East Asian Languages & Cultures

EAL 231 The Culture of the Lyric in Traditional China (4 Credits)

China grounds its literary tradition in lyric poetry. One enduring definition of lyric, or shi, in the Chinese tradition is the natural, direct expression and reflection of one’s inner spirit as a result of a unique encounter with the world. This course is an introduction to masterworks of the Chinese lyric tradition from its oral beginnings through the Qing dynasty. Through close, careful readings of folk songs, poems, prose and excerpts from the novel Dream of the Red Chamber, students inquire into how the spiritual, philosophical and political concerns dominating the poets’ milieu shaped the lyric language through the ages. All readings are in English translation; no knowledge of Chinese required. {L}

Fall, Spring, Variable

EAL 232/ WLT 232 Modern Chinese Literature (4 Credits)

Offered as WLT 232 and EAL 232. Can literature inspire personal and social transformation? How have modern Chinese writers pursued freedom, fulfillment, memory and social justice? From short stories and novels to drama and film, we explore class, gender and the cultures of China, Taiwan, Tibet and the Chinese diaspora. Readings are in English translation and no background in China or Chinese is required. Open to students at all levels. {L}

Fall, Spring, Alternate Years

EAL 233 Chinese Travel Writing (4 Credits)

Who travels in China and for what reasons? What does a traveler write about--the scenery of a particular location or the experience of a journey itself; the homesickness or the joy of traveling; the philosophical and spiritual insights or the political implications? Much of Chinese literature is composed from the perspective of one who is, or has been, on the road: whether as exile, pilgrim, soldier, pleasure traveler, or even shaman. Through close reading of selected poems, diary entries, essays, and fictional writings, and visual images selected from across the centuries, we explore how various writers define such notions as "place" and "home." All readings are in English translation. {L}

Fall, Spring, Variable

EAL 234 Self and Society in Chinese Fiction and Drama (4 Credits)

This survey of traditional Chinese fiction and drama from roughly 800-1900 reads classical tales of the strange, vernacular stories, novels, zaju and chuanqi drama alongside official narratives such as histories and biographies, as well as popular genres like ballads, baojuan (precious scrolls) and tanci (plucking songs). The class considers the ways individuals, family, community and government appear in literature, along with the conflicting loyalties presented by romance, family and the state. All readings are in English translation; no previous knowledge of Chinese required. {L}

Spring

EAL 235 Class, Gender and Material Culture in Late Imperial China (4 Credits)

This class examines the continuum between subject and object in Chinese fiction, drama, and poetry from the 16th through the 18th centuries, discussing how individuals participate as agents and objects of circulation; how objects structure identity and articulate relationships; the body as object; and the materiality of writing, illustration, and the stage. We analyze historical constructions of class and gender and reflect on how individuals constructed social identities vis-à-vis objects and consumption. All readings in English translation. {L}

Fall, Spring, Variable

EAL 237 Chinese Poetry and Other Arts (4 Credits)

Poetry, painting, calligraphy and other visual and plastic arts are ways of expressing oneself and forms of communication. In this course, we explore the relationships between words and images and the issues such as how poetry and other arts are inextricably linked; What makes a painting a silent poem? and a poem a lyrical painting? and how do poetry and painting inspire one another? How do they respond to one another? All readings are in English translation. {L}

Fall, Spring, Variable

EAL 239/ WLT 239 Intimacy in Contemporary Chinese Women’s Fiction (4 Credits)

Offered as EAL 239 and WLT 239. How do stories about love, romance and desire (including extramarital affairs, serial relationships and love between women) challenge our assumptions about identity? How do pursuits, successes and failures of intimacy lead to personal and social change? An exploration of major themes through close readings of contemporary fiction by women from China, Taiwan and Chinese diasporas. Readings are in English translation and no background in China or Chinese is required. {L}

Fall, Spring, Variable

EAL 240 Japanese Language and Culture (4 Credits)

This course introduces the historical, social and ideological background of "standard Japanese" and the Japanese writing system. The course looks at basic structural characteristics of the language and interpersonal relations reflected in the language, such as politeness and gender. The course also addresses fluidity and diversity of linguistic and cultural practices in contemporary Japan. This course is suitable for students with little knowledge about the language as well as those in Japanese language courses. All readings are in English translation. Enrollment limited to 30. {S}

