Asian Languages and Civilizations < University of Colorado Boulder

Asian Languages and Civilizations
Keller Kimbrough, Chair
Eaton Humanities 240A
279 UCB
T: 303-492-6639
dalc@colorado.edu

Programs Offered

Master's Degree

Asian Languages and Civilizations - Master of Arts (MA)

Doctoral Degree

Asian Languages and Civilizations - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The Department of Asian Languages and Civilizations offers the Bachelor’s-Accelerated Master's (BAM), MA, Dual MA and PhD graduate degrees with specializations in Chinese or Japanese. Celebrating a history of over 30 years, the department offers small class sizes that allow ALC graduate students the opportunity to work closely with faculty who are noted scholars in their fields.

For more information about the Department of Asian Languages and Civilizations, please visit the department website.

Course codes for these programs are CHIN and JPNS.

Faculty

While many faculty teach both undergraduate and graduate students, some instruct students at the undergraduate level only. For more information, contact the faculty member's home department.

Alexander, Katherine Laura Bos
Assistant Professor; PhD, University of Chicago

Arya, Nidhi
Teaching Assistant Professor

Asano, Yukiko
Teaching Assistant Professor; PhD, SUNY at Stony Brook

Attwa, Mona Farrag
Teaching Associate Professor; MA, American University in Cairo (Egypt)

Brown, Janice Carole
Professor; PhD, University of British Columbia (Canada)

Burge, Marjorie
Assistant Professor; PhD, University of California, Berkeley

Hsu, Chun-ling
Instructor Emeritus; MEd, University of Wisconsin–River Falls

Kawakami, Kiyomi
Teaching Assistant Professor; MA, University of Wisconsin–Madison

Kim, Sangbok
Teaching Professor; PhD, University of California, Los Angeles

Kimbrough, Randle Keller
Professor, Chair; PhD, Yale University

Kleeman, Faye Yuan
Professor Emeritus; PhD, University of California, Berkeley

Kleeman, Terry F.
Professor Emeritus; PhD, University of California, Berkeley

Kroll, Paul W.
Professor Emeritus

Li, Yingjie
Teaching Associate Professor; PhD, University of Kansas

Matsunaga, Yumiko
Teaching Professor of Distinction; PhD, University of Wisconsin–Madison

Richter, Antje
Associate Professor; Dr habil, University of Kiel (Germany)

Richter, Matthias Ludwig
Associate Professor, Chair; PhD, University of Hamburg (Germany)

Rodd, Laurel Rasplica
Professor Emerita

Schibli, Hisako
Teaching Assistant Professor; MA, University of Colorado Boulder; BA, Sophia University (Japan)

Shih, Evelyn Ming Whai
Assistant Professor; PhD, University of California, Berkeley

Courses

CHIN 5010 (3) Sinological Methods

Provides training in research methods for graduate work in Sinology. Regular exercises require students to use standard bibliographic sources and tools, such as leishu, congshu, specialized dictionaries, dynastic histories, geographical treatises, gazetteers, and private historiography. Knowledge of Classical Chinese at the level of CHIN 4220 is required.

Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Chinese
Departmental Category: Asia Content

CHIN 5030 (3) Readings in Pre-Modern Chinese Literary Theory

Introduces the field of pre-modern Chinese literary theory and its relevance in Chinese intellectual history. Based on the close reading of primary sources, i.e. typically on selected core texts of Chinese literary thought, as well as on the reading of secondary literature. Texts and topics vary from year to year.

Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Chinese
Departmental Category: Asia Content

CHIN 5041 (3) Introduction to Classical Chinese

Offers a systematic introduction to the Classical Chinese language, in which the foundational texts of Chinese culture are written and which forms the basis for the literary language used in China until the early 20th century. We will begin to read parts of early Chinese philosophical texts, such as Laozi and the Analects of Confucius.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: CHIN 4041
Grading Basis: Letter Grade

CHIN 5042 (3) Readings in Classical Chinese

Introduces a wide spectrum of texts from medieval China written in classical and literary Chinese: philosophical, historical, ghost stories, and poems (including the Ballad of Mulan). We will read these texts closely, focusing on their linguistic and literary features and on their cultural background.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: CHIN 4042
Grading Basis: Letter Grade

CHIN 5070 (1) Graduate Academic Writing

Considers the act of academic writing both in terms of mechanics and in terms of habits of effective writers themselves, so that students, building upon a base knowledge of the expectations of the academy, develop approaches to help themselves gain the confidence to excel at the writing required of them in graduate school and beyond.

Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.

CHIN 5130 (3) History of Chinese Literature from the Tenth to the Nineteenth Century

Survey of Chinese literature from the tenth to the nineteenth century, with readings in primary and secondary sources. Focuses on the major literary works, genres, figures, and movements of the Song through the Qing dynasties.

Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Chinese
Departmental Category: Asia Content

CHIN 5210 (3) Ancient Prose

Studies selected pre-imperial and Han prose texts important in their own time and for the influence they exercised on the later development of Chinese literary history. Focuses on works such as the Lun yu, Mengzi, Zhuangzi, Huainanzi, Shiji, Hanshu, and Lunheng. Knowledge of Classical Chinese at the level of CHIN 4220 is required.

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 9.00 total credit hours.
Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Chinese
Departmental Category: Asia Content

CHIN 5280 (3) Topics in Ancient Literature

Examines a specific problem or issue in ancient Chinese literature, e.g., early views of language's relationship to reality, or the commentary tradition and the emergence of allegorical and metaphysical approaches to interpreting texts. Topics vary from year to year. Knowledge of Classical Chinese at the level of CHIN 4220 is required.

CHIN 5410 (3) Medieval Prose

Studies works of early medieval (ca. 200-600 AD) and/or late medieval (600-900 AD) prose that played an important role in development of Chinese literature. Writers and topics vary, ranging from surveys of specific genre, literary essays, proto-fiction, or historical writings, to focused studies of major figures Liu Zhiji, Han Yu, or Liu Zongyuan. Knowledge of Classical Chinese at the level of CHIN 4220 is required.

CHIN 5480 (3) Topics in Medieval Literature

Examines a specific problem or issue in medieval literature, e.g., the role of encyclopedias and anthologies in literary training, or the place and forms of literary composition at the imperial court. Topics vary from year to year. Knowledge of Classical Chinese at the level of CHIN 4220 is required.

CHIN 5610 (3) Early Modern Prose

Studies Song, Ming, and Qing prose texts selected for their inherent literary merit and for their significance in the Chinese literary tradition. Typically focuses on works by major authors such as Ouyang Xiu, Su Shi, and Yuan Hongdao. Texts and selections vary from year to year. Knowledge of Classical Chinese at the level of CHIN 4220 is required.

CHIN 5620 (3) Early Modern Poetry

Studies Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing poetry. Stresses major figures, stylistic variations, various poetry schools, new directions in shi verse, and the rise and development of ci. Texts and selections vary from year to year. Knowledge of Classical Chinese at the level of CHIN 4220 is required.

CHIN 5630 (3) Early Modern Fiction

Explores selected vernacular and classical fiction of the Ming and Qing periods. Normally focuses on long novels such as Xiyou ji, Sanguo yanyi, Shuihu zhuan, Jin Ping Mei, as well as short stories by Feng Menglong and Ling Mengchu. Texts and selections vary from year to year. Knowledge of Classical Chinese at the level of CHIN 4220 is required.

CHIN 5680 (3) Topics in Early Modern Literature

Examines a specific problem or issue in early modern literature (e.g., the relationships among religion, folklore, and early fiction; the issue of genre and traditional fiction); the role of elite versus popular cultures in the composition of fiction; or the relationship of the state and censorship and the southern philosophical schools to the publication of fiction. Topics vary from year to year. Knowledge of Classical Chinese at the level of CHIN 4220 is required.

