Courses
All of the courses listed on this page count towards Notre Dame’s Global Engagement Certificate. For more information, visit the Center for the Study of Languages and Cultures website.
Chinese Language Courses
Below are the core language courses for the Chinese Program. Please check the Requirements page for which courses count towards your program of study. Please note that not all courses are offered every semester.
First Level
EALC10001: Elementary Chinese I
This is the beginning course of the sequence of two three-credit courses, a sequence that covers the same materials as First Year Chinese I. This course is offered only in the spring semester. It is designed to help students who have not studied Chinese before become familiar with the Chinese phonetic system, the pinyin, and some of the most frequently used characters. Students will learn the basic rules of Chinese grammar and become acquainted with the basic language forms.
EALC10002: Elementary Chinese II
This course is a continuation of Elementary Chinese I. It is the second half of the two 3-credit course sequence (Elementary Chinese I and II) that covers the same materials as the 5-credit First Year Chinese I. Upon completion of this course, students will be ready to enroll in First Year Chinese II (5 credits) in the following spring semester.Students will continue their acquisition of the four basic language skills in Chinese: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Additional frequently used Chinese characters, vocabulary, and fundamental grammatical structures will be introduced. The emphasis of the course will be on accurate and appropriate communication in Mandarin Chinese.
EALC10111: First Year Chinese I
Introduction to Mandarin Chinese using simplified characters with equal emphasis on the basic skills of speaking, listening, reading, and writing. At the end of the first year, students may expect to comprehend and produce simple questions statements, high-frequency commands, and courtesy formulas; to pronounce learned vocabulary and short phrases with correct tones; to read simple texts and standardized messages, phrases, or expressions; and to master the pinyin Romanization and write simple expressions and short sentences in simplified characters. First Year Chinese I is a 5 credit course; students should enroll in one MWF (EALC 10111) section and one TR (EALC 11111) lab.
EALC10112: First Year Chinese II
This course is a continuation of First Year Chinese I. It is the second half of the two 5-credit course sequence (First Year Chinese I and II).
EALC10121: First Year Chinese I: 4-Day Track
This course combines traditional classroom instruction with online learning. It covers the same materials as regular First Year Chinese I, and students earn 5 credits. The class meets 4 times a week instead of 5, with one hour of online study completed by students at a time of their convenience. Those who complete this course may take either 1st Yr Chinese II: 4-Day Track or First Year Chinese II in the following spring semester.
EALC10122: First Year Chinese II: 4-Day Track
This course is a continuation of First Year Chinese I: 4-Day Track. It is the second half of the two 5-credit course sequence (First Year Chinese I: 4-Day Track and First Year Chinese II: 4-Day Track).
EALC10151: First Year Readings in Chinese I
This course is intended primarily for students who meet the prerequisites for First Year Chinese. It offers students opportunities to enhance their Chinese reading skills utilizing Extensive Reading method. Students will choose their own reading materials varying from graded readers to authentic texts strategically collected for them. The materials should be at or slightly below the level at which students can read smoothly and quickly without consulting dictionaries or resorting to the practice of translation. They will be guided by the instructor to read large amounts of varied and interesting self-selected materials for both pleasure and information. Incorporating other activities such as group discussions, book reports, presentations, peer tutorials, and student-instructor consultations, the course will enable students not only to boost their Chinese reading proficiency but also to enhance their general language competence, resulting in more effective reading strategies, richer vocabulary, better writing skills, and increased knowledge of Chinese history, culture, and society.
EALC10152: First Year Readings in Chinese II
This course is a continuation of First Year Readings in Chinese I.
EALC11111: First Year Chinese I Drill
EALC 11111 is the lab corequisite for EALC 10111.
EALC11112: First Year Chinese II Drill
EALC 11112 is the lab corequisite for EALC 10112.
Second Level
EALC20211: Second Year Chinese I
This course is for students who have completed one year of college-level Chinese. Grammar review and training in the four basic skills to achieve higher levels of competence in speaking and listening for greater fluency in communication, reading for critical understanding, and the ability to accurately and appropriately convey basic ideas through written characters. Second Year Chinese I is a 5 credit course; students should enroll in one MWF (EALC 20211) section and one TR (EALC 21211) lab.
EALC20212: Second Year Chinese II
This course is a continuation of Second Year Chinese I. It is the second half of the two 5-credit course sequence (Second Year Chinese I and II).
EALC20251: Second Year Readings in Chinese I
This course is intended primarily for students who meet the prerequisites for Second Year Chinese. It offers students opportunities to enhance their Chinese reading skills utilizing Extensive Reading method. Students will choose their own reading materials varying from graded readers to authentic texts strategically collected for them. The materials should be at or slightly below the level at which students can read smoothly and quickly without consulting dictionaries or resorting to the practice of translation. They will be guided by the instructor to read large amounts of varied and interesting self-selected materials for both pleasure and information. Incorporating other activities such as group discussions, book reports, presentations, peer tutorials, and student-instructor consultations, the course will enable students not only to boost their Chinese reading proficiency but also to enhance their general language competence, resulting in more effective reading strategies, richer vocabulary, better writing skills, and increased knowledge of Chinese history, culture, and society.