Fall, Spring, Variable

EAL 241 Literature and Culture in Premodern Japan: Court Ladies, Wandering Monks and Urban Rakes (4 Credits)

A study of Japanese literature and its cultural roots from the eighth to the 19th century. The course focuses on enduring works of the Japanese literary tradition, along with the social and cultural conditions that gave birth to the literature. All readings are in English translation. {L}

Fall, Spring, Variable

EAL 242 Modern Japanese Literature (4 Credits)

A survey of Japanese literature from the late 19th century to the present. Over the last century and a half, Japan has undergone tremendous change: rapid industrialization, imperial and colonial expansion, occupation following its defeat in the Pacific War, and emergence as a global economic power. The literature of modern Japan reflects the complex aesthetic, cultural and political effects of such changes. Through our discussions of these texts, we also address theoretical questions about such concepts as identity, gender, race, sexuality, nation, class, colonialism, modernism and translation. All readings are in English translation. {L}

Fall, Spring, Variable

EAL 244 Japanese Women’s Writing (4 Credits)

This course focuses on the writings of Japanese women from the 10th century until the present. We examine the foundations of Japan’s literary tradition represented by such early works as Murasaki Shikibu’s Tale of Genji and Sei Shonagon’s Pillow Book. We then move to the late 19th century to consider the first modern examples of Japanese women’s writing. How does the existence of a "feminine literary tradition" in pre-modern Japan influence the writing of women during the modern period? How do these texts reflect, resist and reconfigure conventional representations of gender? We explore the possibilities and limits of the articulation of feminine and feminist subjectivities, as well as investigate the production of such categories as "race," class and sexuality in relation to gender and to each other. Taught in English, with no knowledge of Japanese required. {L}

Fall, Spring, Variable

EAL 245 Writing, Japan and Otherness (4 Credits)

An exploration of representations of "otherness" in Japanese literature and film from the mid-19th century until the present. How was (and is) Japan’s identity as a modern nation configured through representations of other nations and cultures? How are categories of race, gender, nationality, class and sexuality used in the construction of difference? This course pays special attention to the role of "otherness" in the development of national and individual identities. In conjunction with these investigations, we also address the varied ways in which Japan is represented as "other" by writers from China, England, France, Korea and the United States. How do these images of and by Japan converse with each other? All readings are in English translation.

Fall, Spring, Variable

EAL 253 Korean Cinema: Cinema and the Masses (4 Credits)

This course offers a survey of Korean film history in light of cinema's relationship to the masses. As a popular art form, cinema has always been in close contact with its audiences. Cinema has contributed to the emergence of modern masses. By examining how cinema has shaped its audiences and vice versa, this course charts the development of Korean cinema as a popular entertainment as well as an art form during the last hundred years. This course starts from the globalization of Korean cinema and its transnational audiences and chronologically harks back to the colonial period. {H}{L}

Fall, Spring

EAL 254 Modern Korean Literature in Translation (4 Credits)

This course is a survey of modern Korean literature from the 1990s to the present. It charts the formal and thematic development of Korean literature by examining how literature illuminates Korea's history and politics. We will be engaged in the close reading of medium and full-length fictions in English translation, while considering their historical and cultural contexts. {L}

Fall, Spring, Variable

EAL 261 Gender and Sexuality in Late Imperial Chinese Literature (4 Credits)

This class will examine Chinese literary traditions in various different genres such as fiction, poetry and drama from the 16th through the 18th centuries from perspectives of gender and sexuality. Through the class, you will learn to examine Chinese literary tradition from the perspective of gender, discussing the gendering of new modes of expression in de/constructing men and women as social categories over the long course of Chinese literary history. We will pay special attention to how women were represented in classical literature, primarily poetry and fiction, both through their own writing and in the writing of men. {L}

Fall, Spring, Variable

EAL 263 Romance and Martial Arts in Chinese Popular Fiction (4 Credits)

