, 412, 413, 414, 415, 416, 434, 435, 436, 437, 438, 439)
3. Two courses from Introduction to Japanese Literature (JPN 305, 306, 307)
4. 16 advisor-approved credits of upper-division course work in Japanese literature, linguistics, or culture (which may include a maximum of 4 credits in courses taught outside the Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures). One non-Japanese course chosen from within the department may also count toward the culture-intensive option 

Language-Intensive Option. This option requires 47 graded credits including

1. Third-Year Japanese (JPN 301, 302, 303)
2. Two courses from Introduction to Japanese Literature (JPN 305, 306, 307)
3. Two terms of Fourth-Year Spoken Japanese (JPN 411, 412)
4. Two terms of Fourth-Year Reading and Writing Japanese (JPN 414, 415)
5. The third term of Fourth-Year Spoken Japanese (JPN 413) or the third term of Fourth-Year Reading and Writing Japanese (JPN 416)
6. 4 credits from an upper-division Japanese language or literature course, or a comparative literature (COLT) course when the topic is Japanese literature, or in a Japanese culture course offered by disciplines such as history, religious studies, or art history

Honors

Graduation with departmental honors is approved for students who

1. Earn a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or better in all UO work

2. Earn a cumulative GPA of 3.75 or better in major course work

3. Complete, under the supervision of a faculty member, a senior thesis to be evaluated by the thesis director and one other faculty member in the department

Students must enroll for at least 6 pass/no pass (P/N) credits in Thesis (CHN or JPN 403) in addition to meeting the standard major requirements. Transfer work and P/N credits are not included in determining the GPA.

Honors Thesis in Chinese

With the support of an advisor, students may write a thesis on a Chinese topic. Thesis topics must be approved at least one term before the thesis is submitted for honors credit.

Thesis written in English. To count toward a Chinese degree, the thesis must be on a Chinese cultural topic with a suggested length of forty pages.

Thesis written in Chinese. With an advisor's approval, language-track majors may opt to write a thesis in Chinese with a suggested length of 12,500 characters. Students in the Chinese Flagship Program who are culture majors may petition to have a Chinese-language thesis count toward honors in the department. The thesis must be on a topic that reflects an aspect of Chinese culture.

Minor Requirements

Chinese. The minor in Chinese requires 15 credits of modern Chinese language above the 200 level and two courses from History of Chinese Literature (CHN 305, 306, 307) and Literature of Modern Taiwan (CHN 308).

Upper-division language courses must be taken at the University of Oregon or through an Oregon University System program in China. Lower-division courses must be passed with grades of C– or better or P; upper-division courses must be passed with grades of C– or better.

Japanese. The minor in Japanese requires 15 credits of modern Japanese language above the 200 level and two courses from Introduction to Japanese Literature (JPN 305, 306, 307).

Upper-division language courses must be taken at the University of Oregon or through an Oregon University System program in Japan. Lower-division courses must be passed with grades of C– or better or P; upper-division courses must be passed with grades of C– or better.

East Asian Studies. See the Asian Studies section of this catalog for a description of the minor in East Asian studies.

Overseas Study

The University of Oregon has four overseas study programs in China and five in Tokyo, Japan. Students in University of Oregon study abroad programs enroll in courses with subject codes that are unique to individual programs. Special course numbers are reserved for overseas study. See International Affairs in the Academic Resources section of this catalog.

Kindergarten through Secondary Teaching Careers

Students who complete the BA degree with a major in Chinese or Japanese are eligible to apply for the College of Education’s fifth-year licensure program in middle-secondary teaching or the fifth-year licensure program to become an elementary teacher. More information is available from the College of Education.

The Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures offers programs of study leading to the degrees of master of arts (MA) and doctor of philosophy (PhD) in East Asian languages and literatures. Students may choose to specialize in Chinese or Japanese studies.

