Chinese

This is an introductory course to the Chinese language for absolute beginners. Students will develop basic skills in listening and speaking Chinese, while familiarizing themselves with its writing system. This course is divided into two parts: Introductory Chinese A and Introductory Chinese B. The two parts together cover the same materials as CHNS UN1101 FIRST YEAR CHINESE I.

This is an introductory course to the Chinese language for absolute beginners. Students will develop basic skills in listening and speaking Chinese, while familiarizing themselves with its writing system. This course is divided into two parts: Introductory Chinese A and Introductory Chinese B. The two parts together cover the same materials as CHNS UN1101 FIRST YEAR CHINESE I.

This course offers an immersive look into contemporary China, combining both dialogues and narratives. Through meticulously designed texts and exercises, it highlights key Chinese linguistic structures and functions, provides cultural insights, and draws students into China’s continually evolving landscape. By the end of the full course (two semesters), students are expected to have the following proficiencies: Listening: Grasp conversations, narratives, and informational content matched to their proficiency level. Speaking: Handle everyday situations and participate in discussions on daily events, careers, society, and culture. Reading: Delve into expository and narrative writings, ensuring accurate vocabulary usage, and discern the primary theme of passages. Writing: Construct essays spanning from personal accounts to analytical discussions, utilizing appropriate vocabulary. Culture: Understand and adhere to fundamental Chinese social conventions, employing the language in harmony with these guidelines.

This course offers an immersive look into contemporary China, combining both dialogues and narratives. Through meticulously designed texts and exercises, it highlights key Chinese linguistic structures and functions, provides cultural insights, and draws students into China’s continually evolving landscape. By the end of the full course (two semesters), students are expected to have the following proficiencies: Listening: Grasp conversations, narratives, and informational content matched to their proficiency level. Speaking: Handle everyday situations and participate in discussions on daily events, careers, society, and culture. Reading: Delve into expository and narrative writings, ensuring accurate vocabulary usage, and discern the primary theme of passages. Writing: Construct essays spanning from personal accounts to analytical discussions, utilizing appropriate vocabulary. Culture: Understand and adhere to fundamental Chinese social conventions, employing the language in harmony with these guidelines.

This course offers an immersive look into contemporary China, combining both dialogues and narratives. Through meticulously designed texts and exercises, it highlights key Chinese linguistic structures and functions, provides cultural insights, and draws students into China’s continually evolving landscape. By the end of the full course (two semesters), students are expected to have the following proficiencies: Listening: Grasp conversations, narratives, and informational content matched to their proficiency level. Speaking: Handle everyday situations and participate in discussions on daily events, careers, society, and culture. Reading: Delve into expository and narrative writings, ensuring accurate vocabulary usage, and discern the primary theme of passages. Writing: Construct essays spanning from personal accounts to analytical discussions, utilizing appropriate vocabulary. Culture: Understand and adhere to fundamental Chinese social conventions, employing the language in harmony with these guidelines.

This course offers an immersive look into contemporary China, combining both dialogues and narratives. Through meticulously designed texts and exercises, it highlights key Chinese linguistic structures and functions, provides cultural insights, and draws students into China’s continually evolving landscape. By the end of the full course (two semesters), students are expected to have the following proficiencies: Listening: Grasp conversations, narratives, and informational content matched to their proficiency level. Speaking: Handle everyday situations and participate in discussions on daily events, careers, society, and culture. Reading: Delve into expository and narrative writings, ensuring accurate vocabulary usage, and discern the primary theme of passages. Writing: Construct essays spanning from personal accounts to analytical discussions, utilizing appropriate vocabulary. Culture: Understand and adhere to fundamental Chinese social conventions, employing the language in harmony with these guidelines.

This course offers an immersive look into contemporary China, combining both dialogues and narratives. Through meticulously designed texts and exercises, it highlights key Chinese linguistic structures and functions, provides cultural insights, and draws students into China’s continually evolving landscape. By the end of the full course (two semesters), students are expected to have the following proficiencies: Listening: Grasp conversations, narratives, and informational content matched to their proficiency level. Speaking: Handle everyday situations and participate in discussions on daily events, careers, society, and culture. Reading: Delve into expository and narrative writings, ensuring accurate vocabulary usage, and discern the primary theme of passages. Writing: Construct essays spanning from personal accounts to analytical discussions, utilizing appropriate vocabulary. Culture: Understand and adhere to fundamental Chinese social conventions, employing the language in harmony with these guidelines.

This course offers an immersive look into contemporary China, combining both dialogues and narratives. Through meticulously designed texts and exercises, it highlights key Chinese linguistic structures and functions, provides cultural insights, and draws students into China’s continually evolving landscape. By the end of the full course (two semesters), students are expected to have the following proficiencies: Listening: Grasp conversations, narratives, and informational content matched to their proficiency level. Speaking: Handle everyday situations and participate in discussions on daily events, careers, society, and culture. Reading: Delve into expository and narrative writings, ensuring accurate vocabulary usage, and discern the primary theme of passages. Writing: Construct essays spanning from personal accounts to analytical discussions, utilizing appropriate vocabulary. Culture: Understand and adhere to fundamental Chinese social conventions, employing the language in harmony with these guidelines.