Do you like love stories? Kung fu movies? Feel embarrassed admitting it and wonder why? This course investigates the cultural, political and aesthetic significance of romance and martial arts in Chinese popular fiction and some films from the 16th to the 20th centuries. Students read works in these two major genres, learn key frameworks from cultural studies and explore scholarship on the aesthetic and political interventions of Chinese romantic and martial arts fiction in local, national and global contexts. Students end the course as more knowledgeable, aware consumers of popular culture in general. {L}

Fall, Spring, Variable

EAL 273 Colloquium: Women and Narration in Modern Korea (4 Credits)

This class explores modern Korean history from women's perspectives. It charts the historical and cultural transformation in modern Korea since the 1920s by coupling key terms of modern history with specific female figures: (1) Colonial modernity with modern girls in the 1920s and 30s; (2) colonization and cold-war regime with "comfort women" and "western princesses" from the 1940s to the 1960s; (3) industrial development under the authoritarian regime in the 1970s with factory girls; and (4) democratization and multiculturalism with rising feminists in the new millennium. {H}{L}

Fall, Spring, Variable

EAL 274 Voices From Japan's Margins (4 Credits)

Reflecting their marginalized status in Japanese society, minority groups in Japan, including Ainu, burakumin, Korean-Japanese, and Okinawans, have until recently received minimal recognition in modern Japanese literature. This course will examine “minority literature” in Japan in order to develop students’ knowledge of the experiences of ethnic minorities in Japan as well as the ways in which these experiences have been reflected in literature and film. We will consider how this literature has been received in Japan and how “minority” subjects have utilized the media of film and literature to present their own voices. {L}

Fall, Spring, Variable

EAL 281 Colloquium: Revising the Past in Chinese and Taiwanese Film and Literature (4 Credits)

This colloquium explores how China and Taiwan recollect, reflect and reinterpret their past and how multifaceted traditions are represented in a new light on the world stage. We will reflect on our perceptions and receptions of the past through close readings of films and literature from China and Taiwan. We will explore what aspects of the past are erased, re-packaged, or re-imagined and why. These preeminent figures and events – in history or fiction – presented in film and literature include, but are not limited to, Confucius, the First Emperor of China, Mulan, Qiu Jin, and Nie Yinniang. All readings are in English translation. Chinese text will be provided upon request. Enrollment is limited to 20. {L}

Fall, Spring, Variable

EAL 291 Writing Empire: Images of Colonial Japan (4 Credits)

This course explores the development of Japanese and colonial identities in literature produced in and about Japan’s colonies during the first half of the 20th century. We read literary works written during and about the Japanese empire by Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Okinawan and Taiwanese writers. By bringing together different voices from inside and outside of Japan’s empire, students gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of colonial hegemony and identity. Taught in English: no knowledge of Chinese, Japanese or Korean required. {L}

Fall, Spring, Variable

EAL 292sh Topics in Japanese Popular Culture-The Shojo (Girl) (4 Credits)

This course examines representations of the figure of the Shōjo (girl) in Japanese popular culture from the mid-1900s to the present. Enrollment limited to 20. {L}

Fall, Spring, Variable

EAL 292tc Topics in Japanese Popular Culture-Traditional Context (4 Credits)

This course studies features of contemporary Japanese popular culture by placing it in the context of tradition. Students gain a working knowledge of traditional Japanese literature and culture in order to examine the ways in which this tradition is re-worked and re-invented in contemporary popular works of literature, manga, anime and film. Enrollment limited to 20.<span style="font-size:12px"> {L}

Fall, Spring, Variable

EAL 360bh Seminar: Topics in East Asian Languages and Literatures-Book History and Print Culture in East Asia (4 Credits)

This course explores print and media cultures of the 16th through the 20th centuries in China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan. Students read literary and popular works in the context of the cultural, intellectual and technological transformations that defined these texts' creation, circulation and reception. Students study historical and theoretical scholarship on topics such as language reform, the book market and changing literacies for men and women. The course also considers how media developments shape the experience of Asian modernity. All readings in English translation. Prerequisite: one 200-level EAL course or equivalent. Enrollment limited to 12. Juniors and seniors only. Instructor permission required. {L}

Fall, Spring, Variable

EAL 360rw Seminar: Topics in East Asian Languages and Literature-Notorious Trailblazers: Reading Women's Lives, Past and Present (4 Credits)

