2023-2024 Course Catalog

Please note: The information displayed here is current as of Wednesday, May 8, 2024, but the official Course Catalog should be used for all official planning.

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Chinese and Japanese

ProfessorK. Sung (Wendy and K.K. Tse Professor of East Asian Studies, chair)
Visiting Assistant ProfessorA. Adler
InstructorsC. Chen, Y. Makita, M. Wegehaupt (East Asian Studies)

The Department of Chinese and Japanese provides students with a coherent study of a cultural region. This region primarily encompasses China, Japan, and Korea—countries that spring from a common historical experience and share many common values and traditions. Though language forms an important part of this study, the focus of the curriculum remains as much cultural as linguistic. Courses are thus taught in English as well as in East Asian languages.


Required for the major in Chinese

Students who complete the major in Chinese will demonstrate proficiency in the four language skills (speaking, listening, reading, writing) at the intermediate-high to advanced-low level according to the American Council of Teachers of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) guidelines. They will also demonstrate the ability to read classical Chinese texts and translate appropriately into the vernacular and to work with complex fictional, non-fictional, and filmic texts in Chinese culture, history, and institutions.

The major in Chinese requires the following:

  1. Completion of beginning and intermediate Chinese language courses:
    1. CHJA 101: Beginning Chinese I
    2. CHJA 102: Beginning Chinese II
    3. CHJA 201: Beginning Intermediate Chinese
    4. CHJA 202: Intermediate Chinese I
    5. CHJA 203: Intermediate Chinese II
    6. CHJA 301: Advanced Intermediate Chinese
  2. Three six-unit courses in advanced Chinese, taught in Chinese: Participation in the Lawrence-affiliated study-abroad program at Associated Colleges in China and successful completion of its fourth-year level courses will fulfill this category. Participation in other off-campus Chinese language programs is to be evaluated for this category by the department faculty.
    1. CHJA 401: Advanced Communicative Chinese
    2. CHJA 402: Advanced Readings in Chinese
    3. CHJA 590: Tutorial Studies in Chinese or CHJA 598: Internship in Chinese
  3. Three six-unit courses in Chinese literature and linguistics, taught in English, selected from the following. The third course may be substituted by an additional course in category 4.
    • CHJA 255: Introduction to Chinese Language and Culture
    • CHJA 310: Introduction to East Asian Linguistics
    • CHJA 350: Modern Chinese Literature and Cinema in Translation
    • CHJA 355: History of the Chinese Language
    • CHJA 370: Traditional Chinese Literature and Thought
  4. One six-unit courses in Chinese culture, taught in English, selected from the following:
    • HIST 308: Half the Sky: Chinese Women’s History
    • HIST 360: Contemporary China: 1949-2000
    • HIST 361: Western Encounters with China: Perceptions and Misperceptions
    • HIST 482: The Art of Healing: A History of Chinese Medicine
    • ARHI 430: Topics in Asian Art
  5. One senior-level independent study, CHJA 699 (6 units), for the Senior Experience in Chinese.

Senior Experience in Chinese

CHJA 699 is a senior-level one-term independent study (6 units) culminating in the completion of a substantial paper or project derived from previous coursework in the discipline or related fields or field experience in consultation with department faculty. Students with sufficiently advanced Chinese language skills are encouraged to use some Chinese language sources in carrying out their research. Students must share the results of their work in a public forum prior to graduation.


Required for the minor in Chinese language

  1. Completion of beginning and intermediate Chinese language courses:
    1. CHJA 101: Beginning Chinese I
    2. CHJA 102: Beginning Chinese II
    3. CHJA 201: Beginning Intermediate Chinese
    4. CHJA 202: Intermediate Chinese I
    5. CHJA 203: Intermediate Chinese II
    6. CHJA 301: Advanced Intermediate Chinese
    7. One advanced language course
  2. An exit proficiency interview

Required for the minor in Japanese language

  1. Completion of beginning and intermediate Japanese language courses:
    1. CHJA 111: Beginning Japanese I
    2. CHJA 112: Beginning Japanese II
    3. CHJA 211: Beginning Intermediate Japanese
    4. CHJA 212: Intermediate Japanese I
    5. CHJA 213: Intermediate Japanese II
    6. CHJA 311: Advanced Intermediate Japanese
  2. One advanced language course
  3. An exit proficiency interview

Teacher certification in Chinese (K-12)

Chinese majors can seek certification to teach Chinese at the elementary and secondary levels. To be certified, students must spend a term in a Chinese-speaking country studying the language and culture and must pass an oral and writing proficiency test. Students can add an endorsement in a second area (such as another language or English as a second language) by completing the appropriate minor. Students who plan to seek teacher certification should review the requirements in the Education section of the catalog and meet with the director of teacher education, preferably before the end of the sophomore year.


