Topics course: This seminar is to explore the cultures of traditional China through a 120-chapter novel known variously as The Dream of the Red Chamber (Honglou meng in Chinese). In modern times, the novel has also been frequently transformed into TV drama series, movies, plays, operas, and dance performances. In this seminar, we will study in depth the novel's representations of both popular and high culture, from traditional society, arts, and poetry to garden, clothing, food, and other everyday customs.

An exploration of representations of “otherness” in Japanese literature and film from the mid-19th century until the present. How was (and is) Japan’s identity as a modern nation configured through representations of other nations and cultures? How are categories of race, gender, nationality, class and sexuality used in the construction of difference? This course pays special attention to the role of “otherness” in the development of national and individual identities.

This colloquium explores how China and Taiwan recollects, reflects and reinterprets its past, and how Chinese history and its literary and cultural traditions are represented in a new light on the world stage through film and literature. We also examine closely how tradition and the past are integrated and transformed into modern Chinese society and life. Topics include literary texts and films about Confucius and the First Emperor of China; the Chinese concept of hero; the representation of Mulan; heroine Qiu Jin; and most recent Taiwan films. All readings are in English Translation.

Intermediate Korean II is the second part of a one-year intensive course for students who have already completed the intermediate-level Korean course, Intermediate Korean I, or who have the equivalent language competence in Korean. Designed for students seeking to become bilingual (or multilingual), this course provides numerous and varied opportunities to develop and practice speaking, listening, reading and writing skills.

Beginning Korean II is the second half of a two-semester introductory course in spoken and written Korean for students who have some previous knowledge of Korean. This course improves students’ communicative competence in daily life, focusing on the four language skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing. Some of the activities include vocabulary-building exercises, conversation in authentic contexts, in-depth study of grammar, listening comprehension and pronunciation practice, mini-presentations, Korean film reviews and Korean film making.

Continued study of selected contemporary texts including fiction and short essays from print and electronic media. This course further develops advanced reading, writing and discussion skills in Japanese and enhances students’ understanding of various aspects of contemporary Japanese society. Prerequisite: JPN 302 or permission of the instructor. With the instructor’s permission, advanced language courses may be repeated when the content changes.

A continuation of 220. Prerequisite: JPN 220 or permission of the instructor.

A continuation of 220. Prerequisite: JPN 220 or permission of the instructor.

A continuation of 110. Development of utilization of grammar and fluency in conversational communication. About 150 more kanji are introduced for reading and writing. Prerequisite: JPN 110 or permission of the instructor.

A continuation of 110. Development of utilization of grammar and fluency in conversational communication. About 150 more kanji are introduced for reading and writing. Prerequisite: JPN 110 or permission of the instructor.