Chinese 307 |   三年中文: 從電影看中國文化的承傳與創新
Through the Cinematic Lens: Old and New China in Film

《我是一個電影導演，我愿像初學識字的小學生一樣，逐漸認識我們的文化，并通過我拍攝的電影介紹我們的文化，讓我們的文化幫助我們所有人重新拾起我們曾經擁有過的：對自己的信心，對他人的信心，對將來的信心。》
– 陳凱歌: 2010年10月31日

課程題目Course Topics – We will look at a number of films from China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong in light of  the following topics and themes:

1. 家庭文化代溝/親子關係:  洗澡Shower (China, 1999)
   Other films about family & generational and cultural conflicts: 推手Pushing Hands ( Taiwan, 1992); 喜宴Wedding Banquet (Taiwan, 1993); 飲食男女Eat Drink Man Woman (Taiwan, 1994); 和你在一起Together (China, 2002)
2. 歷史時代悲劇/小說改編:  霸王別姬Farewell My Concubine (China/HK, 1993
   Other historical drama based on written works: 家Family (China, 1956); 紅高粱Red Sorghum (China, 1987); 悲情城市City of Sadness (Taiwan, 1989); 藍風箏Blue Kite (China, 1993); 活著To Live (China, 1994)
3. 農村和城市的對比衝突和都市生活的現實:  一個都不能少Not One Less (China, 1999) Other films depict contrasts and conflicts between rural and urban life, and harsh realities in the city: 風櫃來的人The Boys From Fengkuei (Taiwan, 1983); 戀戀風塵Dust In The Wind (Taiwan 1986); 秋菊打官司The Story of Qiu Ju (China, 1992); 十七歲的單車 Beijing Bicycle (China, 2001);
4. 不一樣的喜劇: 熱帶魚 Tropical Fever (Taiwan, 1995); 尋槍 The Missing Gun (China, 2002) More comedies with Chinese humor: 快樂時光 Happy Times (China, 2000); 少林足球 Shaolin Soccer (Hong Kong, 2001); 非誠勿擾If You Are The One (China, 2008);

字典和網上工具Dictionary and Tools  – Chinese-Tools.com  |  xuezhongwen.net (or www.mdbg.net) | zhongwenweb.com | Dict.cn |  nciku.com | www.zhongwen.com

For a hardcopy dictionary see Chinese Characters: A Genealogy and Dictionary by Rick Harbaugh

課程內容和目標Course Description and Objectives  Chinese 307 is designed for students who have completed at least two years of Mandarin at the college level or equivalent to further develop listening, reading, writing and oral communication skills at the advanced level. Emphasis is on reading, writing and group discussion. All 300-level courses include a more rigorous reading and writing component, and require students to participate in lengthier class discussions. Students who do not have prior study abroad experience or have not taken any other 200-level courses other than 201-202 should consult the instructor to make sure their placement in this course is appropriate.

Chinese 307 is not a film studies course per se but a language course at the advanced level where students will explore cultural topics through film. It is important to note that the history of modern Chinese cinema has always sought to raise questions of national and cultural identity. As we gain more knowledge in “cinematic” language, we will investigate the increasingly diversified cultural landscapes created within these films. The readings in this course include excerpts, in both Chinese and English, selected from novels and stories that films are based on, movie scripts and dialogues, film synopses, and reviews, all of which allow students glimpses into a wide range of social, political and cultural issues in contemporary China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Students are expected to bring the knowledge they have gained, from previous Asian Studies courses, from their study abroad experience or from the background reading required for the course, into class discussion and essay writing. As we study the linguistic elements in each lesson, we will also compare and contrast different ideas, customs and value systems, and explore areas of interest within the parameters of our topic. The ultimate goal for the course is for students to gain a deepened knowledge of contemporary Chinese culture and to develop better communicative skills and proficiency in Chinese related to these specific topics discussed in the course.

Chinese 301, 303, 305 and 307 are not taught as sequential courses. However, students majoring in FLIA/Chinese, Chinese/Language & Culture, East Asian Language or minoring in Chinese are strongly encouraged to take one each semester in any order (307 first, or 305 first, or 303 first, or 301 first), depending on course scheduling and availability. At least one 300-level course is to be offered each semester, and will be repeated every two years. A tentative schedule for these courses is as follows: 303 for fall ’11, 305 for spring ’12, 301 for fall ’12, and so on.