The seminar is for students who want to design and deeply engage in their own independent research project to explore the following questions on East Asian Women’s life experiences: What do we really know about the social, political and literary roles that women play in pre-modern society? Do women throughout history always occupy a position inferior to their male counterparts? And when they rise to a powerful position, how are they perceived and through what lens? How about their self-perceptions and self-representations through writing? In modern society, how do we understand women’s voices when the traditional perspective still has its impact? Are we still accustomed to reading women’s life experiences in a stereotypical and narrow way? Are they represented to fit into a modern prejudiced agenda? This seminar focuses on women’s experiences, past and present in East Asia through critical exploration of representation, reception, and agency. Enrollment limited to 12. Juniors and seniors only. Instructor permission required. {L}

Fall, Spring, Variable

EAL 400 Special Studies (1-4 Credits)

For students engaged in independent projects or research in connection with Japanese, Chinese or Korean language and literature.

Fall, Spring

EAL 430D Honors Project (4-8 Credits)

Fall

EAL 431 Honors Project (8 Credits)

Fall

CHI 110 Chinese I (Intensive) (5 Credits)

An intensive introduction to spoken Mandarin and modern written Chinese, presenting basic elements of grammar, sentence structures and active mastery of the most commonly used Chinese characters. Emphasis on development of oral/aural proficiency, pronunciation, and the acquisition of skills in reading and writing Chinese characters. This course is suitable for students with no prior study of Chinese. Students with prior language experience should take the placement test before registering. Enrollment limited to 15.

Fall

CHI 111 Chinese I (Intensive) (5 Credits)

A continuation of CHI 110. Students extend and develop confidence in all four communicative skills, culminating in a creative digital project. Prerequisite: CHI 110 or by placement test. Enrollment limited to 15. {F}

Spring

CHI 120 Chinese I for Novice High Speakers (4 Credits)

Designed for students with previous Chinese language experience who have at least a Novice High oral proficiency, but whose reading and writing proficiency is at Novice Low or Novice Mid level. The course will cover the same material as CHI 110 at an accelerated pace, helping students build grammar knowledge and reading and writing skills through interactive, communicative and task-based activities. This introductory course does not fulfill the foreign language requirement for Latin honors. CHI 120 and CHI 121 together fulfill the foreign language requirement for Latin honors. Enrollment limited to 15. Placement test and instructor permission required.

Fall, Annually

CHI 121 Chinese I for Intermediate Low Speakers (4 Credits)

This continuation of CHI 120 is designed for students with previous Chinese language experience who have at least an Intermediate Low oral proficiency and a Novice High reading and writing proficiency. The course covers the same material as CHI 111 at an accelerated pace, focusing on helping students build grammar knowledge and reading and writing skills through interactive, communicative and task-based activities. CHI 120 and CHI 121 together fulfill the foreign language requirement for Latin honors. Enrollment limited to 15. Prerequisite: CHI 120 or placement test. {F}

Spring, Annually

CHI 220 Chinese II (Intensive) (5 Credits)

Continued emphasis on the development of oral proficiency and functional literacy in modern Mandarin. Conversation and narrative practice, reading exercises, short composition assignments and work with multi-media content, culminating in a creative digital project. Prerequisite: CHI 111 or placement test. Enrollment limited to 15. {F}

Fall

CHI 221 Chinese II (Intensive) (5 Credits)

A continuation of CHI 220. Students transition from functional communication skills to expressing and supporting opinions about topics including modernization, health, the environment and economics, ending by creating a digital narrative exploring a culturally or socially significant topic. Prerequisite: CHI 220 or by placement test. Enrollment limited to 15. {F}

Spring

CHI 301 Chinese III (4 Credits)

Building on the skills and vocabulary acquired in Chinese II, students learn to read simple essays on topics of common interest and develop the ability to understand, summarize and discuss social issues in contemporary China. Readings are supplemented by digital materials, and the semester ends with a creative digital project. Prerequisite: CHI 221 or placement test. Enrollment limited to 15. {F}

Fall

CHI 302 Chinese III (4 Credits)

