East Asian Languages and Cultures (Bi-Co)
East Asian Languages and Cultures (Bi-Co)
Department Website:
https://www.haverford.edu/ealc
The Bi-College Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures is housed at both Bryn Mawr and Haverford Colleges. Our mission is to foster learning about East Asia through rigorous language study and through deep and exploratory engagement with prominent themes and sources from East Asian countries. Towards these ends, EALC offers up to five years of instruction in Chinese and Japanese language and an array of courses on East Asian culture taught in English, including such topics as religion, visual culture, film, gender, history, and literature. The Major seeks to train students in language, guide them through a curriculum that situates East Asian culture within global discourses, and nurture their skills in critical thinking, research, and writing. The two language programs, Chinese and Japanese, are central and foremost in this effort. Minors are offered in each of the languages. There is also a Minor in EALC. (See details on the requirements of the Major and the three Minor tracks below.) Many students choose to study abroad in China or Japan during the school year or during the summer to enrich their knowledge and experience; alumni have pursued a wide variety of fields after graduation, both in East Asia and in the United States. Students also take advantage of offerings on East Asia at Swarthmore and Penn; such courses may be applied to credit towards the major or minor.
Learning Goals
EALC has four learning goals:
- Laying the foundations for proficiency in Japanese or Chinese language and culture.
- Gaining broad knowledge of the East Asian cultural sphere across time and in its global context.
- Becoming familiar with basic bibliographic skills and protocols; learning how to identify, evaluate, and interpret primary textual and visual sources.
- Embarking on and completing a major independent research project that pulls together past coursework, taking the knowledge and skills gained to a new level to demonstrate mastery of a particular aspect of East Asian culture.
Haverford’s Institutional Learning Goals are available on the President’s website, at http://hav.to/learninggoals.
Curriculum
Chinese Program
The Chinese Program is a fully integrated Bi-Co program. We offer multiple levels of instruction in Mandarin Chinese.
- First-Year Chinese (CNSE B001-CNSE B002) and Second-Year Chinese (CNSE B003–CNSE B004) both have master and drill sections.
- First-Year Chinese (CNSE B001–CNSE B002) is a year-long course. Students must complete both semesters to receive a total of three credits.
- We offer Non-intensive First-Year Chinese (CNSE H007-CNSE H008) for students with some background in Chinese, based on results of a placement test. Upon completion of this full-year sequence, students move on to Second-Year Chinese.
- Following Third-Year, we offer Advanced Chinese each semester. So far, we have eight topic courses in the Advanced Chinese series and students can continue taking Advanced Chinese for credits as long as the topics differ.
For further information, please consult the entry under “Chinese”.
Japanese Program
The Bi-Co Japanese Program offers five years of instruction in modern Japanese. All Japanese language courses are offered at Haverford.
- First-Year Japanese (JNSE H001-JNSE H002) meet six hours per week. This is a year-long course. Students must complete both semesters in order to receive credit.
- Second-Year Japanese (JNSE H003-JNSE H004) meet five hours per week.
- Third- and Fourth-Year (Advanced) Japanese (JNSE H101-JNSE H102 and JNSE H201A/JNSE H201B) meet three hours per week.
- Advanced Japanese takes a different topic each term; students can take it any term as Fourth- or Fifth-Year Japanese, with one credit per semester, and repeat the course with different topic headings.
EALC Major Requirements - Twelve Courses
Two introductory courses, Major Seminar, Capstone
- EALC B131 Chinese Civilization (Can be replaced with alternate 100-level course on China)
- EALC H132 Japanese Civilization (Can be replaced with alternate 100-level course on Japan)
- EALC B200 Methods and Approaches to East Asian Cultures*
- Senior Thesis (Fall of senior year)
Two Terms of Intermediate/Advanced Language
- Two terms of Japanese or Chinese at third year level or above
Students who enter the major having satisfied the requirement through assessment and approval by the respective Chinese or Japanese language directors should discuss this requirement with the major advisor.
Six Electives
- Two must be 300 level EALC courses
- The rest (four) can be chosen from 200 or 300 level EALC courses (a 100-level EALC course may be substituted with permission), of which up to TWO can be chosen from CNSE or JNSE courses and non-EALC courses approved by the major advisor.
Requirements for Honors
The departmental faculty awards honors on the basis of superior performance in two areas: coursework in major-related courses (including language classes), and the senior thesis. The faculty requires a minimum 3.7 average in major-related coursework to consider a student for honors.
Senior Prizes
Graduating Seniors in EALC are eligible for the “Margaret Mayeda Petersson Prize,” which recognizes a spirit of engagement and enthusiasm through the major and the thesis project. EALC-sponsored Prizes
Graduating Seniors from any department who have studied Chinese are eligible for the “Hu Shih Prize in Chinese” which recognizes excellence and dedication in the study of the Chinese language.