As the second half of a one-year program for intermediate Chinese learners, this course helps students consolidate and develop everyday communicative skills in Chinese, as well as
introducing aspects of Chinese culture such as the social norms of politeness and gift-giving. Semi-formal and literary styles will also be introduced as students transition to more advanced
levels of Chinese language study. While providing training for everyday communication skills, Second Year Chinese aims to improve the student's linguistic competence in preparation for
advanced studies in Mandarin.

As the second half of a one-year program for intermediate Chinese learners, this course helps students consolidate and develop everyday communicative skills in Chinese, as well as
introducing aspects of Chinese culture such as the social norms of politeness and gift-giving. Semi-formal and literary styles will also be introduced as students transition to more advanced
levels of Chinese language study. While providing training for everyday communication skills, Second Year Chinese aims to improve the student's linguistic competence in preparation for
advanced studies in Mandarin.

As the second half of a one-year program for intermediate Chinese learners, this course helps students consolidate and develop everyday communicative skills in Chinese, as well as
introducing aspects of Chinese culture such as the social norms of politeness and gift-giving. Semi-formal and literary styles will also be introduced as students transition to more advanced
levels of Chinese language study. While providing training for everyday communication skills, Second Year Chinese aims to improve the student's linguistic competence in preparation for
advanced studies in Mandarin.

As the second half of a one-year program for intermediate Chinese learners, this course helps students consolidate and develop everyday communicative skills in Chinese, as well as
introducing aspects of Chinese culture such as the social norms of politeness and gift-giving. Semi-formal and literary styles will also be introduced as students transition to more advanced
levels of Chinese language study. While providing training for everyday communication skills, Second Year Chinese aims to improve the student's linguistic competence in preparation for
advanced studies in Mandarin.

As the second half of a one-year program for intermediate Chinese learners, this course helps students consolidate and develop everyday communicative skills in Chinese, as well as
introducing aspects of Chinese culture such as the social norms of politeness and gift-giving. Semi-formal and literary styles will also be introduced as students transition to more advanced
levels of Chinese language study. While providing training for everyday communication skills, Second Year Chinese aims to improve the student's linguistic competence in preparation for
advanced studies in Mandarin.

Second-Year Chinese W (I & II) : This course is designed for heritage learners with conversational abilities and foundational literacy skills in Mandarin Chinese. Through a combination of interactive lessons, focused linguistic exercises, cultural exploration, and real-world applications, students will deepen their understanding of their cultural heritage while expanding their vocabulary and enhancing their language skills. By the end of the course, students will be better equipped to engage confidently with family members and other Chinese-speaking communities.

Third Year Chinese II, CHNS3004UN, 5 points. You are required to take Third Year Chinese I, CHNS3003UN, 5 points with this course.

Instructor: Zhirong Wang

Prerequisites: Two (2) years of college-level Chinese or the equivalent

Texts: Jingua Chinese (Columbia University staff, published by Peking University Press; simplified characters)

Introduces Chinese social values and attitudes, focusing on the rapid changes now taking place in China. Uses materials from Chinese newspapers and modern short stories to teach essential elements of semi-formal and formal writing. Reading and writing are routine tasks, and oral discussion and debate are important components of the class, allowing students to integrate and improve their communication skills in Chinese.

To enroll in this course, you must apply to the Virtual Columbia Summer Chinese Language program through the Center for Undergraduate Global Engagement (UGE). Global Learning Scholarships available. Tuition charges apply.

Please note the program dates are different from the Summer Term A & B dates. 

Third Year Chinese II, CHNS3004UN, 5 points. You are required to take Third Year Chinese I, CHNS3003UN, 5 points with this course.

Instructor: Zhirong Wang

Prerequisites: Two (2) years of college-level Chinese or the equivalent

Texts: Jingua Chinese (Columbia University staff, published by Peking University Press; simplified characters)

Introduces Chinese social values and attitudes, focusing on the rapid changes now taking place in China. Uses materials from Chinese newspapers and modern short stories to teach essential elements of semi-formal and formal writing. Reading and writing are routine tasks, and oral discussion and debate are important components of the class, allowing students to integrate and improve their communication skills in Chinese.

To enroll in this course, you must apply to the Virtual Columbia Summer Chinese Language program through the Center for Undergraduate Global Engagement (UGE). Global Learning Scholarships available. Tuition charges apply.

Please note the program dates are different from the Summer Term A & B dates. 

Third Year Chinese II, CHNS3004UN, 5 points. You are required to take Third Year Chinese I, CHNS3003UN, 5 points with this course.