In addition to departmental requirements, graduate students must fulfill the general requirements of the Graduate School listed in that section of this catalog.

The Chinese and Japanese studies programs, which prepare students to work in a variety of professional and academic fields, provide intensive training in linguistic and textual analysis and an extensive exposure to literary theory, film studies, and comparative and cultural studies. The department encourages students to develop their specialization in East Asian literatures and films in broader, more comparative, and more interdisciplinary and transnational perspectives than has been the case in traditional programs. The faculty’s research and teaching interests cover the major fields, genres, and chronological divisions of Chinese and Japanese literature and film. They encourage creative connections and challenges to conventional disciplinary boundaries by exploring the relationships between literature-cinema and such areas as history, law, linguistics, politics, religion, philosophy, sociology, theater and the performing arts, and women’s and gender studies.

Comparative Literature. Several members of the department’s faculty participate in the Comparative Literature Program. For more information, see the Comparative Literature section of this catalog.

Linguistics. The departmental Chinese, Japanese and Korean linguists work closely with the Department of Linguistics in research, teaching, and program development in theoretical and applied linguistics. Interested students are encouraged to work closely with a departmental advisor to pursue a specialization or field in East Asian linguistics and/or East Asian second-language acquisition. 

Complete details and answers to specific questions about graduate programs in the Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures are available from the department’s graduate secretary.

Admission

An applicant for admission to the MA program should have completed an undergraduate major in Chinese or Japanese language, literature, or linguistics, or have equivalent experience.

An applicant for admission to the PhD program should have completed an MA degree in either Chinese or Japanese language and literature, linguistics, or have equivalent experience.

Application Procedure

Graduate program applications are submitted via an online process found at the department’s web site. In the course of completing the application, students are required to upload the following:

1. Statement of Purpose. The 750-word statement of purpose should address the applicant’s specific academic preparation or experience, all areas of research interest, career goals, and reason for attending the University of Oregon. In addition, PhD applicants should include potential research questions
2. Writing Sample. The writing sample must come from a course that shows up on the transcript. International students must submit a sample in English and may submit an additional sample in Chinese or Japanese
3. Transcripts. Unofficial copies of undergraduate and/or graduate transcripts should be uploaded from all institutions attended. In addition, official transcripts from these institutions should be sent to the University of Oregon, Office of Admissions, 1217 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403-1217
4. Letters of Recommendation. Three persons familiar with the applicant’s academic experience and ability to carry out independent research must be identified. The online application requests contact information (name, position, institution, telephone number, and e-mail address) from each of these people. Upon submission of the online application, each person will be notified via e-mail and provided with instructions on how to upload their recommendations
5. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores. The GRE test is required for all applicants. Applicants should take the test in time for the official results to arrive to the university prior to January 1. The online application is self-reporting, however official GRE scores need to be sent to the University of Oregon (institution code 4846) and the Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures (department code 2601)

Applications are due by January 1. New students are typically admitted to the program for fall term.

Graduate Teaching Fellowships

A number of graduate teaching fellowships (GTFs) are available each year for new graduate students in the department. Students must apply to the department by January 1 for admission and appointment the following fall term. During each term of the appointment, graduate teaching fellows must register for and complete at least 9 credits of course work that can be applied to the degree program.

First-year GTFs must attend an orientation and training workshop, which is held the week before fall term begins.

Master of Arts Requirements

Chinese

Option One. This is the usual option for students seeking the MA degree in East Asian languages and literatures with a specialization in Chinese studies. It prepares students for study at the doctoral level. This option requires successful completion of a minimum of fourteen graduate-level courses including Issues in Early Chinese Literature (CHN 523); Issues in Medieval Chinese Literature (CHN 524); Issues in Modern Chinese Literature (CHN 525); two advisor-approved graduate courses in linguistics, literary theory, or another literature; Chinese Bibliography (CHN 550); one approved course in language pedagogy, Asian history, or another field relevant to the student’s career objectives; and five Chinese seminars. With the advisor’s approval, one course in Reading and Conference (CHN 605) may be counted as one of the fourteen courses. Students must pass a comprehensive written examination at the end of study or write a master of arts thesis. Students who elect to write a thesis must register for 9 credits of Thesis (CHN 503).