A continuation of CHI 301, with a focus on developing narrative and storytelling skills, cultural knowledge, and increased use of authentic language materials. Projects include, but are not limited to, blog posts, podcasts and magazines. Prerequisite: CHI 301 or by placement test. Enrollment limited to 15. {F}

Spring

CHI 350 Advanced Chinese through Film and Literature (4 Credits)

Development of advanced proficiency in four skills through the study and discussion of selected modern Chinese literary and cinematic texts. Students explore literary and formal expression in original works, including fiction, short stories, prose, novellas and screenplays. With the instructor’s permission, advanced language courses may be repeated when the content changes. Prerequisite: CHI 302 or by placement test. {F}

Fall, Spring, Variable

CHI 351md Topics in Advanced Readings in Chinese-Modern Lens (4 Credits)

This course mainly focuses on readings of cultural, political and social import. Through in-depth study and discussion of modern and contemporary texts and essays drawn from a variety of sources, students develop advanced reading, writing and discussion skills in Chinese and increase their understanding of modern and contemporary China. Prerequisite: CHI 302 or placement test. {F}

Fall, Spring, Variable

CHI 352 Food for Thought: Chinese Language, Culture, Environment, and Health (4 Credits)

This course focuses on Chinese food culture and its relationship with environment and health. This course is an advanced-high Chinese language course that contextualizes learning through textual-visual analysis of food-related topics. The materials integrate different disciplines and genres to help students speak and write in Chinese coherently and critically. Through activities in and out of class, this course aims to develop students' deeper understanding of how language, along with food, both shapes and mirrors culture. Students explore cultural complexities and subtleties through literary-based online videos and compare with their own cultures on how flavors and tastes are used metaphorically. Prerequisites: CHI 302 and above at Smith College or equivalent, or by placement. Instructor permission required. {F}

Fall, Spring, Variable

CHI 353 Talking Point: Epidemics and Their Controversies in China and Beyond (4 Credits)

This course is designed to help students to deepen their understanding of China’s culture and society through the controversies and debates surrounding the epidemics, and Covid-19 in particular, while developing their Chinese language skills in the process. In this course, students attempt to understand people’s experiences and feelings in the locked-down cities, analyze gender issues in the medical care workplace and study discrimination against people who are from high-risk districts. Students explore topics such as whether or not people feel comfortable covering their faces; the role of NGOs in epidemics; and so on. Enrollment limited to 15. {F}

Fall, Spring, Variable

JPN 110 Japanese I (Intensive) (5 Credits)

An introduction to spoken and written Japanese. Emphasis on the development of basic oral proficiency, along with reading and writing skills. Students acquire knowledge of basic grammatical patterns, strategies in daily communication, hiragana, katakana and about 90 Kanji. Designed for students with no background in Japanese. Enrollment limited to 15.

Fall

JPN 111 Japanese I (Intensive) (5 Credits)

A continuation of JPN 110. Development of utilization of grammar and fluency in conversational communication. About 150 more kanji are introduced for reading and writing. Prerequisite: JPN 110 or equivalent. Enrollment limited to 15. {F}

Spring

JPN 220 Japanese II (Intensive) (5 Credits)

Course focuses on further development of oral proficiency, along with reading and writing skills. Students attain intermediate proficiency while deepening their understanding of the social and cultural context of the language. Prerequisite: JPN 111 or equivalent. Enrollment limited to 15. {F}

Fall

JPN 221 Japanese II (Intensive) (5 Credits)

A continuation of JPN 220. Prerequisite: JPN 220 or equivalent. Enrollment limited to 15. {F}

Spring

JPN 301 Japanese III (4 Credits)

Development of high intermediate proficiency in speech and reading through study of varied prose pieces and audio-visual materials. Prerequisite: JPN 221 or equivalent. Enrollment limited to 15. {F}

Fall

JPN 302 Japanese III (4 Credits)

A continuation of JPN 301. Prerequisite: JPN 301 or equivalent. {F}

Spring

JPN 350 Contemporary Texts I (4 Credits)