Minor Requirements
Chinese and Japanese Minor Requirements
The Chinese language and Japanese language minors both require six language courses. Students must take at least four language courses in our Bi-Co programs, and can take at most two at the Quaker Consortium or our approved off-campus domestic or Study Abroad programs. Candidates for the Minor are approved in consultation with the language program directors. Students who receive above 3.0 in all language classes and complete at least one year of advanced level are eligible to receive a certification of ability in Chinese or Japanese based on their level of achievement in the four skill areas of speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
East Asian Languages and Cultures Minor Requirements
The EALC minor requires six courses taken in the EALC department, including language courses. The mix must include EALC 200 and one 300- level course. (BiCo co-chairs serve as advisors.)
East Asian Languages and Cultures Faculty at Haverford
Ruodi Duan
Assistant Professor of History and East Asian Languages and Cultures
Hank Glassman
The Janet and Henry Richotte 1985 Professor of Asian Studies; Associate Professor of East Asian Languages and Cultures
Honglan Huang
Visiting Assistant Professor of East Asian Languages and Cultures
Erin Schoneveld
Associate Professor and Chair of East Asian Languages and Cultures; Associate Professor of Visual Studies
Paul Smith
Professor Emeritus of History and East Asian Languages and Cultures
East Asian Languages and Cultures Faculty at Bryn Mawr
Yonglin Jiang
Professor of East Asian Languages & Cultures and Co-Chair of the Department
Shiamin Kwa
Professor of East Asian Languages and Cultures
Chinese Language Faculty at Haverford
Shizhe Huang
The C.V. Starr Professor of Asian Studies; Professor of Chinese and Linguistics; Director of Chinese Language Program
Xiaojing Zhang
Chinese Drill Instructor
Chinese Language Faculty at Bryn Mawr
Ying Liu
Visiting Assistant Professor of Chinese
Changchun Zhang
Lecturer of Chinese on the Jye Chu Lectureship in Chinese Studies, Associate Director of the Chinese Language Program
Japanese Language Faculty at Haverford
Minako Kobayashi
Japanese Language Instructor
Yoko Koike
Senior Lecturer Emeritus of Japanese
Tetsuya Sato
Senior Lecturer and Director of Japanese Language Program
Kimiko Suzuki
Lecturer in Japanese
Yuka Usami
Visiting Instructor of Japanese
Kei Walsh
Japanese Language Instructor
Korean Language Faculty at Bryn Mawr
Youngji Son
Visiting Assistant Professor of Korean
Heejin Kim
Visiting Assistant Professor of Korean
Courses
Courses in East Asian Languages and Cultures at Haverford
EALC H112 MYTH, FOLKLORE, AND LEGEND IN JAPAN (1.0 Credit)
Hank Glassman
Division: Humanities
Domain(s): A: Meaning, Interpretation (Texts); B: Analysis of the Social World
An introduction to stories of the weird and supernatural in Japan and a reflection on genre and the scholarly enterprise of taxonomy-making. Readings from Buddhist miracle plays, early modern puppet drama, etc., supplemented by scholarly secondary sources.
EALC H126 GLOBAL ASIAN DIASPORAS (1.0 Credit)
Ruodi Duan
Division: Social Science
Domain(s): B: Analysis of the Social World
This course examines the modern histories, politics, and cultures of Asian migration and diasporas, with a focus on American contexts. Between 1840 and 1940, Asian migrants—numbering in the tens of millions—set out in search of livelihoods and fortunes, especially in Southeast Asia and the Americas. We will look at how patterns of Asian migrations were propelled by and shaped world-historical dynamics including colonialism, globalization, racial formation, and the most contentious wars of the twentieth century. Crosslisted: EALC.
EALC H132 JAPANESE CIVILIZATION (1.0 Credit)
Hank Glassman
Division: Humanities
Domain(s): A: Meaning, Interpretation (Texts); B: Analysis of the Social World
A broad chronological survey of Japanese culture and society from the earliest times to the present, with special reference to such topics as belief, family, language, the arts, and sociopolitical organization. Readings include primary sources in English translation and secondary studies.