Advanced placement

Students who have studied Chinese or Japanese in high school and who wish to study Chinese and Japanese beyond the beginning level are required to take a placement examination. They also are advised to consult with the department chair in order to ensure their proper placement in language classes.


International study

Opportunities exist to study in both Chinese- and Japanese-speaking areas through affiliated off-campus programs in Beijing, Shanghai, Taipei, and Tokyo (see Off-Campus Programs).


Courses - Chinese and Japanese

CHJA 101: Beginning Chinese I

An introduction to elementary Mandarin Chinese. Emphasis on the acquisition of basic language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing, with discussions to practice pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary. Five class meetings per week.
Units: 6

CHJA 102: Beginning Chinese II

A continuation of CHJA 101 with further practice in basic language skills. Five class meetings per week. PREREQUISITES: CHJA 101
Units: 6
Prerequisite: CHJA 101

CHJA 111: Beginning Japanese I

An introduction to beginning Japanese. Emphasis on the acquisition of basic language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing, with discussions to practice pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary. Five class meetings per week.
Units: 6

CHJA 112: Beginning Japanese II

A continuation of CHJA 111 with further practice in basic language skills. Five class meetings per week. PREREQUISITES: CHJA 111 or equivalent
Units: 6
Prerequisite: CHJA 111 or equivalent

CHJA 191: Directed Study in Chinese or Japanese

Directed study follows a syllabus set primarily by the instructor to meet the needs or interests of an individual student or small group of students. The main goal of directed study is knowledge or skill acquisition, not research or creative work. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.
Units: 1 TO 98
Prerequisite: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.

CHJA 195: Internship in Chinese or Japanese

An opportunity for students to apply their Chinese or Japanese language skills in business, government, and the non-profit sector on the regional, national, and international levels. Arranged in collaboration with and supervised by a member of the department. Includes discussion, report, and/or portfolio. Advance consultation and application required. PREREQUISITES: Study abroad at the third-year level or CHJA 401 and 402 or CHJA 411; To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor
Units: 3
Prerequisite: Study abroad at the third-year level or CHJA 401 and 402 or CHJA 411; To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor

CHJA 201: Beginning Intermediate Chinese

A course to help students attain minimal proficiency in conversational Chinese and begin to read and write beyond the elementary level. Five class meetings per week. PREREQUISITES: CHJA 102
Units: 6
Prerequisite: CHJA 102

CHJA 202: Intermediate Chinese I

Intermediate-level Chinese with further practice in conversational fluency and exposure to more difficult levels of reading and writing. Five class meetings per week. PREREQUISITES: CHJA 201
Units: 6
Prerequisite: CHJA 201

CHJA 203: Intermediate Chinese II

Continued intermediate-level work in Chinese. Focus on developing more sustained use of Mandarin Chinese in conversation, reading, and writing. Five class meetings per week. PREREQUISITES: CHJA 202
Units: 6
Prerequisite: CHJA 202

CHJA 211: Beginning Intermediate Japanese

A course to help students attain minimal proficiency in conversational Japanese and begin to read and write beyond the elementary level. Five class meetings per week. PREREQUISITES: CHJA 112
Units: 6
Prerequisite: CHJA 112

CHJA 212: Intermediate Japanese I

Intermediate-level Japanese with further practice in conversational fluency and exposure to more difficult levels of reading and writing. Five class meetings per week. PREREQUISITES: CHJA 211 or consent of instructor
Units: 6
Prerequisite: CHJA 211 or consent of instructor

CHJA 213: Intermediate Japanese II

Intermediate-level Japanese with further practice in all four skills. A continuation of CHJA 212. Five class meetings per week. PREREQUISITES: CHJA 212 or consent of instructor
Units: 6
Prerequisite: CHJA 212 or consent of instructor

CHJA 255: Chinese Language and Culture

A survey of the Chinese language family, its linguistic structure, dialectal variations, writing system, speech registers, interaction with other languages and the internet world, and its role in reflecting cultural and societal aspects such as social class, familial hierarchy, age and gender, and Confucianism. Taught in English. PREREQUISITES: CHJA 101 or consent of instructor
Units: 6
Also listed as Linguistics 255
Prerequisite: CHJA 101 or consent of instructor

CHJA 265: Japanese Language and Culture

A survey introducing major characteristics of Japanese language with reference to the structure of Japanese society. Topics include honorifics, use of pronouns, loan words, age and gender differences in the language. The course will also familiarize students with various aspects of traditional and contemporary Japanese culture. PREREQUISITES: Sophomore standing; CHJA 112 recommended
Units: 6
Also listed as East Asian Studies 265, Linguistics 265
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing; CHJA 112 recommended

