Skip Navigation
UMass Amherst Back to LLC Site

Asian Languages and Literatures, Deparment of Languages, Literatures and Cultures

Courses

Graduate Courses

Chinese

CHINESE - 526 - READINGS IN MODERN CHINESE
LITERATURE I

Critical reading and appreciation of selections from modern Chinese literary works of various genres, including short stories, novels, plays and poems. Reading and discussion in Chinese. Prerequisites are Chinese 426 and Chinese 427.

CHINESE - 528 - CHINESE LANGUAGE IN CONTEXTS

For upper division and graduate students. (Lower division students can enroll in the companion course Chinese 375). Explores aspects of Chinese language as studies in traditional Chinese linguistics, historical linguistics, sociolinguistics, and Chinese dialectology. Topics include historical sources, traditional divisions, formation of the standard dialect (Mandarin), social variations and geographical distributions. Prerequisites are Chinese 375 and Chinese 427.

CHINESE - 570 - RESEARCH IN CHINESE SOURCE MATERIALS

An introduction to the intellectual foundations of Sinology, and to the practice of research in Chinese Studies. Research methods, bibliography, and Sinological tools such as dictionaries and concordances will be discussed in detail.

CHINESE - 575 - SYNTACTIC STRUCTURES OF CHINESE

The general nature of Chinese syntax: Mandarin in particular. Analysis of major syntactic constructions of Mandarin. Issues in Chinese linguistics. Topics of controversy on Mainland China before the Cultural Revolution. Prerequisites: 2 years of Mandarin or Cantonese and Chinese 375 or permission of the instructor.

CHINESE - 577 - CHINESE DIALECTOLOGY

Develops the ability to use source materials in Chinese linguistics. An historical survey of the nature and developments of Chinese grammatical and phonological students in three stages: Archaic, Ancient and Modern. Prerequisite: Chinese 375 or permission of the instructor.

CHINESE - 580 - TEACHING CHINESE AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE I

Please consult professor for details. He will arrive late August.

CHINESE - 592S - PRE-PRACTICUM

Consult instructor for details. For graduate students working towards certification only.

CHINESE - 597E - STUDENT TEACHER MID&HIGH SCHOOL

Graduate students working toward teaching certification only.

CHINESE - 597M - MING-CHING NOVEL

Please consult professor for details after late August.

CHINESE - 660 - PROBLEMS AND METHODS IN TRANSLATION

Training in the translation of Chinese literature and introduction to translation theory and practice. Selections from various literary genres, including classical poetry, modern Chinese fiction and ethnic minority folktales. Introduction to theory and practice of major English translations of Chinese. Familiarization with appropriate tools. Discussion of specific problems in Chinese-English translation. Emphasis varies according to individual needs and interests. Prerequisite is Chinese 527

CHINESE - 691A - GRADUATE SEMINAR

Topic determined by the fields and interests of the students enrolled in the course. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.

Top

 

Japanese

JAPAN - 532 - MEDIA JAPANESE I

Students work on improving reading and listening comprehension through use of authentic contemporary materials in Japanese media includingblogs, newspapers (print and web), television news and magazine programs, and movies reflecting life and thought in contemporary Japan. Particular focus on journalistic or newspaper Japanese, with attention to the stylistic habits and conventions of the genre. Includes independent research assignments in Japanese sources. Prerequisite: Japanese 497C and/or satisfactory completion of the placement test. 3 credits.

JAPAN - 536H - ADVANCED MODERN JAPANESE I

A continuation of Japanese 497C and 497D. Assists students in reading quality Japanese texts in some quantity and different genres. Discusses issues pertinent to the texts. Students write in Japanese on issues brought out by the given texts. Textbook: course packet. Prerequisite: Japanese 497C & 497D (i.e. completion of three years of intensive Japanese) and/or satisfactory completion of the placement test. 3 credits.