(Offered: Fall 2024)
EALC H201 INTRODUCTION TO BUDDHISM (1.0 Credit)
Hank Glassman
Division: Humanities
Domain(s): A: Meaning, Interpretation (Texts); B: Analysis of the Social World
Focusing on the East Asian Buddhist tradition, the course examines Buddhist philosophy, doctrine and practice as textual traditions and as lived religion. Crosslisted: East Asian Languages & Cultures, Religion
EALC H204 JAPANESE POETRY AND POETICS (1.0 Credit)
Honglan Huang
Division: Humanities
Domain(s): A: Meaning, Interpretation (Texts)
In this course, we investigate texts central to the traditions of classical Japanese poetry before the nineteenth-century. While most of the time we will engage directly with poetry anthologies and treatises, we will also analyze narrative fiction that feature poems, looking at social and performative contexts. Through assignments and hands-on activities, students will gain familiarity with key critical and aesthetic concepts, using these analytical tools to more fully experience art and literature. Lottery Preference: EALC, Majors, Minors, Senior, Junior in that order
(Offered: Spring 2025)
EALC H205 EAST ASIAN PUPPETRY AND PERFORMANCE (1.0 Credit)
Honglan Huang
Division: Humanities
Domain(s): A: Meaning, Interpretation (Texts)
In this course, we investigate the history and practice of traditional puppetry forms in East Asia and bring them into conversation with contemporary performance genres. While puppets are often considered as subject to total control by their manipulators, we will question this perceived assumption. In each unit, critical discussion of a text or performance is paired with a practical component that invites students to think about puppets by performing with them. Lottery Preference: EALC Major, EALC Minor, VIST Junior, VIST Senior
(Offered: Spring 2025)
EALC H219 EAST ASIAN ART AND VISUAL CULTURE (1.0 Credit)
Erin Schoneveld
Division: Humanities
Domain(s): A: Meaning, Interpretation (Texts)
This course examines the development of modern and contemporary art and visual culture in China, Japan and Korea from the early twentieth century to the present day, with a focus on photography, sculpture, painting, film, propaganda, and performance art. Enrollment limit 25
EALC H231 PRE-MODERN JAPANESE LITERATURE (1.0 Credit)
Honglan Huang
Division: Humanities
Domain(s): A: Meaning, Interpretation (Texts); B: Analysis of the Social World
This is a course introducing classical and medieval Japanese literature, and also related performance traditions. No background in either East Asian culture or in the study of literature is required; all works will be read in English translation. (Advanced Japanese language students are invited to speak with the instructor about arranging to read some of the works in the original or in translation into modern Japanese.) The course is a chronological survey of Japanese literature from the tenth century to the fifteenth. It will focus on well-known texts like the Tale of Genji and the Pillow Book, both written by women, and the ballad-form Tale of the Heike.
(Offered: Fall 2024)
EALC H239 VISIONS OF JUSTICE: INTERSECTIONALITY AND LEGAL CONSCIOUSNESS IN ASIAN CINEMA (1.0 Credit)
Emily Hong
Division: Social Science
Domain(s): A: Meaning, Interpretation (Texts)
This course aims to deepen our understanding of Asian law and society through independent films by Asian directors. We will analyze films that offer a window into individual and collective struggles for gender justice, freedom of expression, and environmental justice. Crosslisted: Visual Studies; Anthropology; East Asian Languages & Cultures; Peace, Justice and Human Rights
(Offered: Spring 2025)
EALC H247 DEATH AND THE AFTERLIFE IN EAST ASIAN RELIGIONS (1.0 Credit)
Hank Glassman
Division: Humanities
Domain(s): A: Meaning, Interpretation (Texts); B: Analysis of the Social World
This course engages the rich textual and visual traditions of China, Korea, and Japan to illuminate funerary and memorial practices and explore the terrain of the next world. Students will learn about the culturally constructed nature of religious belief and come to see the complexity and diversity of the influences on understandings of life and death. The course is not a chronological survey, but rather alternates between modern and ancient narratives and practices to draw a picture of the relationship between the living and the dead as conceived in East Asian religions.
EALC H295 CHINA IN THE WORLD, 1895-1921 (1.0 Credit)
Ruodi Duan
Division: Social Science
Domain(s): A: Meaning, Interpretation (Texts); B: Analysis of the Social World
We will read the history of late imperial and Republican China in global perspective, discerning ways in which world-historical dynamics—colonialism and anticolonialism, capitalist expansion and the Russian Revolution, World War I and the Treaty of Versailles—have shaped perceptions within and outside of China as to the nation’s place on the global stage. Attention is accorded not only to connections between China and the West, but also how Chinese nationalists engaged and imagined the colonized world. Crosslisted: EALC.