EALC20252: Second Year Readings in Chinese II
This course is a continuation of Second Year Readings in Chinese I.
EALC21211: Second Year Chinese I Drill
EALC 21211 is the co-requisite lab for EALC20211.
EALC21211: Second Year Chinese I Drill
EALC 21211 is the co-requisite lab for EALC20211.
Third Level
EALC30311: Third Year Chinese I
This course is designed for students who have completed two years of college-level Chinese. In addition to further consolidating and enhancing the skills that students have acquired in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, this course will prepare students to produce paragraph-level language (both spoken and written), using a wide range of quasi-authentic materials (slightly revised for language learners), including material from news media. Third Year Chinese I is a 4 credit course; students should enroll in one MWF (EALC 30311) section and one (EALC 31311) lab.
EALC30312: Third Year Chinese II
This course is a continuation of Third Year Chinese I. It is the second half of the two 5-credit course sequence (Third Year Chinese I and II).
EALC30351: Third Year Readings in Chinese I
This course is intended primarily for students who meet the prerequisites for the Third Year Chinese. It offers students opportunities to enhance their Chinese reading skills utilizing the Extensive Reading method. Students will choose their own reading materials varying from graded readers to authentic texts strategically collected for them. The materials should be at or slightly below the level at which students can read smoothly and quickly without consulting dictionaries or resorting to the practice of translation. They will be guided by the instructor to read large amounts of varied and interesting self-selected materials for both pleasure and information. Incorporating other activities such as group discussions, book reports, presentations, peer tutorials, and student-instructor consultations, the course will enable students not only to boost their Chinese reading proficiency but also to enhance their general language competence, resulting in more effective reading strategies, richer vocabulary, better writing skills, and increased knowledge of Chinese history, culture, and society.
EALC30352: Third Year Readings in Chinese II
This course is a continuation of Third Year Readings in Chinese I.
EALC31311: Third Year Chinese I Drill
EALC 31311 is the co-requisite lab for EALC30311.
EALC31312: Third Year Chinese II Drill
EALC 31312 is the co-requisite lab for EALC30312.
Fourth Level
EALC40411: Fourth Year Chinese I
This course will incorporate authentic materials from a variety of sources, including newspaper articles, essays, short scenes from contemporary TV series, short fiction, and video clips that will expose students to different spoken and written styles of Chinese. Students will further develop their abilities in three modes of communication - interpersonal, presentational, and interpretive - and in the four skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing in Chinese.
EALC40412: Fourth Year Chinese II
This course is a continuation of Fourth Year Chinese I. It is the second half of the two 5-credit course sequence (Fourth Year Chinese I and II).
EALC40411: Fourth Year Readings in Chinese I
This course is intended primarily for students who meet the prerequisites for the Fourth Year Chinese. It offers students opportunities to enhance their Chinese reading skills utilizing the Extensive Reading method. Students will choose their own reading materials varying from graded readers to authentic texts strategically collected for them. The materials should be at or slightly below the level at which students can read smoothly and quickly without consulting dictionaries or resorting to the practice of translation. They will be guided by the instructor to read large amounts of varied and interesting self-selected materials for both pleasure and information. Incorporating other activities such as group discussions, book reports, presentations, peer tutorials, and student-instructor consultations, the course will enable students not only to boost their Chinese reading proficiency but also to enhance their general language competence, resulting in more effective reading strategies, richer vocabulary, better writing skills, and increased knowledge of Chinese history, culture, and society.
EALC40412: Fourth Year Readings in Chinese II
This course is a continuation of Fourth Year Readings in Chinese I.
EALC41411: Fourth Year Business Chinese I
A one-credit supplement to Fourth Year Chinese, required for international economics majors and optional (with permission of the instructor) for other Fourth Year students. This lab integrates the study of Chinese language and culture with the study of business and economics. Students will learn Chinese business customs as well as practical business terms, business writing, interview strategies, and business conventions and usage in a variety of contexts. Authentic materials, such as newspapers, magazine articles, television, and films, will be used to develop advanced reading and listening skills. By completing both semesters, students will deepen their understanding of Chinese society and business culture.
EALC41412: Fourth Year Business Chinese II
This course is a continuation of Fourth Year Business Chinese I. It is the second half of the two 5-credit course sequence (Fourth Year Business Chinese I and II).
Advanced Level
EALC50511: Advanced Chinese I
This course is appropriate for majors and students with language experience overseas. The year-long sequence helps students become functional speakers, readers, and writers of modern Chinese through articles and essays from newspapers, magazines, and scholarly journals, as well as engagement with popular media and online communications. Prerequisite: successful completion of four years of Chinese language training, as determined by placement examination. The learning goals of the course are to introduce modern Chinese culture while developing advanced competence in reading, speaking, and writing standard modern Chinese.