JAPAN - 537H - ADVANCED MODERN JAPANESE II

A continuation of Japanese 532 and 536. Students will further develop skills in reading and analyzing quality Japanese texts, listening to conversations and debates, and expressing opinions clearly and logically in writing and in verbal discussions. Textbook: course packet. Prerequisite: Japanese 532/536 or and/or satisfactory completion of the placement test. 3 credits

JAPAN - 556H - CLASSICAL JAPANESE I

Introduction to the literary language of Japanese through the study of classical grammar (bungotai 文語体) and the linguistic analysis of classical poetry and prose texts. Prerequisite: Japanese 497A or consent of the instructor. Recommended companion course: Japanese 597A (see below).

JAPAN - 557H - CLASSICAL JAPANESE II

Critical reading and appreciation of selected major masterpieces in cultural and literary context; improving grammar and dictionary skills. Prerequisite: Japan 556H or equivalent.

JAPAN - 580- Teaching Japanese as a Foreign Language

Seminar on the theoretical and practical approaches to foreign language learning and teaching. Topics include second language acquisition theory, psycholinguistics in L2 acquisition, Japanese teaching methodology, syllabus design, lesson planning, materials development, testing and assessment, and teacher development. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

JAPAN - 591B - SEMINAR IN MODERN JAPANESE PHILOSOPHY

This offering will focus on the development of philosophy in modern Japan. Concentration will be on some of the major figures of the late 19th and 20th centuries and how they conceived of philosophy in contexts of war, in the ebb and flow of national sensitivities, and in relationship to the West will be major themes. How such philosophy grappled with the questions of “Japanese-ness,” while important here, will not overshadow the fact that philosophers were at the same time trying to cope with major questions about human existence, death, justice, and the ethical dilemmas of modern society. Reading will be from translated primary sources and from related works. Efforts will be made to relate much of this material to contemporary social and ethical problems – thus, it is hoped, showing how the thinking of these modern Japanese may have value and importance even for students with academic and long-term interests not specifically linked to the study of Japan.

JAPAN - 592 - PROSEMINARS GRADUATE FACULTY

Various proseminars are offered by faculty as a requirement for the Master’s degree in Japanese, sometimes in parallel with existing undergraduate courses. Enrollment is open to graduate students only.

JAPAN - 593 - HEIAN LITERARY CULTURE

In “Heian Literary Culture” we go beyond The Tale of Genji to look closely at a number of other Heian period literary works (all in English translation) that are sometimes skimmed over in survey courses. We also ground our view of this literature in the culture and history of the period, looking at recent scholarly studies for secondary readings. It is strongly recommended that students have a general knowledge of the Heian period before they register for this course. Please contact the instructor for a suggested reading list.

JAPAN - 593B - INTRODUCTION TO JAPANESE LINGUISTICS

Introduction to the nature of Japanese phonology, semantics, syntax, and pragmatics. Following a brief survey of basic linguistic concepts, the course focuses on the structure of modern Japanese, comparative linguistics, Japanese language acquisition, and controversial issues in Japanese linguistics.

JAPAN - 597A - MANUSCRIPT JAPANESE

A repeatable 1-credit course taken in conjunction with both Japanese 556H and Japanese 557H. Designed as a critical supplement to the study of bungotai, this course introduces the script forms and orthography that most Japanese texts—whether manuscript, woodblock printed or moveable type—used prior to the twentieth century. Students will become familiar with the basic elements of that script system, from derivation and method to deciphering letters (fall semester) and reading complete texts (spring semester). Prerequisite: enrolment in/completion of J556 or knowledge of classical grammar.

JAPAN - 660 - PROBLEMS AND METHODS IN TRANSLATION

Advanced training in practical techniques associated with the translation of modern Japanese; familiarization with appropriate glossaries, dictionaries, and other translator’s tools. Discussion of specific problems in Japanese-English translation and practice with a variety of prose styles used in journalistic, political, commercial, literary and other forms of modern writing. For graduate students only.

JAPAN - 691A - GRADUATE SEMINAR

Required introductory seminar on Japanese literary culture for incoming M.A. students.

JAPAN - 697A - READINGS IN JAPANESE THEORY AND METHOD

Consult Professor Miller for more information. For graduate students only.

Top