Option Two. A master’s student may, in consultation with the student’s advisor, apply for early entry to the PhD program. Such applications are typically made spring term but, in any event, after at least two terms at the university. Applications must include transcripts, three recommendations, and a statement of the student’s prospective course of study. Students who elect this option are awarded the master’s degree upon completion of the course work for the PhD degree. This option requires successful completion of a minimum of twelve 4-credit graduate-level courses including Issues in Early Chinese Literature (CHN 523); Issues in Medieval Chinese Literature (CHN 524); Issues in Modern Chinese Literature (CHN 525); two advisor-approved graduate courses in linguistics, literary theory, or another literature; Chinese Bibliography (CHN 550); one approved course in language pedagogy, Asian history, or another field relevant to the student’s career objectives; and five Chinese seminars. With the advisor’s approval, one course in Reading and Conference (CHN 605) may be counted as one of the twelve courses. Students must pass a comprehensive oral examination that covers the student’s primary areas of study.

Japanese

The master of arts degree in East Asian languages and literatures with a specialization in Japanese studies requires successful completion of a minimum of twelve graduate-level courses. These courses must be chosen in consultation with the student’s advisor.

1. Six courses in Japanese studies
2. Two courses in methodology-theory
3. Two East Asian–related courses, which may be taught outside of the East Asian languages and literatures department
4. The first term of Classical Japanese Literary Language (JPN 537) or Advanced Readings in Japanese Literature (JPN 534) or Structure of the Japanese Language (JPN 541)
5. One course in the Japanese Global Scholars program (for nonnative speakers of Japanese; native speakers of Japanese take an additional course in Japanese studies in place of this requirement)

In addition to the completion of the required courses, students must pass a comprehensive examination at the end of study or complete a master of arts thesis. The examination and degree-granting process differs for terminal MA students and for students who apply for continued study in the university’s PhD program (see below).

Terminal MA Students

Those students who are not planning to go on to the PhD must successfully pass a two-part written examination based on the following reading list:

1. Approximately twenty works of Japanese literature, Japanese film, or both, which should provide comprehensive coverage of major periods, writers, and genres of Japanese literature and film. The student’s advisor will provide a model reading list
2. Approximately ten works of general theory and criticism, based on the student’s specialized area, which can be outside of Japanese studies
3.  Approximately ten works in a specialized area of the student’s own choosing

The first part of the exam shall include questions pertaining to broad issues in the field of Japanese literature and film deriving from section one of the student’s reading list. The second part of the exam, to be administered a week later, shall cover more specialized questions deriving from sections two and three of the student’s reading list. The student shall have forty-eight hours for each part to produce the final typed, double-spaced exams of approximately ten to twelve pages each.

Consulting the faculty committee, the advisor shall determine whether the student has successfully fulfilled the requirements for the MA degree, and shall confer one of the following grades: distinction, clear pass, marginal pass, or failure. Should the advisor determine that the candidate has not been successful, he or she may recommend that the student be given one additional opportunity to pass the exam during the next academic term.

MA Students Seeking Entry to PhD Program

If the student also decides to seek admission into the PhD program, the MA exam administered shall include the oral component:

An oral examination shall take place no later than the seventh week of the term in which a request for the degree has been made. It shall consist of a one- to two-hour interview with the faculty committee, which is required to be formed by the student and the advisor before the student takes the comprehensive exam, and shall include evaluation of the following: a) the student’s skills in critical thinking, reading, listening, and writing; b) the student’s ability to formulate a pedagogical approach to topics appropriate to the student’s career goals; c) a discussion of career options and prospects. The committee shall determine whether the candidate has successfully fulfilled the requirements for the MA degree, and shall confer one of the following grades: distinction, clear pass, marginal pass, or failure. This determination is independent of the student’s candidacy to the PhD program. As in the case of terminal MA students, should the committee determine that the candidate has not been successful, it may recommend that the student be given one additional opportunity to pass the exam during the next academic term.

