Classical Chinese: Language, Literature and Culture
古代汉语: 语言、文学与文化
In this course we will hone our modern Chinese language (现代汉语) skills as we learn the basics of Classical Chinese (古代汉语). Homework and quizzes will ask for English translation; however, instruction will be primarily in modern Chinese, and writing assignments will be in modern Chinese.
Learning Goals:
- Learn the basic sentence structures of Classical Chinese (古代汉语.)
- Become familiar with some of the major Classical Chinese particles and their functions within Classical Chinese.
- Learn more about traditional Chinese history, literature, and culture as we read prose excerpts and poems by some of China’s most beloved and influential writers.
- Improve modern Chinese language skills in all four modalities (speaking, listening, reading, writing) through class discussion, homework assignments, and writing essays on classical Chinese literature and culture.
Textbooks:
- Jeannette Faurot, Gateway to the Chinese Classics: A Practical Guide to Literary Chinese (文言入门)
- Zu-Yan Chen, Li Bai and Du Fu: An Advanced Reader of Chinese Language and Literature （李白与杜甫）(Both texts are available in the Bookstore.)
For the course schedule, assignments, and other downloadable resources, please see our course Moodle Site.
Internet Resources
- Chinese Belief Systems from Past to Present Provides a good overview of China’s three major belief systems–Confucianism, Daoism and Buddhism written by Geoff E. Foy
- Confucianism An Introductory Essay written by Judith Berling
- Dao/Daoism An Introductory Essay written by Judith Berling
- Buddhism in China A Background essay written by Geoff E. Foy
- Buddhist Studies WWW Virtual Library Links to academic sources on Buddhism
- The Chinese Text Project Includes digitized versions of many of the classic texts, some with English translation
- Chinese History For a timeline and some other interesting links.
- A Visual Sourcebook of China Includes a timeline of Chinese history along with maps of China at various points in its history, interesting illustrated discussions of various aspects of Chinese culture including calligraphy, painting, furniture, gardens and clothing
- Asia for Educators See especially the units on classical Chinese literature
- China the Beautiful For links to many sites on Chinese literature, art, and culture.
- John Thompson’s Guqin Page Everything you ever wanted to know about the musical instrument. The site includes a number of recordings of guqin performances.
- The Internet Chinese Music Archive This site includes recordings of traditional Chinese music and Peking Opera.