EALC H296 CHINA AND AFRICA: HISTORICAL ENCOUNTERS AND CONTEMPORARY LEGACIES (1.0 Credit)
Ruodi Duan
Division: Social Science
Domain(s): A: Meaning, Interpretation (Texts); B: Analysis of the Social World
China's economic and cultural presence in Africa has expanded dramatically since 2000, especially after the launch of the “Belt and Road Initiative." But to understand the contemporary China-Africa relationship, it is essential to examine historical precedents. This course draws from scholarship, journalism, and culture to explore modes and implications of foreign aid, diverse experiences of travel and resettlement between China and Africa, and the role of race in past and present constructions of China-Africa relations. Crosslisted: EALC. Pre-requisite(s): N/A
(Offered: Spring 2025)
EALC H297 SOCIAL PROTEST IN MODERN CHINA (1.0 Credit)
Ruodi Duan
Division: Social Science
Domain(s): B: Analysis of the Social World
Since 1949, Chinese state policies have engendered diverse modes of resistance, and today, popular uprisings continue to challenge assumptions about passivity under authoritarianism. This course reads contemporary Chinese history through the lens of social protest. Major events we will examine include: contestations of rule in the early People’s Republic; the Cultural Revolution; the 1989 protests in Tiananmen Square; labor and rural resistance; the 2019-2020 demonstrations in Hong Kong; and most recently, the "A4 Revolution. Crosslisted: EALC.
EALC H306 JAPANESE BOOK ART AND PRINTING (1.0 Credit)
Honglan Huang
Division: Humanities
Domain(s): A: Meaning, Interpretation (Texts)
We will focus on Japanese book art from early illustrated scrolls to contemporary artists' books and explore a range of printmaking processes. Each unit is paired with a hands-on exercise that introduces a printmaking or bookmaking technique. Through readings, discussions, and hands-on activities, students will gain vocabulary to describe the materiality of printed books and contemplate their social and conceptual implications, discovering how books and printing can challenge perceived assumptions about art and reading. Lottery Preference: EALC and VIST students
(Offered: Fall 2024)
EALC H316 EAST ASIA'S COLD WAR (1.0 Credit)
Ruodi Duan
Division: Social Science
Domain(s): B: Analysis of the Social World
Far beyond a time of geopolitical tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union, the Cold War was a global phenomenon with many violent battlegrounds. This course examines East Asian histories of the “long Cold War,” from 1945 to the present, with a focus on China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. We will read East Asia’s Cold War—through scholarship, film, and literature—as a struggle for national redefinition and cultural renewal in the aftermath of empire. Crosslisted: EALC.
EALC H335 JAPANESE MODERNISM ACROSS MEDIA (1.0 Credit)
Erin Schoneveld
Division: Humanities
This curatorial seminar examines the technological shifts and cultural transformations that have shaped Japanese artistic production and practice from the early 20th-century through the present day. Readings from pre-modern through contemporary sources, film screenings, and museum field trips, will be included. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or higher. Enrollment limited to 15 students.
(Offered: Spring 2025)
EALC H346 RACE AND ETHNICITY IN MODERN EAST ASIA (1.0 Credit)
Ruodi Duan
Division: Social Science
Domain(s): A: Meaning, Interpretation (Texts); B: Analysis of the Social World
Do East Asian notions of race and ethnicity extend from Western conceptualizations, or are they informed by indigenous traditions? How have racial and ethnic identities figured into popular imaginations of nationhood? Where does race begin and the nation end? This seminar examines race and ethnic constructs in East Asia through the twentieth century. We will draw from interdisciplinary scholarship to understand how national majority and minority identities have been categorized and reified across East Asia. Crosslisted: EALC.
EALC H370 ADVANCED TOPICS IN BUDDHIST STUDIES (1.0 Credit)
Hank Glassman
Division: Humanities
Domain(s): A: Meaning, Interpretation (Texts); B: Analysis of the Social World
Advanced course on a topic chosen annually by instructor. The purpose of this course is to give students with a basic background in Buddhist Studies deeper conversancy with a particular textual, thematic, or practice tradition in the history of Buddhism. Prerequisite(s): EALC 201 or instructor consent
EALC H398 SENIOR SEMINAR (1.0 Credit)
Hank Glassman
Division: Humanities
A semester-long research workshop culminating in the writing and presentation of a senior thesis. Required of all majors;
(Offered: Fall 2024)
Courses in East Asian Languages and Cultures at Bryn Mawr
EALC B110 INTRO TO CHINESE LITERATURE (IN ENGLISH) (1.0 Credit)
Honglan Huang
Students will study a wide range of texts from the beginnings through the Qing dynasty. The course focuses on the genres of poetry, prose, fiction and drama, and considers how both the forms and their content overlap and interact. Taught in English.
(Offered: Fall 2024)
EALC B115 INTRODUCTION TO KOREAN CULTURE AND SOCIETY (1.0 Credit)
Youngji Son
This course offers an introductory survey of Korean culture and society, focusing on major transformations and continuities during the modern period. Students will investigate various themes essential to comprehending Korea, such as Confucianism, modernization, colonialism, nationalism, industrialization, democratization, gender relations, US-Korea relations, and contemporary popular culture. In addition to class lectures, the course utilizes audio-visual materials, films, and slides to enhance the learning experience. No prior knowledge of Korea or Korean language is required.
(Offered: Fall 2024)
EALC B131 CHINESE CIVILIZATION (1.0 Credit)
Yonglin Jiang
Division: Social Science
Domain(s): B: Analysis of the Social World
A broad chronological survey of Chinese culture and society from the Bronze Age to the 1800s, with special reference to such topics as belief, family, language, the arts and sociopolitical organization. Readings include primary sources in English translation and secondary studies.
(Offered: Spring 2025)
EALC B200 MAJOR SEMINAR: METHODS AND APPROACHES (1.0 Credit)
Yonglin Jiang
Division: Humanities
This course is a writing intensive course for EALC majors and minors to introduce some foundational ideas and concepts in the study of East Asia. Beginning with close readings of primary source texts, students are introduced to the philosophy and culture of China, and its subsequent transmission and adaptation across the vast geographical area that is commonly referred to as “East Asia.” Students will gain familiarity with methods in this interdisciplinary field and develop skills in the practice of close critical analysis, bibliography, and the formulation of a research topic. Required of EALC majors and minors. Majors should take this course before the senior year.
(Offered: Spring 2025)
EALC B210 K-POP AND THE KOREAN WAVE (1.0 Credit)
Youngji Son
This course provides an introduction to the globalization of K Pop and Hallyu, the recent cultural phenomenon from Korea. To fully understand this phenomenon, the course will delve into the diverse contexts that have shaped K - Pop and other Korean media products, including their historical, political, economic, social, and cultural backgrounds. Additionally, the course offers an opportunity to explore key aspects of Korean culture that are reflected in K - Pop and other Korean media products. Students will have the chance to listen to K - Pop songs, watch Korean films, excerpts from K - Drama, Korean documentaries, and more, making the course both informative and enjoyable. No prior knowledge of the Korean language is required
EALC B218 K-DRAMA: IDENTITY IN UNCERTAIN WORLDS (1.0 Credit)
Youngji Son
This course delves into the complexities of identity within the uncertain worlds of K-Drama. Through analysis of popular Korean dramas, students explore themes of personal reflection and resilience. Dynamic discussions uncover the nuances of character development and societal pressures portrayed in these narratives. Experience a captivating journey of self-discovery as K-Drama storytelling is examined through a reflective lens.
(Offered: Spring 2025)
EALC B263 THE CHINESE REVOLUTION (1.0 Credit)
Yonglin Jiang
Division: Social Science
Places the causes and consequences of the 20th century revolutions in historical perspective, by examining its late-imperial antecedents and tracing how the revolution has (and has not) transformed China, including the lives of such key revolutionary supporters as the peasantry, women, and intellectuals.
(Offered: Fall 2024)
EALC B264 HUMAN RIGHTS IN CHINA (1.0 Credit)
Yonglin Jiang
Division: Social Science
Domain(s): B: Analysis of the Social World
This course will examine China’s human rights issues from a historical perspective. The topics include diverse perspectives on human rights, historical background, civil rights, religious practice, justice system, education, as well as the problems concerning some social groups such as migrant laborers, women, ethnic minorities and peasants.
EALC B270 TOPICS IN CHINESE HISTORY (1.0 Credit)
Yanhong Wu
This is a topics course, course content varies.
EALC B281 FOOD IN TRANSLATION: THEORY AND PRACTICE (1.0 Credit)
Shiamin Kwa
This semester we will explore the connections between what we eat and how we define ourselves in the context of global culture. We will proceed from the assumption that food is an object of culture, and that our contemplation of its transformations and translations in production, preparation, consumption, and distribution will inform our notions of personal and group identity. This course takes Chinese food as a case study, and examines the way that Chinese food moves from its host country to diasporic communities all over the world, using theories of translation as our theoretical and empirical foundation. From analyzing menu and ingredient translations to producing a short film based on interviews, we will consider the relationship between food and communication in a multilingual and multicultural world. Readings include theoretical texts on translation (Apter), recipe books and menus, Chinese and Chinese-American literature (Classic of Poetry, Mo Yan, Hong Kingston). Films include Ian Cheney's "Searching for General Tso," Wayne Wang's "Soul of a Banquet" and "Eat a Bowl of Tea," Ang Li's "Eat Drink Man Woman," and Wong Karwai's "In the Mood for Love."
(Offered: Spring 2025)
EALC B322 TOPICS: CONSIDERING THE DREAM OF RED CHAMBERS (1.0 Credit)
Shiamin Kwa
The Dream of Red Chambers (Hongloumeng) is arguably the most important novel in Chinese literary history. The novel tells the story of the waxing and waning of fortunes of the Jia family and their networks of family and social relations, and in its finely articulated details also serves as a chronicle of the Qing dynasty, an examination of visual culture, environment, kinship, sociology, economics, religious and cultural beliefs, and the structures of domestic life. In addition to addressing these aspects that we might categorize as external, the novel also turns inwards and examines the human heart and mind. How can we know another? How do we define ourselves? These questions, and many others, have occupied scholars for the last two centuries. We will spend the semester reading all five volumes of the David Hawkes translation, with secondary readings assigned to guide the discussion based on the semester's theme. Course topics varies.
(Offered: Spring 2025)
EALC B325 TOPICS IN CHINESE HISTORY AND CULTURE (1.0 Credit)
Yanhong Wu
Division: Humanities
Domain(s): A: Meaning, Interpretation (Texts)
This is a topics course. Course content varies.
(Offered: Fall 2024)
EALC B353 THE ENVIRONMENT ON CHINA'S FRONTIERS (1.0 Credit)
Yonglin Jiang
Division: Social Science
Domain(s): A: Meaning, Interpretation (Texts); B: Analysis of the Social World
This seminar explores environmental issues on China’s frontiers from a historical perspective. It focuses on the particular relationship between the environment and the frontier, examining how these two variables have interacted. The course will deal with the issues such as the relationship between the environment and human ethnic and cultural traditions, social movements, economic growth, political and legal institutions and practices, and changing perceptions. The frontier regions under discussion include Tibet, Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, and the southwestern ethnic areas, which are all important in defining what China is and who the Chinese are.
EALC B355 ANIMALS, VEGETABLES, MINERALS IN EAST ASIAN LITERATURE & FILM (1.0 Credit)
Shiamin Kwa
Division: Humanities
This semester, we will explore how artists question, explore, celebrate, and critique the relationships between humans and the environment. Through a topics-focused course, students will examine the ways that narratives about environment have shaped the way that humans have defined themselves. We will be reading novels and short stories and viewing films that contest conventional binaries of man and animal, civilization and nature, tradition and technology, and even truth and fiction. “Animals, Vegetables, Minerals” does not follow chronological or geographical frameworks, but chooses texts that engage the three categories enumerated as the major themes of our course. We will read and discuss animal theory, theories of place and landscape, and theories of modernization or mechanization; and there will be frequent (and intentional) overlap between these categories. We will also be watching films that extend our theoretical questions of thes e themes beyond national, linguistic, and generic borders. You are expected to view this course as a collaborative process in which you share responsibility for leading discussion. There are no prerequisites or language expectations, but students should have some basic knowledge of East Asian, especially Sinophone, history and culture, or be willing to do some additional reading (suggested by the instructor) to achieve an adequate contextual background for exploring these texts.
EALC B398 SENIOR SEMINAR (1.0 Credit)
Yonglin Jiang
Division: Humanities
A research workshop culminating in the writing and presentation of a senior thesis. Required of all majors; open to concentrators and others by permission.
(Offered: Fall 2024)
Chinese Courses at Haverford
CNSE H007 FIRST-YEAR CHINESE NON-INTENSIVE (1.0 Credit)
Lan Yang
Division: Humanities
Domain(s): A: Meaning, Interpretation (Texts)
This course is designed for students who have some facility in listening, speaking, reading and writing Chinese but have not yet achieved sufficient proficiency to take Second-year Chinese. It is a year-long course that covers the same lessons as the intensive First-year Chinese, but the class meets only three hours a week. Students must place into Chinese 007 through the Chinese Language Placement exam.
(Offered: Fall 2024)
CNSE H201 ADVANCED CHINESE: FOOD AND FOOD PRODUCTION (1.0 Credit)
Shizhe Huang
Division: Humanities
Domain(s): A: Meaning, Interpretation (Texts)
The courses in the “Advanced Chinese” series are the culmination of language training in the Bi-College Chinese program. Students can repeat such courses in the series with different topics. Prerequisite(s): Third-year Chinese or instructor consent
CNSE H202 ADVANCED CHINESE (1.0 Credit)
Shizhe Huang
Division: Humanities
Domain(s): A: Meaning, Interpretation (Texts)
The courses in the “Advanced Chinese” series are the culmination of language training in the Bi-college Chinese program. Students can repeat such courses in the series with different topics. Students are expected to be proactive and independent learners to advance their Chinese competency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing under close supervision of the instructor. Prerequisite(s):Third year Chinese or instructor consent
(Offered: Spring 2025)
CNSE H480 INDEPENDENT STUDY (0.5 Credit)
Chinese Courses at Bryn Mawr
CNSE B001 INTENSIVE FIRST-YEAR CHINESE (1.5 Credits)
Lan Yang, Ying Liu
Division: Humanities
Domain(s): A: Meaning, Interpretation (Texts)
An intensive introductory course in modern spoken and written Chinese. The development of oral-aural skills is integrated through grammar explanations and drill sessions designed to reinforce new material through active practice. Six hours a week of lecture and oral practice plus one-on-one sessions with the instructor. This is a year-long course; both semesters are required for credit. Requires attendance at class and drills.
(Offered: Fall 2024)
CNSE B002 INTENSIVE FIRST-YEAR CHINESE (1.5 Credits)
Changchun Zhang, Lan Yang, Ying Liu
Division: Humanities
Domain(s): A: Meaning, Interpretation (Texts)
An intensive introductory course in modern spoken and written Chinese. The development of oral-aural skills is integrated through grammar explanations and drill sessions designed to reinforce new material through active practice. Six hours a week of lecture and oral practice plus one-on-one sessions with the instructor. This is a year-long course; both semesters are required for credit. Attendance required at class and drills
(Offered: Spring 2025)
CNSE B003 SECOND-YEAR CHINESE (1.0 Credit)
Changchun Zhang
Division: Humanities
Domain(s): A: Meaning, Interpretation (Texts)
Second-Year Chinese aims for further development of language skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Five hours of class plus individual conference. This is a year-long course; both semesters (CNSE 003 and 004) are required for credit. Prerequisite: First-year Chinese or a passing score on the Placement Exam. Requires attendance at class and drills
(Offered: Fall 2024)
CNSE B004 SECOND-YEAR CHINESE (1.0 Credit)
Changchun Zhang, Lan Yang
Division: Humanities
Domain(s): A: Meaning, Interpretation (Texts)
Second-year Chinese aims for further development of language skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Five hours of class plus individual conference. This is a year-long course; both semesters (CNSE 003 and 004) are required for credit. Prerequisite(s): First-year Chinese or a passing score on the Placement Exam. Attendance required at class and drills. Prerequisite(s): CNSE 003
(Offered: Spring 2025)
CNSE B007 FIRST-YEAR CHINESE NON-INTENSIVE (1.0 Credit)
Changchun Zhang
This course is designed for students who have some facility in listening, speaking, reading and writing Chinese but have not yet achieved sufficient proficiency to take Second Year Chinese. It is a year-long course that covers the same lessons as the intensive First Year Chinese, but the class meets only three hours a week. Students must place into Chinese B007 through the Chinese Language Placement exam.
CNSE B008 FIRST YEAR CHINESE (NON-INTENSIVE) (1.0 Credit)
Lan Yang
This course is designed for students who have some facility in listening, speaking, reading and writing Chinese but have not yet achieved sufficient proficiency to take Second Year Chinese. It is a year-long course that covers the same lessons as the intensive First Year Chinese, but the class meets only three hours a week. Prerequisite: CNSE B007
(Offered: Spring 2025)
CNSE B101 THIRD-YEAR CHINESE (1.0 Credit)
Ying Liu
Division: Humanities
A focus on overall language skills through reading and discussion of modern short essays, as well as on students’ facility in written and oral expression Audio- and videotapes of drama and films are used as study aids. Prerequisite(s): Second-year Chinese or consent of instructor
(Offered: Fall 2024)
CNSE B102 THIRD-YEAR CHINESE (1.0 Credit)
Ying Liu
Division: Humanities
A focus on overall language skills through reading and discussion of modern short essays, as well as on students’ facility in written and oral expression. Audio- and videotapes of drama and films are used as study aids. Prerequisite(s): CNSE 101
(Offered: Spring 2025)
CNSE B201 ADVANCED CHINESE (1.0 Credit)
Changchun Zhang
Division: Humanities
Development of language ability by readings in modern Chinese literature, history and/or philosophy. Speaking and reading skills are equally emphasized through a consideration of the intellectual, historical and social significance of representative works. May be repeated as topics vary. Prerequisite: Third-year Chinese or permission of instructor. (Offered at Haverford)
(Offered: Fall 2024)
CNSE B403 SUPERVISED WORK (1.0 Credit)
Changchun Zhang
Division: Humanities
Japanese Courses
JNSE H001 FIRST-YEAR JAPANESE (INTENSIVE) (1.5 Credits)
Kei Walsh, Minako Kobayashi, Tetsuya Sato, Yuka Usami
Division: Humanities
Domain(s): A: Meaning, Interpretation (Texts)
Class meets six hours per week. Students must register for sections 1, 2 or 3 and A, B or C. An introduction to the four basic skills (reading, writing, speaking, and listening), with special emphasis on the development of conversational fluency in socio-cultural contexts. This is a year-long course; both semesters (001 & 002) are required for credit.
