Princeton University Chinese Language Courses
普林斯顿大学中文课程介绍
The Chinese program at Princeton has a two-track system of language instruction from elementary level to advanced level (i.e. fifth-year Chinese). One track is for students with no background in Mandarin Chinese or any of the dialects, and the other is for students who are heritage speakers, familiar with one or more Chinese dialects or demonstrated high proficiency of the language at a given level. Beyond the fourth year, the two tracks merge in advanced Chinese language courses on specialized topics, such as modern Chinese intellectual history, readings in classical Chinese short stories, modern and contemporary Chinese literature and film, etc.
Chinese Language Course Sequence
please contact jingwang@princeton.edu
Course Number and Textbook
NON-Heritage Track
| Course no. | Level | Textbooks | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHI101/102 | Elementary Chinese | First Step (Textbook and Workbook) | For zero beginners |
| CHI105/107 | Intermediate Chinese (Second Year Chinese) | A New China, Writ Small | |
| CHI303/304 P/D/F option | Third-Year Modern Chinese | All Things Considered, Eyes on China | |
| CHI403/404 P/D/F option | Fourth-Year Modern Chinese | Anything Goes, China Embracing the World (course packet) | |
| CHI1001(spring) CHI1002(fall) | Introductory Chinese | First Step (Textbook and Workbook) | taught at half the instructional pace of CHI101 |
Heritage Track
| CHI103/108 | Intensive Elementary Chinese | Oh China, A Trip to China | For beginners with Chinese background |
| CHI305/306 P/D/F option | Intensive Third-Year Modern Chinese | All Things Considered, Eyes on China | |
| CHI405/406 P/D/F option | Intensive Fourth-Year Modern Chinese | Anything Goes, China Embracing the World (course packet) |
Combined Courses for Both Tracks
（The course number dose not reflect the difficulty level of the course）
| CHI451/452 P/D/F option | Fifth Year Modern Chinese I & II：Language and culture in Contemporary China | Course packet | |
| CHI301/302 (H.A.) P/D/F option | Introduction to Classical Chinese | Wisdom of China – A Classical Chinese Reader (course packet) | |
| CHI411 (fall. L.A.) P/D/F option | Readings in Modern Chinese Intellectual History | Enlightenment and National Salvation (course packet) | |
| CHI412 (spring. L.A.) P/D/F option | Readings in Classical Chinese Short Stories | sion and Desire | |
| CHI418 (spring) P/D/F option | Advanced Chinese: Contemporary Literature and Film | Jing Wang, Readings in Chinese Literature and film (course packet) |
Detailed Description for Each Course
- CHI1001/1002 Introductory Chinese
Description/Objective:
An introductory course in modern spoken and written Chinese, emphasizing oral-aural facility and the integration of the four language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. The course is taught at half the instructional pace of First-Year Chinese (CHI101)
Sample Reading List:
C.P. Chou, First Step
Reading/Writing Assignments:
Chinese characters will be introduced on a daily basis. There will be weekly written assignment, weekly quiz and oral exercises. Classroom activities focus on speaking.
Prerequisites and Restrictions:
No Prerequisite for CHI1001. CHI1001 or equivalent ability is needed for CHI1002.
- CHI101/102 Elementary Chinese
Description/Objective:
An introductory course in modern spoken and written Chinese, emphasizing oral-aural facility and the integration of the four language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing.
Sample Reading List:
C.P. Chou, First Step
Reading/Writing Assignments:
Chinese characters will be introduced on a daily basis. There will be weekly written assignment, weekly quiz and oral exercises. Classroom activities focus on speaking.
Prerequisites and Restrictions:
No prerequisite for CHI101.
- CHI103/108 Intensive Elementary Chinese
Description/Objective:
Chinese 103 is designed for students who already have some familiarity with spoken Mandarin or any Chinese dialect. This course will emphasize the integration of the four language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing.