Doctor of Philosophy Degree Program

The PhD program in East Asian languages and literatures is designed to provide students with a high level of competence in their area of specialization and a familiarity with applicable methodologies and theories. The program has four components: course work, comprehensive examination, prospectus for the dissertation, and the dissertation itself.

Specific courses and projects used to fulfill requirements must be approved by the student’s advisor, who works with the other faculty members to develop the student’s program.

Timeline for Completion of the PhD Program

Course work—two years

Comprehensive examination and prospectus approval—one year

Dissertation writing and defense—two years

Additional Course Work

Depending on the student’s background when admitted to the PhD program, additional course work may be required.

Chinese

The PhD degree in East Asian languages and literatures with a specialization in Chinese studies requires completion of a minimum of six 4-credit graduate-level courses beyond those required for the MA degree. Depending on the student’s background or preparation at the time of admission to the PhD program, the number of required courses may be nine or twelve. Courses must be chosen in consultation with the student’s advisor.

1. Complete successfully

a. Six courses in Chinese literature, linguistics, or film

b. Three methods courses—Issues in Early Chinese Literature (CHN 523), Issues in Medieval Chinese Literature (CHN 524), Issues in Modern Chinese Literature (CHN 525) or equivalents—unless the student has already taken these courses

2. Choose one of the following options:

a. Demonstrate the ability to use a second foreign language substantively in research or pass a translation examination in the language

b. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of a particular methodology or theory by taking three graduate-level courses, including one course in Reading and Conference (CHN 605) for which the student writes a paper applying the methodology to Chinese literature

c. Complete three courses in a secondary literature

Japanese

The PhD with a specialization in Japanese studies requires students to successfully complete nine graduate courses beyond the number required for the MA degree. These courses must be chosen in consultation with the student’s advisor. Appropriate courses in related fields (e.g., Japanese history, religion) may be substituted with the advisor’s approval.

1. Three courses in Japanese studies
2. One course in an interdisciplinary subfield
3. Two courses in methodology-theory, preferably in the area of Japanese studies
4. One course in Japanese linguistics or teaching methodology
5. Two courses to be chosen in consultation with the student’s advisor

Comprehensive Examination

Candidates for the PhD must pass a comprehensive examination, which consists of six questions covering the student’s major fields of study. A committee is chosen by the student in consultation with his or her advisor that consists of three faculty members, at least two of whom are members of the department. With input from the student, the committee prepares questions based on an approved bibliography. Each student is given five days in which to write and submit answers to four of the six questions. If the committee finds that the student has not performed adequately on one question, the student may, at the discretion of the committee, be allowed one opportunity to retake the examination in that subfield before the end of the following term. Students who fail more than one question have their status as doctoral students terminated.

Prospectus

Within one month of successfully completing the comprehensive examination the student presents a dissertation proposal with a bibliography for approval by the dissertation committee. After approval of the prospectus, the student advances to candidacy and becomes eligible to enroll in Dissertation (CHN or JPN 603).

Dissertation

A dissertation committee is formed at least one month before the prospectus is presented for review and approval. This committee advises the student on writing the dissertation and approves the completed dissertation.

Students who have taken an MA comprehensive exam in Japanese studies do not need to take a PhD comprehensive exam. However, they need to orally defend the dissertation prospectus within one academic term after the completion of course work to facilitate the student’s completion of the dissertation as well as to let the faculty community clearly know the progress of the student toward the completion.

