Asian Studies 108 - Stories in Chinese Characters: Etymology and the Practice of Calligraphy

This course introduces Chinese characters as both a tool for communication and a window into history. Students will explore the writing system from oracle bones to running and cursive scripts, while gaining practical skills in recognizing character structure, principles of formation, and strategies for learning. Hands-on practice in Chinese calligraphy complements this learning by deepen students' appreciation for characters not only as a visual art form but also as a medium of expression and everyday communication. By the end of the course, students will have strengthened their ability to engage with Chinese texts while gaining insight into the cultural values embedded in the written word.