Chinese (CHI)

CHI 1410. Beginning Chinese I.

This course develops foundational skills in Mandarin Chinese for students with no prior experience. Students learn pinyin, basic characters, pronunciation patterns, and essential vocabulary through structured practice in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Class activities focus on short exchanges, controlled practice, and simple conversations appropriate to the beginner level. The course also introduces communication conventions used in Chinese speaking settings. Students who take CHI 1410 toward degree requirements must also complete CHI 1420.

CHI 1420. Beginning Chinese II.

This course builds on CHI 1410 and further develops foundational skills in Mandarin Chinese. Students improve their pronunciation, vocabulary, character knowledge, and ability to understand and produce short spoken and written exchanges. Activities include brief conversations, listening exercises, paragraph level writing, and reading of simple authentic materials. The course also introduces communication conventions used in everyday interactions in Chinese speaking contexts. Prerequisite: CHI 1410 with a grade of "D" or better.

CHI 2310. Intermediate Chinese I.

This course is a review of beginner Chinese skills learned in CHI 1410 and CHI 1420 and develops intermediate skills in the production and comprehension of Chinese at the Beginning–Intermediate level. Learners continue developing their reading, writing, speaking, and listening abilities through regular practice and daily homework. Students translate texts into Chinese and Chinese texts into English. The course supports progress toward Intermediate-Low proficiency and fosters cultural competence related to Chinese-speaking communities. Prerequisite: CHI 1420 with a grade of "C" or better.

CHI 2320. Intermediate Chinese II.

This course advances students’ Mandarin proficiency at the intermediate level, building on skills from CHI 1410 through CHI 2310. Students practice listening comprehension, spoken interaction, reading, and writing through structured assignments, discussions, and translation tasks. Emphasis is placed on summarizing authentic spoken discourse, interpreting written texts from a range of genres, and producing organized narration, evaluation, and short essays using increasingly complex grammatical structures. Students also explore communication patterns commonly observed in Chinese speaking communities to support contextual and linguistic awareness. The course prepares students for advanced study in Mandarin. Prerequisite: CHI 2310 with a grade of "D" or better.

CHI 3301. Conversational Chinese.

This course focuses on the advanced development of spoken Mandarin Chinese through intensive listening and speaking practice. Students engage in structured and spontaneous spoken interactions across real-life, academic, and professional contexts. Emphasis is placed on improving pronunciation, fluency, accuracy, and pragmatic language use, as well as developing culturally appropriate communication strategies. The course is conducted primarily in Mandarin Chinese and is designed to enhance students’ confidence and competence in interpersonal and presentational communication. Prerequisite: CHI 2320 with a grade of "D" or better.

CHI 3302. Chinese for Business.

This course introduces students to the use of Mandarin Chinese in workplace and business related contexts. Students learn vocabulary, expressions, and communication formats used in meetings, introductions, and basic negotiations while practicing both spoken and written communication. The course examines how context, purpose, and audience influence language choice, register, and communicative strategies in Mandarin. Through authentic materials, task based activities, and guided interaction, students gain confidence applying Mandarin in professional scenarios and preparing for advanced language study. Prerequisite: CHI 2320 with a grade of "D" or better.

CHI 3303. Chinese for Media.

This course develops students’ ability to interpret and produce Mandarin Chinese used in contemporary media. Students engage with authentic materials from news, advertising, social platforms, and entertainment to build media focused vocabulary and communication strategies. The course examines how linguistic choices, audience, and context influence message construction across various media genres. Students complete tasks such as discussions, written responses, short scripts, and summaries to strengthen oral and written proficiency. Conducted primarily in Mandarin, the course supports students’ continued development of language and media analysis skills. Prerequisite: CHI 2320 with a grade of "D" or better.

CHI 3304. Chinese-English Translation.

This course examines major theories, approaches, and methodologies in Chinese–English translation, with attention to both literary and non-literary texts. Students critically analyze source materials and produce translations that address challenges of tone, rhythm, register, and meaning across languages. Through close reading, discussion, and practice, the course emphasizes linguistic accuracy, stylistic appropriateness, and cross-cultural interpretation. The course culminates in a substantial final translation project demonstrating applied skills, theoretical awareness, and reflective analysis. Prerequisite: CHI 2320 with a grade of "D" or better.

CHI 3305. Modern Chinese Literature and Film.

This course introduces students to modern Chinese literature and film through close reading, viewing, and discussion in Mandarin Chinese. Students explore selected works from multiple genres, examining narrative structures, stylistic features, and contextual influences. Emphasis is placed on developing interpretive, presentational, and analytical skills through written and oral assignments. The course supports students’ advanced Mandarin proficiency while deepening their understanding of major cultural and historical developments reflected in modern literary and cinematic works. Prerequisite: CHI 3302 or CHI 3303 either with a grade of "D" or better.

CHI 4390. Studies in Chinese Language and Culture.

This course provides an individualized study opportunity in Chinese language or culture under the direct supervision of a faculty member. Students pursue a focused topic of interest through guided reading, research, and language practice appropriate to their academic preparation. Emphasis is placed on developing advanced skills in independent inquiry, critical analysis, and synthesis of linguistic or cultural materials. Learning activities may include targeted readings, language practice, research projects, and regular consultation with the supervising instructor. The course supports in depth exploration of specialized topics in Chinese studies and strengthens students’ ability to conduct sustained, self directed academic work. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.