Consulting the advisor, the student (either terminal MA or applicant to the PhD program) can complete an MA thesis instead of passing a comprehensive examination at the end of study. Students who elect to write a thesis are strongly recommended to register for 9 credits of Thesis (JPN 503). As in the case of students who take comprehensive examinations, the advisor in consultation with the faculty committee shall determine whether the student has successfully fulfilled the requirements of the MA degree, and shall confer one of the following grades: distinction, clear pass, marginal pass, or failure. Should the advisor determine that the candidate has not been successful, the advisor may recommend that the student be given additional time to revise the thesis or to pass the exam during the next academic term.

196 Field Studies: [Topic] (1–2R)

198 Workshop: [Topic] (1–2R)

199 Special Studies: [Topic] (1–5R)

209 Language and Society in East Asia (4) Introduction to language and society in East Asia. Topics include the structure of Chinese, Japanese, and Korean; politeness; intercultural communication; writing; minority and immigrant communities. Taught in English.

210 China: A Cultural Odyssey (4) Introduction to the distinctive features of China’s linguistic, literary, artistic, and religio-philosophical heritage. Includes guest lectures, films.

211 Japan: A Cultural Odyssey (4) Introduction to distinctive features of Japan’s linguistic, literary, artistic, and religio-philosophical heritage. Includes guest lectures, films.

360 East Asian Cinema (4) Examination of East Asian cinema in the context of the immense political and cultural transformations in Asia over the past century. 

399 Special Studies: [Topic] (1–5R)

401 Research: [Topic] (1–21R)

405 Reading and Conference: [Topic] (1–21R)

406 Field Studies: [Topic] (1–21R)

407/507 Seminar: [Topic] (1–5R)

408/508 Workshop: [Topic] (1–21R)

409 Supervised Tutoring (1–3R)

410/510 Experimental Course: [Topic] (1–5R)

440/540 Japanese and Korean Phonetics (4)The articulatory and acoustic analyses of Japanese and Korean sound systems. Prereq: JPN 103 or KRN 103.

442/542 Second-Language Acquisition (4) Analyzes how important theories and concepts in second-language acquisition apply specifically to the learning of Chinese, Japanese, and Korean.

460/560 Teaching East Asian Languages and Literatures at College Level (2R) Training in Chinese and Japanese language instruction through lectures, observations, and teaching practicums. Prereq for non-GTFs: instructor’s consent. R thrice for maximum of 8 credits.

486/586 East Asian Sociopragmatics (4) Provides detailed analysis of how three East Asian languages (Chinese, Japanese, Korean) are used appropriately according to the social context. Offered alternate years. 

608 Workshop: [Topic] (1–4R) R twice when topic changes for maximum of 12 credits.

Chinese Courses (CHN)

Placement examinations are required for new students who have exposure to Chinese, either through formal course work or through informal conversation. Native speakers of Chinese or students whose competence in the language already exceeds the scope of the material may not enroll in Chinese-language courses.

101, 102, 103 First-Year Chinese (5,5,5) Provides thorough grounding in listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. Emphasis on aural-oral skills. For students with no background in Mandarin Chinese.

150 Introduction to the Chinese Novel (4) Introduction to aesthetic and cultural values that shape Chinese narratives. Emphasis on traditional and/or modern novels. No background in Chinese necessary; taught in English.

151 Introduction to Chinese Film (4) Introduction to contemporary Chinese-language cinema; focused on family, gender, cultural difference, nationalism, transnationalism, identity, and film history. No background in Chinese necessary; English subtitles.

152 Introduction to Chinese Popular Culture (4) Introduction to popular Chinese cultures in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the United States; discussing nationalism, globalization, identity, and gender. No background in Chinese necessary; taught in English.

196 Field Studies: [Topic] (1–2R)

198 Workshop: [Topic] (1–2R)

199 Special Studies: [Topic] (1–5R)

201, 202, 203 Second-Year Chinese (5,5,5) Training in aural-oral skills designed to build listening comprehension and fluency. Development of proficiency in written Chinese. Prereq: CHN 103 or equivalent.