Sample Reading List:
C.P. Chou, Xuedong Wang, Oh! China
C.P. Chou, Der-lin Chao, A Trip to China
Reading/Writing Assignments:
There will be weekly written assignment, weekly quiz and oral exercises. Two to three lessons will be covered each week. Students need to prepare for the lessons, listen to audios, and prepare for class discussion about the topics raised in the text. Student will read 4 pages per week.
Prerequisites and Restrictions:
CHI 103 not allowed if CHI 101 or 102 taken
- CHI105/107 Intermediate Chinese (Second-Year Modern Chinese)
Description/Objective:
While reinforcing the knowledge students have acquired thus far, this course will further develop the students’ audio-lingual proficiency and bring their reading and writing ability to a higher level.
Sample Reading List:
Chou and Chiang and Eagar, A New China
C.P Chou, et al. Writ Small
Reading/Writing Assignments:
There will be weekly written assignment, weekly quiz and oral exercises. Two lessons will be covered each week. Students need to prepare for the lessons, listen to audios, and prepare for class discussion about the topics raised in the text. Classroom activities focus on speaking. Students will be expected to read 4 pages per week.
Prerequisites and Restrictions:
CHI102 or equivalent.
- CHI 301/302 Introduction to Classical Chinese
Description/Objective:
Chinese 301 and 302 provide basic training for students in classical Chinese and introduces students to theme-based readings about important cultural aspects of pre-modern China, such as the concept of Dao, life and death, Confucian ethics, Sunzi’ military thought, political administration, etc. Each theme consists of passages selected from Chinese classics and short essays or stories full of wisdom and wit from later dynasties. This course will not only improve your four skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing) in Chinese language but also enhances your general understanding of traditional Chinese philosophy and culture
Sample Reading List:
Chih-p’ing Chou, Jing Wang, and others, The Wisdom of China
Reading/Writing Assignments:
There will be weekly written assignments
Prerequisites and Restrictions:
CHI 404, CHI 306, CHI405, CHI406 or instructor’s permission.
- CHI 303/304 Third-Year Modern Chinese
Description/Objective:
This course will further develop student’s overall language skills through readings and discussion of contemporary issues published in Chinese media.
Sample Reading List:
C.P. Chou, Yan Xia, Meow Hui Goh, All Things Considered
C.P Chou, et al., Eyes on China
Reading/Writing Assignments:
Preparation for class meetings, weekly quizzes, written exercise and some oral exercises. Students are expected to read 4 pages per week.
Prerequisites and Restrictions:
CHI107 or instructor’s permission.
- CHI 305/306 Intensive Third-Year Modern Chinese
Description/Objective:
This course will further develop student’s overall language skills through readings and discussion of contemporary issues published in Chinese media. It’s designed for students who have familiarity with spoken Mandarin or any Chinese dialect.
Sample Reading List:
C.P. Chou, Yan Xia, Meow Hui Goh, All Things Considered
C.P Chou, et al., Eyes on China
Reading/Writing Assignments:
Preparation for class meetings, weekly quizzes, written exercise and some oral exercises. Students are expected to read 4 pages per week.
Prerequisites and Restrictions:
CHI108 or instructor’s permission.
- CHI 403/404 Fourth-Year Modern Chinese
Description/Objective:
This course consists of reading and discussion of selections from Chinese media on contemporary Chinese political, economic and social issues.
Sample Reading List:
C.P. Chou, Anything Goes
C.P. Chou, China Embracing the World (course packet)
Reading/Writing Assignments:
One to two lessons will be covered each week. Students need to prepare for the lessons, listen to audios and prepare for class discussion about the topics raised in the text. There will be weekly written assignment, weekly quiz and oral exercises. Classroom activities focus on speaking. The student is expected to read 4-5 pages per week.
Prerequisites and Restrictions:
CHI 304 or instructor’s permission.
- CHI 405/406 Intensive Fourth-Year Modern Chinese
Description/Objective:
This course consists of reading and discussion based on newspaper articles and essays by famous Chinese intellectuals on contemporary Chinese political, economic and social issues. Students will also be exposed to literary writings.
