Chinese (CN)

CN 111 Beginning Chinese I 6 Credits

An intensive course providing an introduction to the Mandarin language, including both traditional Chinese characters and the Pinyin transliteration system. In this course, speaking proficiency (including familiarization with Chinese tones), aural comprehension, vocabulary acquisition, reading and writing of Chinese characters are brought to a level enabling students to use the language actively in everyday situations. Classroom 6 hours, laboratory 2 hours. Not open to students who have successfully completed CN 205 or higher. Prerequiste: Appropriate score on placement exam.

CN 112 Beginning Chinese II 6 Credits

A continuation of CN 111, with continued emphasis on each of the language skill areas--speaking, listening, vocabulary, reading and writing. Classroom 6 hours, laboratory 2 hours. Prerequisite: CN 111 or equivalent NU placement. Not open to students who have suceessfully completed CN 205 or higher.

CN 205 Intermediate Chinese I 3 Credits

A course providing aural-oral practice in Chinese, in which students enter into full discussion of topics that include abstract themes and cultural perspectives; includes the expanded use of syntactical structures, the reading of sophisticated material, composition, and the viewing of selected Chinese films and documentary materials from Chinese-language television. Taught entirely in Chinese. Classroom 3 hours, laboratory 1 hour. Prerequisite: CN 112, NU language placement exam, or permission of the instructor.

CN 206 Intermediate Chinese II 3 Credits

A course providing aural-oral practice in Chinese, in which students enter into full discussion of topics that include abstract themes and cultural perspectives; includes the expanded use of syntactical structures, the reading of sophisticated material, composition, and the viewing of selected Chinese films and documentary materials from Chinese television. Taught entirely in Chinese. Classroom 3 hours, laboratory 1 hour. Prerequisite: CN 205 or the equivalent, NU language placement exam. 3 lecture hours.

CN 301 Advanced Chinese I 3 Credits

Oral and written practice of the language through class discussions of selected Chinese texts. Selective review of grammar, especially of the more difficult and subtle aspects, designed to facilitate an idiomatic and fluent use of the language. Classroom 3 hours. Prerequisite: CN 206, NU placement, or permission of instructor.

CN 302 Advanced Chinese II 3 Credits

Oral and written practice of the language through class discussions of selected Chinese texts. Selective review of grammar, especially of the more difficult and subtle aspects, designed to facilitate an idiomatic and fluent use of the language. Classroom: 3 hours. Prerequisite: CN 301, NU placement, or permission of instructor.

CN 321 Chinese Literature, Culture and Society I 1911-1949 3 Credits

Introduction to major currents in Chinese social, literary, and cultural history from 1911 to 1949. Taught in Chinese. Prerequisite: CN 206 or a 300-level course, NU placement, or permission of instructor.

CN 322 Chinese Literature, Culture and Society II 1949-Present 3 Credits

Introduction to major currents in Chinese social, literary, and cultural history from 1949 to present. Taught in Chinese. Classroom: 3 hours. Prerequisite: CN 206 or a 300-level course, NU placement, or permission of instructor.

CN 331 Advanced Chinese Composition and Conversation (I) 3 Credits

A study of original Chinese journalistic texts to elevate students’ Chinese language proficiency in writing and composition, oral reports and discussion, reading and comprehension, and in Chinese-English/English-Chinese translation. Prerequisite: CN 206 or a 300-level course (may be taken concurrently), NU language placement test, or permission of the instructor. 3 lecture hours.

CN 332 Advanced Chinese Composition and Conversation (II) 3 Credits

A study of original Chinese literary texts to elevate students’ Chinese language proficiency in writing and composition, oral reports and discussion, reading and comprehension, and in Chinese-English/English-Chinese translation. Prerequisite: CN 206 or a 300-level course (may be taken concurrently), NU language placement test, or permission of the instructor. 3 lecture hours.

CN 365 Chinese Literature, Culture and Society III: 221 BCE-1911 3 Credits

A survey of representative Chinese classical works – novels, short stories. Prose, poetry, and traditional operatic dramas – during Qin Dynasty (221-226 BCE), Han Dynasty (960-1279), Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Lectures, readings, discussions and written reports in Chinese. Prerequisite: CN 206 or a 300-level course (may be taken concurrently), NU language placement test, or permission of the instructor. 3 lecture hours.

CN 366 Chinese Literature, Culture and Society IV: Beginning-221 BCE 3 Credits

A survey of Chinese literary, historical and philosophical writings, legends. Folklore, myth, songs, and poems from Zhou Dynasty (1045 BCE-256 BCE), Shang Dynasty (1600 BCE- 1046 BCE), Xia Dynasty (2100 BCE-1600 BCE) and before. Lectures, readings, discussions and written reports in Chinese. Prerequisite: CN 206 or a 300-level course especially CN 365, NU language placement test, or permission of the instructor. 3 lecture hours.