301, 302, 303 Third-Year Chinese (5,5,5) Continued training in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Prereq: CHN 203 or equivalent.

305, 306, 307 History of Chinese Literature (4,4,4) Survey ranging from early Confucian and Daoist classics through Tang and Song poetry, short fiction and novels, the 1919 May Fourth Movement writers, and into the contemporary period. Readings in English.

308 Literature of Modern Taiwan (4) Surveys the literature of Taiwan from the postwar era to the present. Discussion focuses on national identity, gender, class, modernization, and globalization. Taught in English.

350 Gender and Sexuality in Traditional Chinese Literature (4) Examines the changing constructions of gender and sexuality in premodern China. Topics include arranged marriage and concubinage, attitudes toward the body and transgender identities. No background in Chinese necessary; readings in English.

351 Gender and Sexuality in Modern Chinese Literature (4) Primary and secondary works about women, sexuality, and changing gender roles in republican, socialist, and post-Mao China. Readings in English.

380 Self and Society in Traditional Chinese Literature (4) Examines the role of the self in premodern Chinese society through reading some of the most important works in traditional Chinese literature. Taught in Chinese. Prereq: proficiency in modern Chinese as confirmed by instructor.

381 The City in Chinese Literature and Film (4) Examines urbanization and urban culture in Chinese literature and film. Instruction in Chinese. Offered alternate years.

399 Special Studies: [Topic] (1–5R) Topic varies from term to term. R for maximum of 12 credits.

401 Research: [Topic] (1–21R)

403 Thesis (1–6R) R for maximum of 6 credits.

405 Reading and Conference: [Topic] (1–21R)

406 Field Studies: [Topic] (1–21R)

407/507 Seminar: [Topic] (1–4R) Studies and projects in Chinese literature, linguistics, or pedagogy. Sources are in Chinese, English, or both. R when topic changes.

408/508 Workshop: [Topic] (1–21R)

409 Supervised Tutoring (1–4R) R for maximum of 18 credits.

410/510 Experimental Course: [Topic] (1–5R)

411/511, 412/512 Fourth-Year Chinese (4,4R) Study of contemporary Chinese using written and spoken forms. Prereq: CHN 303 or equivalent.

413/513 Modern Chinese Texts: [Topic] (4R) Readings and discussion in Chinese of Chinese modern literary and cultural texts. Topics change yearly. R once, with instructor’s consent and when topic changes, for maximum of 8 credits.

420/520, 421/521, 422/522 Intermediate Language Strategies (4,4,4) Focuses on topics in one of these areas: social sciences, sciences, and humanities. Sequence. Prereq: CHN 303.

423/523 Issues in Early Chinese Literature (4) Explores scholarship on and questions raised about early Chinese literary forms; examines the notions of history and narrative.

424/524 Issues in Medieval Chinese Literature (4) Explores scholarship on and questions raised about Chinese poetry and its characteristics.

425/525 Issues in Modern Chinese Literature (4) Explores scholarship on and questions raised about modern Chinese literature and culture; includes realism, modernism, gender, and literary form.

436/536, 437/537 Literary Chinese (4,4) Readings in various styles and genres of classical Chinese literature; stress on major works of different periods. Preparation for research.

438/538 Literary Chinese Texts: [Topic] (4R) Focus on a theme in classical Chinese texts. Topics change yearly. R once for maximum of 8 credits.

439/539 Chinese Academic Writing (4R) Expansion of skills in formal written Chinese to communicate with native speakers about thoughts and professional knowledge. Prereq: CHN 420/520 or equivalent. R when topic changes.

445/545 Advanced Chinese: [Topic] (5R) Focuses on group and individual language study on a specific topic, such as cultural geography of China, religious studies, or business. Prereq: CHN 411, 412, 413, 421 or fourth-year Chinese language proficiency. R when topic changes. 