Instructor: Zhirong Wang

Prerequisites: Two (2) years of college-level Chinese or the equivalent

Texts: Jingua Chinese (Columbia University staff, published by Peking University Press; simplified characters)

Introduces Chinese social values and attitudes, focusing on the rapid changes now taking place in China. Uses materials from Chinese newspapers and modern short stories to teach essential elements of semi-formal and formal writing. Reading and writing are routine tasks, and oral discussion and debate are important components of the class, allowing students to integrate and improve their communication skills in Chinese.

To enroll in this course, you must apply to the Virtual Columbia Summer Chinese Language program through the Center for Undergraduate Global Engagement (UGE). Global Learning Scholarships available. Tuition charges apply.

Please note the program dates are different from the Summer Term A & B dates. 

Third Year Chinese II, CHNS3004UN, 5 points. You are required to take Third Year Chinese I, CHNS3003UN, 5 points with this course.

Instructor: Zhirong Wang

Prerequisites: Two (2) years of college-level Chinese or the equivalent

Texts: Jingua Chinese (Columbia University staff, published by Peking University Press; simplified characters)

Introduces Chinese social values and attitudes, focusing on the rapid changes now taking place in China. Uses materials from Chinese newspapers and modern short stories to teach essential elements of semi-formal and formal writing. Reading and writing are routine tasks, and oral discussion and debate are important components of the class, allowing students to integrate and improve their communication skills in Chinese.

To enroll in this course, you must apply to the Virtual Columbia Summer Chinese Language program through the Center for Undergraduate Global Engagement (UGE). Global Learning Scholarships available. Tuition charges apply.

Please note the program dates are different from the Summer Term A & B dates. 

Media Chinese (I & II) : This level-4 course enhances students’ proficiency in reading and discussing current events in Chinese. It features close reading and critical discussions on topics such as politics, economics, culture, and social issues. Through careful analysis of authentic media materials, students will further develop their language skills and deepen their understanding of contemporary China. By the end of the course, students will be able to navigate Chinese media sources confidently and engage meaningfully in conversations about both global and Chinese current events. 

This course is designed to help students master formal Chinese for professional or academic purposes. It includes reading materials and discussions on selections from Chinese media covering contemporary topics, Chinese literature, and modern Chinese intellectual history. The course aims to enhance students' strategies for comprehension, as well as their written and oral communication skills in formal modern Chinese.

This course, taught in English, offers an in-depth exploration of the Chinese language and its historical development. Key topics include historical phonology and syntax, the Chinese script, and the classification and linguistic features of major dialects. The course also explores the emergence of modern standard Chinese and early poetic traditions. The primary goal is to deepen students’ understanding of the language’s evolution while strengthening their critical thinking skills.

Legal Chinese is designed for students who have studied at least three years of Chinese (or the equivalent) and are interested in legal studies concerning China. This course offers systematic descriptions of Chinese language used in legal discourse, its vocabulary, syntactic structures and pragmatic functions.

Advanced Business Chinese II is the continuation of Advanced Business Chinese I, both of which are designed to help Columbia students who have achieved the advanced level of proficiency in Chinese use the language to communicate effectively in professional contexts. Topics to be discussed include, but are not limited to, the concept of Face, Guanxi/Interpersonal obligations, Chinese modesty and humility, and Chinese style of negotiation and decision making.

The Fifth Year Chinese course is designed for advanced learners who have a proficient command of the Chinese language in all four aspects: listening, speaking, reading, and writing, regardless of whether they have Chinese heritage. The course provides a wide variety of literary genres, ranging from short stories to aesthetic essays to academic articles, to enhance students' mastery of formal written Chinese. While the primary objectives of this course lie in reading, students also have opportunities to develop their speaking competence through a variety of in-class discussions, debates, and presentations.

The Fifth Year Chinese course is designed for advanced learners who have a proficient command of the Chinese language in all four aspects: listening, speaking, reading, and writing, regardless of whether they have Chinese heritage. The course provides a wide variety of literary genres, ranging from short stories to aesthetic essays to academic articles, to enhance students' mastery of formal written Chinese. While the primary objectives of this course lie in reading, students also have opportunities to develop their speaking competence through a variety of in-class discussions, debates, and presentations.

This course describes the morphological, syntactic and phonological structures of Chinese language within the framework of the functional grammar. The focus is placed on the “mapping” of linguistic forms and their semantic and pragmatic functions. Pedagogical suggestions on how to teach these structures are also provided. 

Prerequisites: CHNS G5000x. This course is designed for graduate students who have successfully passed Course I (G5000) and who are permitted by the Department to take this course, which entails working as a teaching assistant in the Chinese language program. In addition to coordinating closely with his or her mentors and the course coordinator, the student TA has to design and teach first year drill sessions, team-teach with his or her mentors, and do other teaching-related assignments.