This course focuses on contemporary texts from different genres including newspaper and magazine articles, fiction and short essays from print and electronic media. This course further develops advanced reading, writing and discussion skills in Japanese and enhances students’ understanding of various aspects of contemporary Japanese society. Students work on group and individual projects such as translation of a text from Japanese to English. Prerequisite: JPN 302 or equivalent. With the instructor’s permission, advanced language courses may be repeated when the content changes. {F}

Fall

JPN 351 Contemporary Texts II (4 Credits)

Continued study of selected contemporary texts including fiction and short essays from print and electronic media. This course further develops advanced reading, writing and discussion skills in Japanese and enhances students’ understanding of various aspects of contemporary Japanese society. With the instructor’s permission, advanced language courses may be repeated when the content changes. Prerequisite: JPN 302 or equivalent. Enrollment limited to 15. {F}

Spring

KOR 101 Korean I (4 Credits)

Beginning Korean I is the first half of a two-semester introductory course in spoken and written Korean for students who do not have any previous knowledge of Korean. This course improves students’ communicative competence in daily life, focusing on the four language skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing. Some of the activities include oral dialogue journals (ODJ), expanding knowledge of vocabulary, conversation in authentic contexts, in-depth study of grammar, listening comprehension, pronunciation practice, mini- presentations, Korean film reviews and Korean film making. Enrollment limited to 15.

Fall

KOR 102 Korean I (4 Credits)

Beginning Korean II is the second half of a two-semester introductory course in spoken and written Korean for students who have some previous knowledge of Korean. This course improves students’ communicative competence in daily life, focusing on the four language skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing. Some of the activities include vocabulary-building exercises, conversation in authentic contexts, in-depth study of grammar, listening comprehension and pronunciation practice, mini-presentations, Korean film reviews and Korean film making. Prerequisite: KOR 101 or equivalent. Enrollment limited to 15. {F}

Spring

KOR 201 Korean II (4 Credits)

Intermediate Korean I is the first half of a two-semester intermediate course in spoken and written Korean for students who already have a basic knowledge of Korean. This course reinforces and increases students’ facility with Korean in the four language areas: speaking, listening, reading and writing. Students are encouraged to expand their knowledge and take confidence-inspiring risks through such activities as expanding knowledge of vocabulary, role play in authentic contexts, in-depth study of grammar, students mini-presentations, various types of writing, Korean film reviews, skits and Korean film making. Prerequisite: KOR 102 or equivalent. Enrollment limited to 15. {F}

Fall

KOR 202 Korean II (4 Credits)

Intermediate Korean II is the second part of a one-year intensive course for students who have already completed the intermediate-level Korean course, Intermediate Korean I, or who have the equivalent language competence in Korean. Designed for students seeking to become bilingual (or multilingual), this course provides numerous and varied opportunities to develop and practice speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. Activities include expanding vocabulary, conversing in authentic contexts (conversation cafe), studying grammar intensively, reading stories and news articles, reviewing Korean films and Korean film making. Prerequisite: KOR 201 or equivalent. Enrollment limited to 15. {F}

Spring

KOR 301 Korean III (4 Credits)

This course helps students become proficient in reading, writing and speaking at an advanced level of Korean. This course is particularly appropriate for Korean heritage language learners, that is, those who have some listening and speaking proficiency but lack solid reading and writing skills in Korean. In addition, this course would fortify and greatly expand the skills of those who have studied Korean through the intermediate level or who have equivalent language competence in Korean. Class activities include (1) reading of Korean literature and current news sources; (2) writing assignments such as Korean-film responses, journal entries and letters; (3) expanding vocabulary knowledge; (4) practicing translation skills; (5) understanding Korean idioms; (6) learning basic Chinese characters. Prerequisite: KOR 202 or equivalent. Enrollment limited to 15. {F}

Fall

KOR 302 Korean III (4 Credits)

This course is the second part of a one-year intensive course for students who have already completed the advanced-level Korean course, KOR 301, or who have the equivalent language competence in Korean. Designed for students seeking to become bilingual (or multilingual), this course provides numerous and varied opportunities to develop and practice speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. Activities include expanding vocabulary, learning basic Chinese characters, conversing in authentic contexts, studying grammar intensively, reading stories and news articles, reviewing Korean soap operas and debating contemporary social issues. Enrollment limited to 15. {F}

Spring