450/550 Chinese Bibliography (2) Reference works in Chinese studies covering Western sinology, major sources in Chinese, and training in research methods. Prereq: CHN 203 or equivalent.

452/552 Chinese Film and Theory (4) Examines Chinese film and film theory. Focuses on Chinese film in cultural debate and in the international film arena.

480/580 Chinese Linguistics (4) Introduces students to various linguistic levels of Chinese; covers basic concepts and methodologies of linguistic analysis, including the relationship between language structure, culture, and cognition.

481/581 Pedagogical Grammar of Chinese (4) Introduces students to theoretically grounded pedagogical approaches to Chinese as a foreign language. Topics include theoretical models, tones, characters, morphology, syntactic construction, and discourse pragmatics. 

482/582 History of the Chinese Language (4) Introduction to the various stages of the historical development of the Chinese language family. Offered alternate years. 

503 Thesis (1–6R)

601 Research: [Topic] (1–10R)

602 Supervised College Teaching (1–16R)

603 Dissertation (1–16R)

605 Reading and Conference: [Topic] (1–16R) R as student projects warrant.

606 Field Studies: [Topic] (1–16R)

607 Seminar: [Topic] (1–6R) Studies and projects in Chinese literature, linguistics, or pedagogy. Sources in Chinese, English, or both. R when topic changes.

609 Practicum: [Topic] (1–4R) R for maximum of 18 credits.

Japanese Courses (JPN)

Placement examinations are required for new students who have exposure to Japanese, either through formal course work or through informal conversation. Native speakers of Japanese or students whose competence in the language already exceeds the scope of the material may not enroll in Japanese-language courses.

101, 102, 103 First-Year Japanese (5,5,5) Provides thorough grounding in listening, speaking, reading, and writing Japanese. Special stress on aural-oral skills. For beginners or by placement.

196 Field Studies: [Topic] (1–2R)

198 Workshop: [Topic] (1–2R)

199 Special Studies: [Topic] (1–5R)

201, 202, 203 Second-Year Japanese (5,5,5) Additional training in oral-aural skills designed to build listening comprehension and fluency. Development of basic proficiency in reading and writing Japanese. Prereq: JPN 103 or equivalent.

301, 302, 303 Third-Year Japanese (5,5,5) Provides a solid foundation in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Prepares students for advanced study. Prereq: JPN 203 or equivalent.

305, 306, 307 Introduction to Japanese Literature (4,4,4) Historical survey of Japanese literature from the 8th century to the present. Analysis and appreciation of major works, genres, and authors such as The Tale of Genji, Haiku, Kawabata, and Mishima. Readings in English.

315 Introduction to Japanese Linguistics (4) Survey of general characteristics of the Japanese language in the aspects of sound structure, vocabulary, writing system, meaning, and sentence constructions. Prereq: JPN 103. Offered alternate years. 

399 Special Studies: [Topic] (1–5R) R for maximum of 12 credits.

401 Research: [Topic] (1–4R) R for maximum of 12 credits.

403 Thesis (1–6R) R for maximum of 6 credits.

405 Reading and Conference: [Topic] (1–21R)

406 Field Studies: [Topic] (1–21R)

407/507 Seminar: [Topic] (1–4R) Studies and projects in Japanese literature or linguistics. Sources are in Japanese, English, or both. R when topic changes.

408/508 Workshop: [Topic] (1–21R)

409 Supervised Tutoring (1–4R) R for maximum of 18 credits.

410/510 Experimental Course: [Topic] (1–5R)

411/511, 412/512, 413/513 Fourth-Year Spoken Japanese (4,4,4) Development of speaking and listening skills related to concrete and abstract topics. Emphasis on sociolinguistic skills. Prereq: JPN 303 or equivalent.