CHIN 5750 (3) Daoism

Detailed examination of scriptures, liturgies, precept codes and hagiographies of Daoism, China's indigenous organized religion. Focusing on origins and development, ethical teachings, ritual activities and world view. Topics include the relationship of Daoism to popular religion, practice of alchemy and self-cultivation, beliefs concerning death and afterlife and structure of the Daoist pantheon.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: CHIN 4750 and RLST 4750 and RLST 5750
Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Chinese
Departmental Category: Asia Content

CHIN 5810 (3) Modern Literature

Examines selected texts in various genres of Chinese literature from the May Fourth period (beginning 1917) to the establishment of the People's Republic of China (1949). Focuses on major and influential works produced in this fertile period of experimentation with Western, modernist types of literature. Texts and selections vary from year to year. Knowledge of Modern Chinese at the level of CHIN 4120 is required.

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 9.00 total credit hours. Allows multiple enrollment in term.
Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Chinese
Departmental Category: Asia Content

CHIN 5820 (3) Contemporary Literature

Examines selected texts in various genres of Chinese literature from 1949 (the establishment of the People's Republic of China) to the present. Focuses on major works from the very different literary worlds of Taiwan and mainland China. Texts and selections vary from year to year. Knowledge of Modern Chinese at the level of CHIN 4120 is required.

CHIN 5830 (3) History of Chinese Film

Examines the development of narrative film in China from the early twentieth century to today, covering the major periods, styles, and themes developed in Chinese cinema. Texts and selections vary from year to year. Knowledge of Modern Chinese at the level of CHIN 4120 is required.

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 6.00 total credit hours.
Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Chinese
Departmental Category: Asia Content

CHIN 5880 (3) Topics in 20th Century Literature

Examines a specific problem or issue in 20th century literature, e.g., feminist fiction in China, modernism in fiction and poetry, or the role of literary criticism in modern literature. Topics vary from year to year. Knowledge of Modern Chinese at the level of CHIN 4120 is required.

CHIN 5890 (3) Topics in Chinese Film

Examines a specific problem or issue in Chinese film, e.g. 5th generation filmmakers, early film, genre (martial arts, melodrama, Hong Kong action, etc.), Taiwan New Cinema, Hollywood crossover. Topics vary from year to year. Knowledge of Modern Chinese at the level of CHIN 4120 is required.

CHIN 5900 (1-3) Independent Study

CHIN 5980 (1) Practical Issues in Chinese Language Pedagogy

Focuses on practical issues in Chinese language pedagogy for students who will serve as teaching assistants in Chinese language courses. Examines the connection between theory and practice as well as practical methods for teaching Chinese. Equips students with basic Chinese linguistic knowledge. Discusses the use of Communicative Approach in teaching Chinese as a second language. Knowledge of Modern Chinese at the level of CHIN 4120 is required.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: CHIN 4980
Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Chinese
Departmental Category: Asia Content

CHIN 6900 (1-6) Independent Study

CHIN 6940 (1) Master's Candidate for Degree

Registration intended for students preparing for a thesis defense, final examination, culminating activity, or completion of degree.

Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Chinese
Departmental Category: Asia Content

CHIN 6950 (1-6) Master's Thesis

Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Chinese
Departmental Category: Asia Content

CHIN 8990 (1-10) Doctoral Dissertation

All doctoral students must register for no fewer than 30 hours of dissertation credit as part of the requirements for the degree. For a detailed discussion of doctoral dissertation credit, refer to the Graduate School section.

Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Chinese
Departmental Category: Asia Content

JPNS 5010 (3) Bibliography and Research Methods

Introduces research materials on Japan in Japanese and Western languages, including bibliographic tools, style sheets, and library resources. Overview of secondary sources and publication outlets/methods of disseminating research.

Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Japanese
Departmental Category: Asia Content

JPNS 5020 (3) Methods of Teaching Japanese

Surveys pedagogical theory and methods for the teaching of Japanese as a second language, including issues of presentation, interaction, and evaluation.

Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Japanese
Departmental Category: Asia Content

JPNS 5050 (3) Japanese Sociolinguistics: Japanese Language and Society

Issues of Japanese sociolinguistics in areas such as speech varieties, language behaviors and attitudes, linguistic contact and change and language policy. Incorporating critical perspectives of sociolinguistics into analyses of Japanese literature and Japanese language education.

Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Japanese
Departmental Category: Asia Content

JPNS 5070 (3) Second Language Acquisition of Japanese

Studies language acquisition theories and research on Japanese as a second language (JSL). Covers the issues in JSL from linguistic, cognitive and sociolinguistic perspectives: orthography, grammar, phonology and vocabulary in the contexts of teaching and learning JSL.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: JPNS 4070
Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Japanese
Departmental Category: Asia Content

JPNS 5080 (3) Kanji in Japanese Orthography

Covers the issues in kanji research from historical, sociolinguistic, linguistic, cognitive perspective and vocabulary acquisition theories in the context of teaching and learning the Japanese language.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: JPNS 4080
Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Japanese
Departmental Category: Asia Content

JPNS 5150 (3) Japanese Literary Translation

Explores theories and practice of translation of literary texts as applied to Japanese-English translation; strategies for handling a variety of texts; and professional standards and ethics.

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 6.00 total credit hours. Allows multiple enrollment in term.
Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Japanese
Departmental Category: Asia Content

JPNS 5170 (3) Japanese for Sinologists

An accelerated course in modern scholarly Japanese for students with a basic foundation in Japanese and an advanced knowledge of Chinese. Focus is on materials in Japanese that relate to Chinese civilization and includes an introduction to kanbun.

Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Recommended: one year of modern Japanese (minimum grade C), graduate-level command of Chinese, or instructor consent.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Japanese

JPNS 5210 (3) Classical Prose Literature

Examines selected prose works and authors from the Classical, or Heian, period (784-1185). Texts may include selections from diaries, tale literature, and zuihitsu such as Izumi Shikibu Nikki, Genji Monogatari, and Makura no Soshi. Texts and selections vary from year to year. Knowledge of Classical Japanese at the level of JPNS 4320 is required.

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 6.00 total credit hours.
Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Japanese
Departmental Category: Asia Content

JPNS 5220 (3) Waka, Renga, and Haiku

Studies the three most important poetic forms in Japanese literary history. Emphasizes the reading and analysis of selected texts and authors that best represent these genres. Readings include selections from the first eight imperial poetry anthologies (hachidaishu), famous renga sequences (Minase Sangin Hyakuin, for example), and the haiku of Basho. Texts and selections vary from year to year. Knowledge of Classical Japanese at the level of JPNS 4320 is required.

JPNS 5280 (3) Topics in Classical Japanese Literature

Studies a specific problem or issue in classical (eighth through twelfth century) Japanese literature, e.g., the development of specifically Japanese theories of literature or the concept of genre in the Japanese tradition. Topics vary from year to year.

JPNS 5310 (3) Advanced Classical Japanese 1

Focuses on stylistic, grammatical, and orthographic variations in texts of the classical, medieval, and early modern eras. Knowledge of Classical Japanese at the level of JPNS 4310 is required.

Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Japanese
Departmental Category: Asia Content

JPNS 5320 (3) Advanced Classical Japanese 2

Advanced analysis of stylistic, grammatical, and orthographic variations in texts of the classical, medieval, and early modern eras, including kanbun and hentaigana; translation and explication of texts.

Requisites: Requires prerequisite course of JPNS 5310 (minimum grade C). Restricted to graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Japanese
Departmental Category: Asia Content

JPNS 5410 (3) Medieval Prose Literature

Focuses on selected prose works and authors from the medieval, or Kamakura and Muromachi periods (1185-1600). Texts may include selections from a variety of war tales, histories, courtly fiction, diaries, memoirs, short prose narratives (otogi-zoshi), Noh plays, and Buddhist literature such as Heike Monogatari, Towazugatari, Izayoi Nikki, Tsurezuregusa, and Shasekishu. Texts and selections vary from year to year. Knowledge of Classical Japanese at the level of JPNS 4320 is required.