CHJA 301: Advanced Intermediate Chinese

An advanced Chinese course for students who want to develop their language skills. Extensive use of contemporary print and media materials to emphasize written as well as oral proficiency while providing students with a basic cultural understanding of today’s China. Course does not count toward the humanities general education requirement for B.A. and B.A./B.Mus students. PREREQUISITES: CHJA 203 or consent of instructor
Units: 6
Prerequisite: CHJA 203 or consent of instructor

CHJA 310: East Asian Linguistics

Survey of genetic, regional, and typological classification of East Asian languages; writing systems for Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Tibetan languages; descriptive and comparative analyses of phonological, morphological, and syntactic structures of East Asian languages. More than one language may be investigated in detail. PREREQUISITES: LING 150 and sophomore standing
Units: 6
Also listed as East Asian Studies 310, Linguistics 310
Prerequisite: LING 150 and sophomore standing

CHJA 311: Advanced Intermediate Japanese

This advanced course is designed for students who wish to develop their language skills in Japanese beyond the intermediate level. It provides students with a basic cultural understanding of today’s Japan. Contemporary print and media materials will be used to enhance written as well as oral proficiency. Course does not count towards the humanities general education requirement for B.A. and B.A./B.Mus students. PREREQUISITES: CHJA 213 or consent of instructor
Units: 6
Prerequisite: CHJA 213 or consent of instructor

CHJA 350: Modern Chinese Literature and Cinema in Translation

A survey of 20th-century Chinese fiction and cinema. Iconoclastic works of modern Chinese vernacular fiction from 1919 through the post-Cultural Revolution (1966-1976) will be juxtaposed alongside films dealing with the same period, such as Red Sorghum (1987) and Farewell, My Concubine (1992) made by the so-called Fifth Generation of film directors (born after 1949, when the People’s Republic was founded). Class conducted in English. No knowledge of Chinese required. PREREQUISITES: Sophomore standing; EAST 150 recommended
Units: 6
Also listed as East Asian Studies 350, Film Studies 350
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing; EAST 150 recommended

CHJA 355: History of the Chinese Language (in English)

This course covers the history of the Chinese language, including the structural characteristics of the language, invention and evolution of the writing system, general survey of the major dialects, dichronic changes, spread and influence of the Chinese lexicon in East Asia, birth of the common language putonghua, evaluation of traditional versus simplified characters, and challenges of the language in the modern era. PREREQUISITES: Sophomore standing; one year of Chinese recommended
Units: 6
Also listed as East Asian Studies 355
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing; one year of Chinese recommended

CHJA 360: Chinese Contemporary Film in English

Using feature films and documentaries from the so-called Fifth [1982-] and Sixth Generations [beginning in the 1990s] of film directors in China, this course provides a visual record of the immense political, economic, and social changes in China since the Reform and Opening up period at the end of the Cultural Revolution. Taught in English. PREREQUISITES: Sophomore standing; EAST 150 or EAST 420 recommended
Units: 6
Also listed as Film Studies 360, East Asian Studies 360
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing; EAST 150 or EAST 420 recommended

CHJA 365: History of the Japanese Language (in English)

This course explores the history of the Japanese language, including theories of its origin, the importation of the Chinese characters, Kanji, the invention of the Japanese syllabaries, Kana, the development of the writing system, lexical influence of loan words, and the evolution of both written and spoken forms in modern Japanese. The course also investigates two other lanuages in Japan, the Ainu and the Ryukyu languages. PREREQUISITES: Sophomore standing; one year of Japanese recommended
Units: 6
Also listed as East Asian Studies 377, Linguistics 365
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing; one year of Japanese recommended

CHJA 370: Chinese Traditional Literature and Thought (in English)

An introduction to the texts and schools comprising traditional Chinese literature and thought. Reading across time and genre, from ancient classics such as Shijing to Tang poetry, to later Ming novels Water Margin and Romance of the Three Kingdoms, students will explore the breadth of the Chinese literary tradition while engaging with primary texts from the Confucian, Buddhist and Daoist traditions that shaped it. Lecture, discussion and exams.
Units: 6
Also listed as East Asian Studies 370

CHJA 371: Traditional Japanese Literature and Thought

With lectures and discussion, the course introduces students to the canon of texts comprising classical Japanese literature and thought. Reading across time and genre, we look at myth-histories, poetry compilations, Chinese-inspired literature, the birth of fiction and women's literature. Monks and warriors expand our scope into the areas of religion, philosophy, and military theory and we culminate with an introduction to the dramatic arts of the Muromachi.
Units: 6
Also listed as East Asian Studies 371

CHJA 390: Tutorial Studies in Chinese or Japanese

Individualized advanced study under regular staff direction on topics not covered in lower-level courses. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor
Units: 1 TO 98
Prerequisite: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor

CHJA 391: Directed Study in Chinese or Japanese

Directed study follows a syllabus set primarily by the instructor to meet the needs or interests of an individual student or small group of students. The main goal of directed study is knowledge or skill acquisition, not research or creative work. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.
Units: 1 TO 98
Prerequisite: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.