EALC50512: Advanced Chinese II
This course is a continuation of Advanced Chinese I. It is the second half of the two 5-credit course sequence (Advanced Chinese I and II).
EALC50551: Fifth Year Readings in Chinese I
This course is intended primarily for students who meet the prerequisites for the Fifth Year Chinese or above including students whose native language is Chinese. It offers students opportunities to enhance their Chinese reading skills utilizing the Extensive Reading method. Students will choose their own reading materials varying from graded readers to authentic texts strategically collected for them. The materials should be at or slightly below the level at which students can read smoothly and quickly without consulting dictionaries or resorting to the practice of translation. They will be guided by the instructor to read large amounts of varied and interesting self-selected materials for both pleasure and information. Incorporating other activities such as group discussions, book reports, presentations, peer tutorials, and student-instructor consultations, the course will enable students not only to boost their Chinese reading proficiency but also to enhance their general language competence, resulting in more effective reading strategies, richer vocabulary, better writing skills, and increased knowledge of Chinese history, culture, and society.
EALC50552: Fifth Year Readings in Chinese II
This course is a continuation of Fifth Year Readings in Chinese I.
Chinese Literature Requirement Course Offerings
- Chinese Literature and Religion (LLEA30109-01), taught by Xiaoshan Yang
- Chinese Literature and Gardens (LLEA30323-01), taught by Xiaoshan Yang
- Heroism and Eroticism (LLEA33101-01), taught by Liangyan Ge
- Chinese Literary Traditions (LLEA33102-01), taught by Xiaoshan Yang
- 20th Century Chinese Literature (LLEA33103-01), taught by Liangyan Ge
- Chinese Literary Dreams (LLEA33111-01), taught by Liangyan Ge
- Modern Chinese Literature (LLEA33848-01) taught by Michel Hockx and Xian Wang
- Chinese Literati Culture (LLEA40404-01), taught by Liangyan Ge
- Readings: Mod Chinese Classics (EALC50514-01), taught by Yongping Zhu
Chinese Culture Requirement Course Offerings
- Chinese Ways of Thought (LLEA30101-01), taught by Lionel Jensen
- A Chinese Mosaic (LLEA30103-01), taught by Lionel Jensen
- Sex, Freedom, Economy: China (LLEA30104-01), taught by Lionel Jensen
- Chinese Religious World Today (LLEA30108-01), taught by Lionel Jensen
- Chinese Literature and Religion (LLEA30109-01), taught by Xiaoshan Yang
- Chinese Literature and Gardens (LLEA30323-01), taught by Xiaoshan Yang
- Chinese Civilization & Culture (LLEA30403-01), taught by Xiaoshan Yang
- Chinese Popular Culture (LLEA30404-01), taught by Xian Wang
- Classical Chinese (LLEA30501-01), taught by Yongping Zhu
- Heroism and Eroticism (LLEA33101-01), taught by Liangyan Ge
- Chinese Literary Traditions (LLEA33102-01), taught by Xiaoshan Yang
- Approaching Asia (LLEA33105 - 01) taught by Lionel Jensen
- Chinese Literary Dreams (LLEA33111-01), taught by Liangyan Ge
- Modern Chinese Literature (LLEA33848-01), taught by Michel Hockx and Xian Wang
- An Asia of Global Affairs (LLEA40001-01), taught by Lionel Jensen
- Suffering and World Religions (LLEA40212-01), taught by Lionel Jensen
- Chinese Literati Culture (LLEA40404-01), taught by Liangyan Ge
- Introduction to Chinese Linguistics (LLEA40413-01), taught by Yongping Zhu
- Media/Culture in Modern China (LLEA40613-01), taught by Michel Hockx
- Modern China on Screen (LLEA40618-01), taught by Xian Wang
- Religion, Conflict, Dialogue (LLEA40702-01), taught by Lionel Jensen
- China: Discourse, Philo. Hist. (LLEA40959-01), taught by Lionel Jensen
- Readings: Mod Chinese Classics (EALC50514), taught by Yongping Zhu
Courses that do not count towards literature and culture requirements (not taught by EALC faculty) but can be used to complete remaining credits:
- History of China to 1644 (LLEA30146-01), taught by Cai Liang
- Early Chinese Empires (LLEA30147-01), taught by Cai Liang
- Chinese Economy since 1800 (LLEA30154-01), taught by Elizabeth Koll
- Contention in China (LLEA30492-01), taught by Victoria Hui
- Qing China: History, Fiction, and Fantasy, 1600-1900 (LLEA 33327), taught by Iris Ma
- Politics & Performance; China (LLEA40032-01), taught by Tarryn Chun