414/514, 415/515, 416/516 Fourth-Year Reading and Writing Japanese (4,4,4) Development of reading skills, vocabulary, and knowledge of kanji. Writing exercises include message writing, letter writing, and short essays. Prereq: JPN 303 or equivalent.

425/525 Modern Japanese Literature: [Topic] (4R) Investigates topics relevant to Japanese literary studies in a comparative context. Recent topics include youth culture, postwar literature, digital-age stories. R twice when topic changes for maximum of 12 credits.

431/531, 432/532 Advanced Spoken Japanese (4,4) Practice in speaking and listening at different speech levels on a variety of topics. Prereq: JPN 413/513. For students with advanced proficiency in speaking.

434/534, 435/535, 436/536 Advanced Readings in Japanese Literature (4,4,4) Reading modern Japanese literature in Japanese. Students acquire proficiency in reading, writing, and translation as well as knowledge of literature. Prereq: JPN 416/516.

437/537 Classical Japanese Literary Language (4) Introduction to the basic principles and forms of classical Japanese literary language—style, syntax, and textuality. Selected readings of texts in classical Japanese from Nara through Edo periods. Prereq: JPN 303.

441/541 Structure of the Japanese Language (4) General characteristics of Japanese grammar. Topics include word order, case marking, typological characteristics, passives, and causatives. Prereq: LING 290 and JPN 303 or equivalent.

443/543 Teaching Japanese as a Foreign Language I (4) Discussion and examination of instructional materials, techniques, and methods. Activities include class observation, demonstrations, and writing short papers. Prereq: JPN 303 or equivalent and LING 444/544.

455 Japanese Business Culture and Language (4) Provides extensive training in communication skills in all formats (oral and visual) in a business setting. The goal is a successful interview of local Japanese business people conducted in Japanese. Prereq: JPN 303 or equivalent.

471/571 The Japanese Cinema (4) Major filmmakers and works are introduced. Comparative analysis of Japanese cinema as narrative form and artists’ efforts to grapple with the Japanese experience of modernity. Readings, films, and discussions in English.

503 Thesis (1–6R)

601 Research: [Topic] (1–10R)

602 Supervised College Teaching (1–16R)

603 Dissertation (1–16R)

605 Reading and Conference: [Topic] (1–16R) R as approved by the faculty.

607 Seminar: [Topic] (1–6R) Studies and projects in Japanese literature, linguistics, or pedagogy. Sources in Japanese, English, or both. R when topic changes.

609 Practicum: [Topic] (1–4R) R for maximum of 18 credits.

Korean Courses (KRN)

Native speakers of Korean or students whose competence in the language already exceeds the scope of the material may not enroll in Korean-language courses.

101, 102, 103 First-Year Korean (5,5,5) Introduction to basic Korean grammar, syllabary, conversation, and characters. Offered alternate years with KRN 201, 202, 203.

151 Introduction to Korean Cinema (4) Surveys Korean national cinema, from the earliest days of the medium to the present. 

199 Special Studies: [Topic] (1–5R)

201, 202, 203 Second-Year Korean (5,5,5) Continued development of skills in speaking, reading, and writing Korean. Introduction of additional characters. Prereq for 201: KRN 103 or equivalent.

301, 302, 303 Third-Year Korean (5,5,5) Develops advanced language skills in Korean with focus on literary and cultural texts, writing, and oral skills. Sequence. Prereq for 301: KRN 203.

315 Introduction to Korean Linguistics (4) Surveys general characteristics of the Korean language and places them in their cultural and historical context. Prereq: KRN 103.

360 Contemporary Korean Film (4) Introduction to contemporary South Korean film. Explores changes in film culture, practice, and industry in relation to social changes since the early 1990s.

361 Korean Popular Culture and Transnationalism (4) Explores contemporary South Korean popular culture in a global frame and key issues in cultural transnationalization.

399 Special Studies: [Topic] (1–5R)

410/510 Experimental Course: [Topic] (1–5R)