Modern Chinese Society and Language

Course materials 

1. Required: The Languages of China b y S. Robert Ramsey. (Princeton: Princeton U. Press, 1987. Paperback.)
2. Required: Understanding Contemporary China by Robert Gammer (Boulder/London: Lynne Rienner, 2004
3. Optional: Modern Chinese : History and Sociolinguistics by Ping Chen (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1999, Paperback)
4. Optional: Readings and other materials will be made available to students during the quarter.)

Course description

This survey course is designed to introduce American students tothe way Chinese people have understood the importance of language in their culture. Topics such as how language policies and practice have shaped China historically, how language planning influences the modern Chinese society, how various groups in China use language effectively and how language use in China resembles and differs from that in America. Taught in English, this course is designated as a GUR course (3 credits).

Course objectives 

The course aims to give students an overview of the interaction between Chinese society and Chinese language. Furthermore, it explains in general terms the similarities and differences between Chinese and Western cultures and languages. As a GUR course, this course has a three-fold objective: (1) to discuss important issues and societal comparisons to develop students’ critical thinking skills, (2) to broaden students' world view of the relationship between language and culture/society, and (3) to help students become increasingly capable of determining their suitability for formal course work in Chinese language or in related areas of study.

Course content 

The course will be conducted through lectures combined with class discussions of assigned readings, and students' homework assignments. A Blackboard mailing list for the class will also be used for dissemination of class information. Course work includes homework assignments (including one report from interviewing native Chinese speakers or students of the Chinese language), a midterm and a final exam.

Student responsibilities 

• Read and reflect on all assigned readings prior to class lectures and discussion.
• Attend class regularly.
• Participate actively in class discussions.
• Turn in three (3) homework assignments (each worth 10% of the total grade).
• Midterm exam
• Final exam.

Grading 

      1.   Class discussion/participation (10%)

      2.   Homework assignments (3) (30%)

      3.   Midterm exam (30%)

      4.   Final exam (30%)