Chinese
Ping Chou
Modern and contemporary Chinese literature, classical poetry, translation, film.
Charlotte Lo
Chinese linguistics, Chinese pedagogy
Hyong G. Rhew
Classical Chinese literature, Chinese literary theory, Chinese intellectual history, Korean literature. On leave fall 2005.
Language instruction in the first two years emphasizes a solid
grounding in the basic skills of speaking, listening, reading, and
writing. A third year of Chinese brings students to a level where
they can begin reading simple unedited original texts with the help
of a dictionary. A semester course in classical Chinese is also
offered to third-year level students so that they will be able to
read classical texts in the original. Another semester course in
the fourth year completes the cycle of Chinese language training at
the undergraduate level.
The literature offerings, which may be taken as Chinese or
literature courses, are designed to provide students with
opportunities to read with critical insight all the major genres of
Chinese literature in the historical, cultural, and theoretical
contexts of the relevant texts. The courses are taught in English,
using texts in translation. Additional conference hours may be
arranged for students wishing to read the original texts. Courses
in related subjects such as Chinese intellectual history and
Chinese linguistics are also offered.
The department participates in the interdisciplinary humanities
course Foundations of Chinese Civilization, which is a required
course for Chinese majors. A description of the course can be found
in the humanities section of the catalog.
The Chinese House, a residence hall, is the center of
extracurricular activities for students interested in Chinese
culture. The resident Chinese language scholar offers tutoring,
conversation sessions, and other assistance to students taking
Chinese.
Study Abroad
The importance of a period of total immersion in a target language
environment cannot be overemphasized for learners of Chinese.
Chinese majors are strongly encouraged to apply to Reed-sponsored
study programs in China. The Chinese department assists in the
arrangement of such study trips and assesses the transcripts
brought back from overseas for credit transfer.
Prerequisites for the Major
Students who wish to major in Chinese must have at least
second-year language proficiency.
Requirements for the Major
1. A minimum of five units at the 300 and 400 levels, including one
unit of third-year Chinese, one unit of classical Chinese, and one
unit of either classical Chinese literature or modern and
contemporary Chinese literature.
2. Humanities 230—Foundations of Chinese Civilization.
3. A minimum of one unit in Chinese history, Chinese art history,
Chinese anthropology, or Chinese religious thought, to be taken in
the relevant departments.
4. Chinese 470—thesis.
Recommended but not required:
1. An additional unit in Chinese history, Chinese art history,
Chinese anthropology, or Chinese religious thought.
2. Religion 157—The Idea Systems of Chinese Religions, or 158—The
History of Chinese Religions.
3. Any other Asia-related course that the college may offer.