JPNS 5420 (3) Japanese Buddhism and Literature

Studies selected works from the Japanese literary tradition in which Buddhism plays a significant thematic role. Focuses on texts such as the Nihon Ryoiki, Buddhist poetry (Shakkyo-Ka) from the imperial poetry anthologies, Heike Monogatari, Hojoki, the poetry of Saigyo and Basho, and selected Noh plays. Texts and selections vary from year to year. Knowledge of Classical Japanese at the level of JPNS 4320 is required.

JPNS 5480 (3) Topics in Medieval Literature

Focuses on a specific problem or issue in medieval literature, e.g., the spread of literary composition beyond the court. Topics vary from year to year.

JPNS 5610 (3) Japanese Dramatic Literature

Examines major writers and texts of the no, kyogen, kabuki, and bunraku theaters, including the plays and critical writings of such authors as Kannami Kiyotsugu, Zeami Motokiyo, Konparu Zenchiku, and Chikamatsu Monzaemon. Texts and secondary readings vary from year to year. Knowledge of Classical Japanese at the level of JPNS 4320 is required.

JPNS 5620 (3) Early Modern Japanese Literature and Culture

Examines the literature, arts, drama and culture of Japan's early modern period in the original language, as well as secondary scholarship and methodologies for pursuing work on early modern materials. Genres covered include kana-zoshi, uklyo-zoshi, dangibon, yomihon, sharebon, kibyoshi, ninjobon, kokkelbon, gokan, halkai, senryo, kyoka, joruri, kabuki, and literary thought.

Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Japanese
Departmental Category: Asia Content

JPNS 5810 (3) Modern Japanese Literature

Studies selected texts in Japanese literature from the Meiji Restoration (1868) to the end of the Pacific War. Surveys various literary genres, emphasizing the development of the modern novel as an aspect of Japan's response to Western cultural forms. The unique cultural politics of each of the periods (Meiji,Taisho, and Showa) are illuminated through the filter of both canonical and more marginalized texts. Specific selections vary from year to year.

JPNS 5820 (3) Contemporary Japanese Literature

Covers developments in Japanese prose fiction and/or other literary genres from the end of the Pacific War in 1945 to the present.

JPNS 5830 (3) Readings in Modern and Contemporary Japanese Thought and Culture

Examines central issues in Japanese culture and society since the Meiji Restoration (1868) through selected readings of the works of major writers in the fields of literature, anthropology, feminism, political science, and religion, among others. Provides a broad context for cultural studies in modern and contemporary Japan by positioning the most important commentators within their historical and social situations.

JPNS 5900 (1-6) Independent Study

JPNS 5920 (3) Topics in Modern Literature and Culture

Close study of a specific problem or issue in modern or contemporary literature or culture: e.g., transwar literary nationalism.

JPNS 5980 (1) Practical Issues in Japanese Language Pedagogy

Focuses on practical issues in Japanese language pedagogy for students who will serve as teaching assistants in Japanese language class. Examines the connection between theory and practice as well as practical methods for teaching Japanese. Discusses how to teach Japanese as a second language in a communicative approach and how to assess student language learning. Knowledge of Modern Japanese at the level of JPNS 4120 is required.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: JPNS 4980
Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Japanese
Departmental Category: Asia Content

JPNS 6900 (1-6) Japanese Independent Study

JPNS 6940 (1) Master's Candidate for Degree

Registration intended for students preparing for a thesis defense, final examination, culminating activity, or completion of degree.

Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Japanese
Departmental Category: Asia Content

JPNS 6950 (1-6) Master's Thesis

Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Japanese
Departmental Category: Asia Content

JPNS 8990 (1-10) Doctoral Dissertation

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 30.00 total credit hours.
Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Japanese
Departmental Category: Asia Content