George Mason University
Department of Modern & Classical Languages

 

Chinese 318: Introduction to Classical Chinese -Spring 2008
Class Meeting Time: WM 3:00 p.m.-4:25 p.m.
Class Meeting Room: T 227
Professor: Dr. Karl K. Zhang
Telephone: (703) 993-4231
Office: Thompson 235G
Office Hours: TR 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. and by appointment
E-mail: kzhang@gmu.edu
Website: http//:mason.gmu.edu/~kzhang


Course Description
Classical/Literary Chinese (古代漢語/文言文) is the language of the bulk of the Chinese textual tradition from early historical and philosophical writings down to the early twentieth century. This course introduces the basic structures and vocabulary of that language, which still has a large influence on the formal written prose of modern newspapers and documents. Reading selections will include passages from the classical philosophers and the early dynastic histories, and may also include more recent writings in the literary language. Primary attention will be given to the work of Mencius (孟子), and to the ways in which the contemporary meaning of the text may be reconstructed.

 

Objectives
Students who complete this subject should gain familiarity with the stylistic and linguistic features of classical Chinese prose, ability to translate and comment on the stylistic and linguistic features of selections studied, an understanding of the ways in which the Chinese scholarly tradition has shaped and changed the received meaning of classical texts, and an appreciation of the continued relevance of classical Chinese in contemporary China.
 

Textbook
A Classical Chinese Reader, A.D. Syrokomla-Stefanowska, University of Hawaii Press, 1996. ISBN 0 9586526 00.

Participation
You are expected to attend all classes and be on time. Come prepared since there will be pop quizzes on the materials covered in the previous session. 

Written Assignments
You need to translate all the classical texts we covered in class into decent English or modern Chinese if you prefer. You are expected to turn in the written assignments no later than the due date according to the session-by-session schedule. Late homework will be corrected, but penalized 50% of the possible score.

Recitation
Recitation is one of the major methods of learning in traditional China. During the last week of the semester you will be asked to recite several short pieces we have studied in class. You will receive more details in class for this.

Chapter Tests
There will be 5 chapter tests. Each test will include vocabulary, grammar, punctuation, fill in the blanks and translation. Each test is worth 8% of your final grade. There are NO MAKE-UPS for missed tests. Consult your instructor if your absence is fully justified.

Honor Code
The George Mason University Honor Code is in effect throughout the entire duration of the course and applies to all course work carried out inside and outside the classroom. It is the responsibility of each student to be familiar with the GMU Honor System and Code as laid out in the Student Handbook. Please refer to http://www.gmu.edu/mlstudents/handbook/honor.html for detailed information.

Grading
Students will be evaluated according to the following criteria:
Class Participation and Pop Quizzes 30%
Chapter Tests                                     40%
Recitation                                           5%    
Homework                                         25%

Grading Scale

A      100-93
A-     92-90
B+     89-87
B      86-83
B-     82-80
C+     79-77
C      76-70
D      69-60
F      59-0

____________________________________________________________________________
Session by Session Schedule

Date

Class 

Homework

1/21 M
1/23 W

Martin Luther King Day No class

Introduction & Mencius IV. B33

 

 

1/28 M
1/30 W

Mencius IV. B33 continued

Mencius I.A.1

 

2/04 M
2/06 W

Mencius I.A.3
Review & Test 1

Homework 1 Due

2/11 M
2/13 W

Mencius I.A.5
Mencius I.A.7

 

2/18 M
2/20 W 

Mencius I.A.7 continued
Mencius I.A.7 continued

 

2/25 M
2/27 W

Review & Test 2
Mencius I.B.2 & I.B.6

Homework 2 Due

3/03 M
3/05 W

Mencius I.B.7 & Mencius I.B.15
Mencius I.B.15 continued & Mencius VI.A.2

 

3/10-3/16

Spring Break

 

3/17 M
3/19 W

Mencius VI.A.10
Mencius II.A.6

 

3/24 M
3/26 W

Review & Test 3
Han Fei-tzu  c.13 & c.36

 Homework 3 Due

3/31 M
4/02 W

Han Fei-tzu c.32
Han Fei-tzu c.49

 

4/07 M
4/09 W

Han Fei-tzu c.7

K'ung-tzu chia-yu c.8
 

 

4/14 M
4/16 W

Test 4 & Ta-hsueh c.42

Ta-hsueh c.42 continued

 Homework 4 Due

4/21 M
4/23 W

Yen-tzu Ch'un-ch'iu c,6
Lieh-tzu c.5

 

4/28 M
4/30 W

Chan-kuo Ts'e Ch'i Ts'e 1
Chan-kuo Ts'e Ch’i Ts'e 1 continued

 

5/05 M

Review

Homework 5 due

 5/12 M

Test 5 as Written Final 1:30 p.m.-4:15 p.m. in the same classroom Assigned Text Recitations during/immediately after your written final