Since students for this class often come in with different levels of fluency and preparation, it is essential that evaluation includes not only in-class tests and group exercises, but also individual presentations and projects. Students’ individual effort and progress will be closely monitored throughout the semester.  Although different expectations and standards may be applied to students of different levels and backgrounds, all students should strive to improve in the following areas:

• Reading: Read with greater speed, efficiency and independence.
• Writing: Use vocabulary that is more sophisticated, write longer sentences, and express clearly key points with elaboration; be able to discuss and comment on a topic; go for accuracy, clarity rather than length.
• Communication: Acquire background knowledge on a variety of topics to ensure better comprehension and more ease in oral delivery.

All goals set for this course are aimed for students to obtain proficiency at the ACTFL Advanced Level.

課程要求Course Requirements  Class will be conducted primarily in Chinese. Regular and punctual attendance as well as active participation in all classes will be expected of all students. Lesson topics will be supplemented with traditional Chinese culture and contemporary issues. Students are expected to spend at least 8 hours per week studying outside of class, including previewing, preparing, and reviewing assignments, and in appointments with the instructor, if required. Group projects and other assigned teamwork will require additional time for collaboration. Much of the coursework is to be completed by the student on his own outside of the class. Strong motivation, self-discipline and daily preparation will ensure a successful learning experience in this class. Students should be prepared to participate, comment and contribute ideas in every class and during group project sessions.

上課方式和學生參與Class Format and Student Participation  The instructor will conduct most tasks in Chinese and students are expected to use only Chinese in class. Students are not only expected to speak up when called on but to actively participate in class and to communicate in Chinese at all times with their instructor and classmates. Students’ efforts in expressing themselves in Chinese will be evaluated as part their class performance grade. Please do not eat or chew gums during class, as it will be difficult for you to speak up with clarity and promptness. Do not hesitate to approach the instructor at the end of the class to clarify any questions you may have. We will utilize the electronic turn-around classroom for computer-based individual and group work during class. You may bring your own laptop to class; however, you should only use the computer for class-related work. Do not use the computer to check email, type other papers or to browse unrelated web sites.

電腦教室Our SMART Classroom  The majority of the assignments from this course will involve the use of a computer that has an Internet connection. You will need to go to the computer labs on campus to complete your work. The Wyatt electronic classrooms (Wy209, Wy203, and Wy201) are not intended for after class lab use. All PCs on campus will allow you to do work in Chinese; however, PCs in the Media Center (Library basement) and McIntyre 324 (open 24 hours) work best for listening, typing and recording. You may need to bring your own headphones. Please keep one handy in your backpack. Microphones are available for purchase at the bookstore; you can also check one out at the Media Desk. For those who prefer to use their own computers, please visit the Computer Info Page to download pinyin and character fonts.

上課出席缺席規定Attendance Policy (M W F 3 days of class per week)  Your preparation and participation are a major part of your class performance. Complete the readings and assignments according to the designated schedules. You are graded in each class; the instructor will assess how well you have prepared for the class, your level of participation, and the quality of interaction between you and your classmates. You are expected to be in class on time everyday. Being more than ten minutes late (without a valid excuse) counts as half an absence; 20 minutes an absence.

• Missing even one class will affect your participation grade. If you have to miss a class, please notify the instructor and turn in late assignments as soon as possible, also contact a classmate right away to go over what was covered and assigned. Go to the tutor to make up for the absence within two weeks.
• Always ask for permission in advance for classes you know you will have to miss and make appropriate arrangements for missed work. In case of illness, only those who provide documentation will be excused.
• If you miss two or more consecutive classes, you will need to make an arrangement with the instructor for extra work to make up for the absences. Missing three consecutive classes or more might result in your withdrawal from the class by the instructor.
• It is your responsibility to obtain class notes and prepare any work assigned or due during the period of your absence.

補考Make-up Policy  Make-up tests must be arranged with the instructor in advance of the scheduled test time. All make-ups must be taken before graded tests are returned to the class except in the case of officially documented medical emergencies or University business. In case of illness or unplanned incidences, please contact your instructor for make-up work as soon as possible. Make-up tests are granted only at the discretion of the instructor. There will be no make-up or rescheduling given on final examination.

學生成績Evaluation and Grading  Evaluation of this course is based on class preparation, in-class tasks and discussions, individual/group written assignments and oral presentations, and topic projects. No midterm or final examinations are given.

Grade points are roughly based on the following:

Attendance & Preparation (outside of class)	15%
Participation & Discussions (in-class)	25%
Presentations & Projects	50%
Progress/Teacher Assessment	10%

Grading scale is as followed:

94-100% = A	87-89% = B+	77-79% =C+	67-69% = D+
90-93% = A-	84-86% = B	74-76% = C	64-66% = D
	80-83% = B-	70-3% = C-	60-63% = D-
			Below 60%= F