CHJA 395: Internship in Chinese or Japanese

An opportunity for students to apply their Chinese or Japanese language skills in business, government, and the non-profit sector on the regional, national, and international levels. Arranged in collaboration with and supervised by a member of the department. Includes discussion, report, and/or portfolio. Advance consultation and application required. PREREQUISITES: Study abroad at the third-year level or CHJA 401 and 402 or CHJA 411; To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor
Units: 3
Prerequisite: Study abroad at the third-year level or CHJA 401 and 402 or CHJA 411; To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor

CHJA 399: Independent Study in Chinese or Japanese

Individualized advanced research under staff guidance to prepare a substantial paper, usually for submission for honors. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor
Units: 1 TO 98
Prerequisite: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor

CHJA 401: Advanced Communicative Chinese

An advanced course, taught in Chinese, designed to strengthen the language proficiency of upper-level students, especially those returning from studying abroad in the Associated Colleges in China program. Students gain intensive practice in all communicative skills through extensive oral discussion, preparation of written reports on various social topics, and exposure to current academic essays, short stories, and films. Course does not count towards the humanities general education requirement for B.A. and B.A./B.Mus students. PREREQUISITES: CHJA 301 or consent of instructor
Units: 6
Prerequisite: CHJA 301 or consent of instructor

CHJA 402: Advanced Readings in Chinese

An advanced course in Chinese that introduces students to texts in classical and documentary style. During the first half of the course, students review the basic grammar and vocabulary of classical Chinese through short readings in traditional classical texts. The second half builds upon this base to introduce students to contemporary readings in literature and documents, which draw heavily upon classical elements. Course does not count towards the humanities general education requirement for B.A. and B.A./B.Mus students. PREREQUISITES: CHJA 301 or consent of instructor
Units: 6
Prerequisite: CHJA 301 or consent of instructor

CHJA 411: Advanced Communicative Japanese

An advanced course, taught in Japanese, designed to strengthen the language proficiency of upper-level students, especially those returning from studying in Japan. Course does not count towards the humanities general education requirement for B.A. and B.A./B.Mus students. PREREQUISITES: CHJA 311 or consent of instructor
Units: 6
Prerequisite: CHJA 311 or consent of instructor

CHJA 590: Tutorial Studies in Chinese or Japanese

Individualized advanced study under regular staff direction on topics not covered in lower-level courses. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor
Units: 1 TO 98
Prerequisite: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor

CHJA 591: Directed Study in Chinese or Japanese

Directed study follows a syllabus set primarily by the instructor to meet the needs or interests of an individual student or small group of students. The main goal of directed study is knowledge or skill acquisition, not research or creative work. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.
Units: 1 TO 98
Prerequisite: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.

CHJA 595: Internship in Chinese or Japanese

An opportunity for students to apply their Chinese or Japanese language skills in business, government, and the non-profit sector on the regional, national, and international levels. Arranged in collaboration with and supervised by a member of the department. Includes discussion, report, and/or portfolio. Advance consultation and application required. PREREQUISITES: Study abroad at the third-year level or CHJA 401 and 402 or CHJA 411; To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor
Units: 3
Prerequisite: Study abroad at the third-year level or CHJA 401 and 402 or CHJA 411; To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor

CHJA 599: Independent Study in Chinese or Japanese

Individualized advanced research under staff guidance to prepare a substantial paper, usually for submission for honors. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor
Units: 1 TO 98
Prerequisite: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor

CHJA 690: Tutorial Studies in Chinese or Japanese

Individualized advanced study under regular staff direction on topics not covered in lower-level courses. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor
Units: 1 TO 98
Prerequisite: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor

CHJA 691: Directed Study in Chinese or Japanese

Directed study follows a syllabus set primarily by the instructor to meet the needs or interests of an individual student or small group of students. The main goal of directed study is knowledge or skill acquisition, not research or creative work. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.
Units: 1 TO 98
Prerequisite: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.

CHJA 695: Internship in Chinese or Japanese

An opportunity for students to apply their Chinese or Japanese language skills in business, government, and the non-profit sector on the regional, national, and international levels. Arranged in collaboration with and supervised by a member of the department. Includes discussion, report, and/or portfolio. Advance consultation and application required. PREREQUISITES: Study abroad at the third-year level or CHJA 401 and 402 or CHJA 411; To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor
Units: 3
Prerequisite: Study abroad at the third-year level or CHJA 401 and 402 or CHJA 411; To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor

CHJA 699: Independent Study in Chinese or Japanese

Individualized advanced research under staff guidance to prepare a substantial paper, usually for submission for honors. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor
Units: 1 TO 98
Prerequisite: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor