Chinese

Chinese Programs | Chinese Courses

Faculty and Staff Listing

Professors
C. Chen, B.A., M.A., Ph.D.

Chair, Department of Language Studies
Professor Arsalan Kahnemuyipour
Maanjiwe nendamowinan, 4th floor (Room 4122)

Chinese Language and Culture Minor Coordinator  
Professor Chiu-Hung Chen
Maanjiwe nendamowinan, 4th floor (Room 4166)
chi.coordinator.utm@utoronto.ca

Program Coordinator – Languages
Professor Chiu-Hung Chen
Maanjiwe nendamowinan, 4th floor (Room 4166)
lan.pc.utm@utoronto.ca

Academic Advisor & Undergraduate Program Administrator
Rosa Ciantar
Maanjiwe nendamowinan, Room 4184
905-302-5337
undergrad.langst@utoronto.ca

Undergraduate Program Assistant
Jester Manansala
Maanjiwe nendamowinan, Room 4186
905-569-4321
info.langst@utoronto.ca

The Chinese Language and Culture Minor is designed for students who already have advanced proficiency in Chinese and wish to further develop their written and oral communication skills in both academic and professional contexts. The program also supports students in deepening their linguistic knowledge and cultural literacy from cross-cultural perspectives. CHI211H5 and CHI212H5 are required prerequisites for most of the upper-year CHI courses listed in the Minor program requirements. All courses listed in the Minor are taught in Mandarin Chinese.

For students with little or no prior experience in Mandarin, we offer a sequence of introductory to advanced language courses for second-language learners, including CHI103H5, CHI104H5, CHI203H5, CHI204H5, CHI303H5, CHI304H5, CHI403H5, and CHI404H5. Students with prior experience in Mandarin, including heritage learners, are placed based on the Language Assessment. Please note that these courses do not count toward the requirements of the Chinese Language and Culture Minor. However, students taking these courses may be eligible to apply for a Language Citation. For more information, please visit the Department of Language Studies website: www.utm.utoronto.ca/language-studies/language-courses/language-citation .

NOTE: Students must complete and submit a Chinese Language Assessment Questionnaire before enrolling in a Chinese language course for the first time.

Department website: https://www.utm.utoronto.ca/language-studies/

Chinese Programs

Chinese Language & Culture - Minor (Arts) - ERMIN2021

Chinese Language & Culture - Minor (Arts) - ERMIN2021

The Minor in Chinese Language and Culture is for advanced language learners who would like to improve their written and oral communication skills in both academic and professional settings. Students in this program will also advance their linguistic knowledge and cultural literacy from cross-cultural perspectives.

Enrolment Requirements:

Enrolment in this program is limited and based on completion of 4.0 credits, including the following:

Note: The Chinese Language Minor is intended for students who have near-native proficiency level in Chinese so that they can be fully engaged in course materials and lectures conducted in Chinese. Students’ proficiency level will be evaluated based on the language placement questionnaire first. If the results of the questionnaire meet the language proficiency requirement, students will be permitted to enrol in courses. If the results are not satisfying or borderline, a one-on-one interview with Professor Chiu-Hung Chen will be arranged in order to determine students’ qualification for enrolling in courses.

Completion Requirements:

4.0 credits are required.

  1. CHI211H5 and CHI212H5
  2. The remaining 3.0 credits can be selected from the following list: CHI308H5 or CHI310H5 or CHI311H5 or CHI312H5 or CHI313H5 or CHI314H5 or CHI408H5 or CHI409H5 or CHI410H5 or CHI411H5 or HIS431H5

ERMIN2021

Chinese Courses

CHI101H5 • Introductory Chinese for Students with Prior Background

This course is designed for students who have some prior knowledge of Chinese. Potential students for this course are able to speak and understand elementary Mandarin or any Chinese dialects but with minimal literacy skills (reading and writing), or are able to read and write with either traditional or simplified character at beginner level. This course focuses on phonetics and literacy of Modern Standard Chinese (Mandarin) and addresses integrated skills of listening, speaking, reading, writing and translation.

Prerequisites: NOTE: All students who are enrolling in a CHI language course for the first time (do not have the prerequisite) are required to complete a language assessment questionnaire. Students who have not completed an assessment cannot be approved for course enrolment. Please visit www.utm.utoronto.ca/language-studies/chineselanguage-course-questionnai….
Exclusions: CHI100Y5 or CHI101Y5 or EAS100Y1 or EAS101Y1 or LGG60H3 or LGG61H3

Distribution Requirement: Humanities
Total Instructional Hours: 24L/24T
Mode of Delivery: In Class

CHI103H5 • Introductory Chinese I

Intended for students with none or minimal background in Mandarin or any Chinese dialects, this course provides a comprehensive introduction to phonetics and written form of Modern Standard Chinese (Mandarin) and covers the topics of functional Chinese at beginner level. All students are REQUIRED to complete the Chinese Language Assessment Questionnaire before enrolling in this course. As part of this course, students have the option of participating in an international learning experience that will have an additional cost and application process.

Prerequisites: All students are REQUIRED to complete the Chinese Language Assessment Questionnaire before enrolling in this course.
Exclusions: CHI100Y5 or EAS100Y1 or EAS101Y1 or LGGA60H3 or LGGA61H3

Distribution Requirement: Humanities
Total Instructional Hours: 36L/12P
Mode of Delivery: In Class

CHI104H5 • Introductory Chinese II

As the second half of Introductory Chinese, this course continues to expand students’ knowledge and develop their language skills of Mandarin. More topics of functional Chinese are covered in this course. Students who have not completed the listed prerequisite of CHI103H5 are REQUIRED to complete the Chinese Language Assessment Questionnaire. As part of this course, students have the option of participating in an international learning experience that will have an additional cost and application process.

Prerequisites: CHI103H5 or as indicated by the Chinese Language Assessment Questionnaire.
Exclusions: CHI100Y5 or EAS100Y1 or EAS101Y1 or LGGA60H3 or LGGA61H3

Distribution Requirement: Humanities
Total Instructional Hours: 36L/12P
Mode of Delivery: In Class

CHI203H5 • Intermediate Low Chinese I

As a continuation of Introductory Chinese, this course aims at developing students' language comprehension, expanding their vocabulary and grammar, and improving their skills in listening, speaking, reading, writing and translation in Modern Standard Chinese (Mandarin) at intermediate level. The course content is focused on functional topics. Students who have not completed the listed prerequisite course are REQUIRED to complete the Chinese Language Assessment Questionnaire. As part of this course, students have the option of participating in an international learning experience that will have an additional cost and application process.

Prerequisites: CHI104H5 or as indicated by the Chinese Language Assessment Questionnaire.
Exclusions: CHI200Y5 or CHI201H5 or CHI202H5 or EAS200Y1 or EAS201H1 or LGGB60H3 or LGGB61H3 or LGGB62H3 or LGGB63H3 or LGGB64H3 or LGGB65H3

Distribution Requirement: Humanities
Total Instructional Hours: 36L/12P
Mode of Delivery: In Class

CHI204H5 • Intermediate Low Chinese II

As the second half of Intermediate Chinese, this course continues to develop students' language comprehension, expand their vocabulary and grammar, and improve their skills in listening, speaking, reading, writing and translation in Modern Standard Chinese (Mandarin) at the intermediate level. The course content is focused on functional topics. Students who have not completed the listed prerequisite course are REQUIRED to complete the Chinese Language Assessment Questionnaire before enrolling in this course. As part of this course, students have the option of participating in an international learning experience that will have an additional cost and application process.


Prerequisites: CHI203H5 or as indicated by the Chinese Language Assessment Questionnaire.
Exclusions: CHI200Y5 or CHI201H5 or EAS200Y1 or EAS201H1 or LGGB60H3 or LGGB61H3 or LGGB62H3 or LGGB63H3 or LGGB64H3 or LGGB65H3

Distribution Requirement: Humanities
Total Instructional Hours: 36L/12P
Mode of Delivery: In Class

CHI211H5 • Chinese for Academic Purposes I

This course, designed for native or near-native speakers of Mandarin Chinese, develops rhetorical knowledge and critical thinking skills for effective academic reading and writing. Students will also receive training in conducting effective formal presentations with supporting media and public speaking skills. As part of this course, students have the option of participating in an international learning experience that will have an additional cost and application process.

Prerequisites: Appropriate language level as indicated in the Chinese Language Assessment Questionnaire or interview.

Distribution Requirement: Humanities
Total Instructional Hours: 24L/12P
Mode of Delivery: In Class, Online (Summer only)

CHI212H5 • Chinese for Academic Purposes II

This course, designed for native or near-native speakers of Mandarin Chinese, continues the study of rhetorical knowledge and critical thinking skills for effective academic reading and writing. It also prepares students for upper level courses which demand in-depth reading, writing, as well as professional presentation skills. As part of this course, students have the option of participating in an international learning experience that will have an additional cost and application process.

Prerequisites: CHI211H5

Distribution Requirement: Humanities
Total Instructional Hours: 24L/12P
Mode of Delivery: In Class, Online (Summer only)

CHI303H5 • Intermediate High Chinese I

This course, designed for second-language learners of Mandarin Chinese, aims to: 1) develop listening and speaking skills in handling daily routines and social situations related to personal lives; 2) improve reading and writing skills in narration and description on everyday topics; and 3) cultivate cultural knowledge that facilitates effective intercultural communication. Students who have not completed the listed prerequisite course are REQUIRED to complete the Chinese Language Assessment Questionnaire. As part of this course, students have the option of participating in an international learning experience that will have an additional cost and application process.

Prerequisites: CHI204H5 or as indicated by the Chinese Language Assessment Questionnaire.
Exclusions: CHI201H5 and CHI202H5 and LGGC60H3 and LGGC61H3 and EAS300Y1.

Distribution Requirement: Humanities
Total Instructional Hours: 24L/12P
Mode of Delivery: In Class

CHI304H5 • Intermediate High Chinese II

This course, designed for second-language learners of Mandarin Chinese, is the second half of Intermediate High Chinese. It continues to: 1) develop listening and speaking skills in handling daily routines and social situations related to personal lives; 2) improve reading and writing skills in narration and description on everyday topics; and 3) cultivate cultural knowledge that facilitates effective intercultural communication. Students who have not completed the listed prerequisite course are REQUIRED to complete the Chinese Language Assessment Questionnaire. As part of this course, students have the option of participating in an international learning experience that will have an additional cost and application process.

Prerequisites: CHI303H5 or as indicated by the Chinese Language Assessment Questionnaire.
Exclusions: CHI201H5 or CHI202H5 or EAS300Y1 or LGGC60H3 or LGGC61H3

Distribution Requirement: Humanities
Total Instructional Hours: 24L/12P
Mode of Delivery: In Class

CHI308H5 • Chinese Cultural Studies Seminar

This seminar course provides a platform for critical discussion of what we call "Chinese culture". Students will consider ideas of invented traditions, the essentialization of culture, and questions about modern states and regions. Topics may include Chinese civilization, customs, rituals, religion, philosophy, ideology, morals, literature, folk art and craft, performance arts, martial arts, cuisine, medicine, etc. The discussions will draw from historical and contemporary topics.

Prerequisites: CHI211H5 and CHI212H5

Distribution Requirement: Humanities
Total Instructional Hours: 24L/12T
Mode of Delivery: In Class

CHI310H5 • Chinese for Career Development

This course is designed for near-native or native speakers of Mandarin Chinese who are interested in advancing their careers in Chinese-speaking regions and in North America. Students will develop knowledge in career planning from cross-cultural perspectives, from job search, to applications and interview processes in Chinese-speaking regions of Asia and in North America. They will build a solid foundation for reading, writing, and speaking Chinese in a business setting. As part of this course, students have the option of participating in an international learning experience that will have an additional cost and application process.

Prerequisites: CHI211H5

Distribution Requirement: Humanities
Total Instructional Hours: 24L/12T
Mode of Delivery: In Class

CHI311H5 • Classical Chinese Literature

This course will examine representative genres of traditional Chinese literature—poetry, prose, fiction, and drama—with an emphasis on language structure, style, and the influence on modern Chinese society and culture. We will also analyze the aesthetic features of classics and discuss the influences of traditional Chinese society on literature in terms of religion, philosophy, the imperial system, gender, family, and ethnicity.

Prerequisites: CHI211H5 and CHI212H5
Exclusions: EAS358Y1 and EAS306Y1 and LGGC66H3 and LGGC67H3

Distribution Requirement: Humanities
Total Instructional Hours: 24L/12T
Mode of Delivery: In Class

CHI312H5 • Chinese Diaspora Literature and Culture

This course examines literary and cinematic works as well as visual art by authors of the Chinese diaspora. The course covers topics such as multiculturalism, racism, cultural preservation, invented traditions, and agency through the lens of overseas Chinese writers and creators.

Prerequisites: CHI211H5 and CHI212H5
Exclusions: LGGC62H3 or LGGC63H3

Distribution Requirement: Humanities
Total Instructional Hours: 24L/12T
Mode of Delivery: In Class

CHI313H5 • The Wisdom of Life in Traditional Chinese Culture

This course explores different thought systems, ideas and the wisdom of human life rooted in traditional Chinese culture from the following two approaches: a theoretical discussion of the purpose, meaning, and value of human life, ideals and ways of life, existential questions and multiple solutions; and a historical as well as critical examination of the conventional wisdom originated by Chinese cultural figures like Laozi, Confucius, Mencius, Sima Qian, Zhu Xi, Qian Mu, Qian Zhongshu and more. The goal of the course is to facilitate student consideration of the essence of human life and the understanding of contemporary Chinese views by ascertaining traditional Chinese erudition. Through the examination of traditional Chinese scholarship, students will develop an understanding of the connection between such teachings and contemporary Chinese views.

Prerequisites: CHI211H5 and CHI212H5
Exclusions: EAS414H1

Distribution Requirement: Humanities
Total Instructional Hours: 24L/12T
Mode of Delivery: In Class

CHI314H5 • Chinese Culture through Media

This course examines Chinese cultural traditions and values through contemporary media produced in China, Taiwan and Hong Kong. Background readings and literary works will provide students with the necessary historical and cultural context for each work. Class discussions will focus on the political, social and cultural transformations presented in the media. Special attention will be paid to topics such as family, class issues, gender and identity.

Prerequisites: CHI211H5 and CHI212H5

Distribution Requirement: Humanities
Total Instructional Hours: 24L/12T
Mode of Delivery: In Class

CHI403H5 • Advanced Chinese I

This course, designed for second-language learners of Mandarin Chinese, aims to: 1) develop listening and speaking skills in handling most informal and some formal communicative tasks; 2) strengthen reading and writing skills in expository and persuasive essays on familiar cultural and social topics; 3) cultivate cultural knowledge that facilitates effective intercultural communication. Students who have not completed the listed prerequisite course are REQUIRED to complete the Chinese Language Assessment Questionnaire. As part of this course, students have the option of participating in an international learning experience that will have an additional cost and application process.

Prerequisites: CHI304H5 or as indicated by the Chinese Language Assessment Questionnaire.
Exclusions: EAS401H1

Distribution Requirement: Humanities
Total Instructional Hours: 24L/12P
Mode of Delivery: In Class

CHI404H5 • Advanced Chinese II

This course, designed for second-language learners of Mandarin Chinese, is the second half of Advanced Chinese. It continues to: 1) develop listening and speaking skills in handling most informal and some formal communicative tasks; 2) strengthen reading and writing skills in expository and persuasive essays on familiar cultural and social topics; and 3) cultivate cultural knowledge that facilitates effective intercultural communication. Students who have not completed the listed prerequisite course are REQUIRED to complete the Chinese Language Assessment Questionnaire. As part of this course, students have the option of participating in an international learning experience that will have an additional cost and application process.

Prerequisites: CHI403H5 or as indicated by the Chinese Language Assessment Questionnaire.
Exclusions: EAS402H1

Distribution Requirement: Humanities
Total Instructional Hours: 24L/12P
Mode of Delivery: In Class

CHI408H5 • Reading Confucianism in Modern Chinese

This advanced level course covers seminal readings on Confucianism written in modern Chinese language. The course examines Confucian doctrines and the development of Confucianism from ancient time to the contemporary era. Critical reading and essay writing skills will be emphasized.

Prerequisites: CHI211H5 and CHI212H5

Distribution Requirement: Humanities
Total Instructional Hours: 24L/12T
Mode of Delivery: In Class

CHI409H5 • Influence of Confucianism on Chinese Culture

This advanced level course discusses the cultural influence of Confucianism on Chinese writing, philosophy, religion, education, literature, customs, ethics, society and so forth. The readings covered in this course are mainly in modern Chinese language. Critical reading and essay writing skills will be stressed.

Prerequisites: CHI211H5 and CHI212H5

Distribution Requirement: Humanities
Total Instructional Hours: 24L/12T
Mode of Delivery: In Class

CHI410H5 • Modern Chinese Literature Studies

This seminar course offers a critical examination of modern Chinese literature. modern Chinese literature. The primary focus will be on representative works of poetry, prose, drama, and fiction. Discussions will emphasize historical, cultural, and social-political contexts. Emphasis will be placed on building writing skills in literary criticism and analyzing literary devices and themes.

Prerequisites: CHI211H5 and CHI212H5
Exclusions: EAS284H1 or EAS309H1 or EAS334H1

Distribution Requirement: Humanities
Total Instructional Hours: 24L/12T
Mode of Delivery: In Class

CHI411H5 • Theory and Practice in English/Chinese Translation

This course is an introduction to the major theories, methods and techniques involved in translating from English into Chinese. The course focuses on practical training for novice translators. Through practice, students will familiarize themselves with the translation process and develop a variety of translation skills and strategies. Students will discuss and reflect upon issues encountered during translation and develop decision-making ability to deal with translation challenges. This course provides a solid foundation for students to continue their studies in translation at the advanced level. As part of this course, students have the option of participating in an international learning experience that will have an additional cost and application process.

Prerequisites: CHI211H5
Exclusions: ECTB61H3

Distribution Requirement: Humanities
Total Instructional Hours: 24L/12P
Mode of Delivery: In Class

Printer-friendly Version