(Offered: Fall 2024)
JNSE H002 FIRST-YEAR JAPANESE (INTENSIVE) (1.5 Credits)
Kei Walsh, Minako Kobayashi, Tetsuya Sato, Yuka Usami
Division: Humanities
Domain(s): A: Meaning, Interpretation (Texts)
Class meets six hours per week. Students must register for sections 1, 2 or 3 and A, B or C. An introduction to the four basic skills (reading, writing, speaking, and listening), with special emphasis on the development of conversational fluency in socio-cultural contexts. This is a year-long course; both semesters (001&002) are required for credit.
(Offered: Spring 2025)
JNSE H003 SECOND-YEAR JAPANESE (1.0 Credit)
Kimiko Suzuki, Yuka Usami
Division: Humanities
Domain(s): A: Meaning, Interpretation (Texts)
Class meets five hours per week. Students must register for sections 1 or 2 and A or B. A continuation of first-year Japanese, with a focus on the further development of oral proficiency, along with reading and writing skills. (Students are not required to take both semesters.) Prerequisite(s): First-year Japanese or equivalent or instructor consent
(Offered: Fall 2024)
JNSE H004 SECOND-YEAR JAPANESE (1.0 Credit)
Kimiko Suzuki, Yuka Usami
Division: Humanities
Domain(s): A: Meaning, Interpretation (Texts)
Class meets five hours per week. Students must register for sections 1 or 2 and A or B. A continuation of first-year Japanese, with a focus on the further development of oral proficiency, along with reading and writing skills. (Students are not required to take both semesters.) Prerequisite(s): JNSE 003 or equivalent or instructor consent
(Offered: Spring 2025)
JNSE H101 THIRD-YEAR JAPANESE (1.0 Credit)
Tetsuya Sato
Division: Humanities
Domain(s): A: Meaning, Interpretation (Texts)
Class meets three hours per week. A continuation of language study with further development of oral proficiency and reading/writing skills. Emphasis on reading and discussing simple texts. Advanced study of grammar and kanji; more training in opinion essay and report writing. Additional oral practice outside of the classroom expected. Prerequisite(s): JNSE 004 or equivalent or instructor consent
(Offered: Fall 2024)
JNSE H102 THIRD-YEAR JAPANESE (1.0 Credit)
Kimiko Suzuki
Division: Humanities
Domain(s): A: Meaning, Interpretation (Texts)
Class meets three hours per week. A continuation of language study with further development of oral proficiency and reading/writing skills. Emphasis on reading and discussing simple texts. Advanced study of grammar and kanji; more training in opinion essay and report writing. Additional oral practice outside of the classroom expected. Prerequisite(s): JNSE 101 or equivalent or instructor consent
(Offered: Spring 2025)
JNSE H201 ADVANCED JAPANESE (1.0 Credit)
Kimiko Suzuki
Division: Humanities
Domain(s): A: Meaning, Interpretation (Texts)
Class meets three hours per week. Continued training in modern Japanese, with particular emphasis on reading texts, mastery of the kanji, and expansion of vocabulary. Explores a variety of genres and text types using authentic materials. Prerequisite(s): JNSE 102 or equivalent or instructor consent
(Offered: Fall 2024)
JNSE H480 INDEPENDENT STUDY (1.0 Credit)
Tetsuya Sato
JNSE H480F INDEPENDENT STUDY (1.0 Credit)
Tetsuya Sato
Korean Courses
KORN B101 ELEMENTARY KOREAN (1.5 Credits)
Heejin Kim, Youngji Son
An intensive introductory course in modern spoken and written Korean. Six hours a week of lecture and oral practice plus one-on-one sessions with the instructor. This is a year-long course; both semesters are required for credit. Requires attendance at class and drills. This course is associated with the 2023-2024 Flexner lecture.
(Offered: Fall 2024)
KORN B102 ELEMENTARY KOREAN (1.5 Credits)
Heejin Kim, Youngji Son
An intensive introductory course in modern spoken and written Korean. Six hours a week of lecture and oral practice plus one-on-one sessions with the instructor. This is a year-long course; both semesters are required for credit. Requires attendance at class and drills.
(Offered: Spring 2025)
KORN B103 INTERMEDIATE KOREAN (1.0 Credit)
Heejin Kim, Youngji Son
Domain(s): A: Meaning, Interpretation (Texts)
An intermediate course in modern spoken and written Korean. Five hours a week of lecture and oral practice. This is a year-long course; both semesters are required for credit.
(Offered: Fall 2024)
KORN B104 INTERMEDIATE KOREAN II (1.0 Credit)
Heejin Kim, Youngji Son
An intermediate course in modern spoken and written Korean. Five hours a week of lecture and oral practice. This is a year-long course; both semesters are required for credit
(Offered: Spring 2025)