Sample Reading List:
C.P. Chou, Anything Goes
C.P. Chou, China Embracing the World (course packet)
Reading/Writing Assignments:
Two lessons will be covered each week. Students are expected to read 6 pages per week. There will be weekly written assignments, weekly quiz and oral exercises. Classroom activities focus on speaking.
Prerequisites and Restrictions:
CHI 306 or instructor’s permission.
- CHI 451 Fifth Year Chinese I：Language and Culture in Contemporary China
Description/Objective:
Designed for students with advanced training in modern Chinese, this course will further students’ language comprehension, communication skills, and cultural understanding. Students will embark on a comprehensive exploration of contemporary Chinese society, delving into a wide array of linguistic topics, such as the impact of societal development on the evolution of Chinese language, the rise of cultural awareness as reflected in linguistic behaviors in Chinese society, and the use of AI in language studies. Course curriculum will emphasize interactive discussions, diverse listening and speaking exercises, and project-based assignments.
Reading/Writing Assignments:
About five pages of Chinese reading material per week, with optional supplementary readings in both Chinese and English. There will be bi-weekly writing assignments. Part of the final project will be in the form of a writing assignment as well.
Prerequisites and Restrictions:
CHI 404, CHI 306, CHI405, CHI406 or instructor’s permission.
- CHI 452 Fifth Year Chinese II：Language and Culture in Contemporary China
Description/Objective:
Designed for students with advanced training in modern Chinese, this course will further develop their language comprehension, communication skills, and cultural understanding. Students will improve their spoken Chinese in various situations, from informal conversations to professional presentations suitable for business and academic settings. Students will also develop their ability to speak and write Chinese using more engaging, complex, and occasion-appropriate language. Course topics will focus on contemporary Chinese society, including cultural identities, pop culture, the economy, environmentalism, law, and social discourse.
Reading/Writing Assignments:
About five pages per class for reading material, and five minutes of video or audio material for watching or listening. There will be weekly writing or speaking assignment, and a final project.
Prerequisites and Restrictions:
CHI 404, CHI 306, CHI405, CHI406 or instructor’s permission.
- CHI/EAS 411 Readings in Modern Chinese Intellectual History
Description/Objective:
This course is designed for students who have had advanced training in modern Chinese. The focus of readings is modern Chinese intellectual history. Topics that will be discussed include language reform, women’s emancipation, the encounter of western of western civilization, the rise of communism, etc.
Sample Reading List:
C.P. Chou, Enlightenment and National Salvation (course packet)
Reading/Writing Assignments:
Preparation for class meetings, weekly written exercise, and oral reports.
Prerequisites and Restrictions:
CHI 404, CHI 306, CHI405, CHI406 or instructor’s permission.
- CHI/EAS 412 Readings in Classic Chinese Short Stories
Description/Objective:
Focuses on reading and discussing selections from Feng Menglong’s Sanyan, the most popular and well-known collection of classic Chinese short stories published in the late 16th century. One class, two hours of discussion, conducted in Chinese. Prerequisite: three or more years of modern Chinese, or instructor’s permission.
Sample Reading List:
C.P. Chou, Passion and Desire
Reading/Writing Assignments:
Preparation for class meetings, weekly written exercise, and oral reports.
Prerequisites and Restrictions:
CHI 404, CHI 306, CHI405, CHI406 or instructor’s permission.
- CHI/EAS 418 Advanced Chinese: Contemporary Literature and Film
Description/Objective:
This is an advanced Chinese language class that incorporates contemporary Chinese literature and film. It is open to students who have completed at least three years of modern Chinese at the college level or the equivalent. The course is designed to improve students’ Chinese language skills at a high level by using a wide range of texts, including literary texts, and films. The class is taught in Chinese and all discussions/homework will be in Chinese.
Sample Reading List:
Jing Wang, Readings in Chinese Literature and film (course packet)
Reading/Writing Assignments:
Readings in Chinese literary texts and essays will be given on a weekly basis through Canvas.
Prerequisites and Restrictions:
CHI 404, CHI 306, CHI405, CHI406 or instructor’s permission.