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Instructor Class Description

Time Schedule:

John C. Hamm
CHIN 552
Seattle Campus

Second-Year Classical Chinese

Problems of grammar, rhetoric, and textual criticism. Later literary texts. Offered: W.

Class description

This term we will be reading from an assortment of biji xiaoshuo—short classical-language fiction from the Qing period. Many though not all of our selections will be in the genre of zhiguai—“records of anomalies,” “wonder tales,” or ghost stories. The course is intended primarily as a language class, and the majority of class time will be devoted to close reading of the assigned texts. We will also read and discuss some of the relevant Western-language scholarship. Students are responsible for preparing each day’s readings. Preparation should include noting the correct pronunciation of words (in modern Mandarin), explaining allusions and references, and rendering the text into semantically and grammatically appropriate English. Each student will make a presentation on one of the assigned secondary monographs. A final project is required, comprising a descriptive introduction to and annotated translation of selections from a Qing biji collection not covered in class. Students will present their final projects, and lead the class in reading from their selected texts, in the final week of class.

Student learning goals

General method of instruction

Recommended preparation

Class assignments and grading


The information above is intended to be helpful in choosing courses. Because the instructor may further develop his/her plans for this course, its characteristics are subject to change without notice. In most cases, the official course syllabus will be distributed on the first day of class.
Last Update by John C. Hamm
Date: 01/04/2007