Chinese is the most widely spoken first language in the world, and the unique writing system provides insights on how Chinese conceptualize the world around them. China also boasts outstanding literature from classical to modern poetry, plays, and fiction. Studying Chinese language and literature will deepen your understanding of China, whether you are interested in imperial courts or contemporary business.

A Sampling of Courses

Elementary Chinese
Chinese

An intensive introduction to the fundamentals of the language and culture with emphasis on developing conversational skills such as pronunciation.

CHIN 103
Modern China through Fiction and Film
Asian Studies

How do film and literature inform our understanding of the evolving concepts of art, ideology, and material conditions in modern China? How have literary and cinematic representations changed over the last century to accommodate and facilitate social transformations? What are the characteristics of the cultural productions from mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan?

ASIA 205
Gender and Sexuality in Modern Chinese Literature and Culture
Asian Studies

This course examines Chinese literary and cultural practices related to gender and sexuality from the turn of the twentieth century to the present. Using primary texts in translation, theoretical works, films, and visual materials, students explore the personal and collective politics involved in constructions of gender, sexuality, desire, and identity.

ASIA 237
Advanced Chinese
Chinese

Emphasis on developing reading and writing skills in addition to conversational practice. Students read and discuss materials from Chinese newspapers, magazines, and modern literature. Students write short essays in simplified Chinese characters.

CHIN 301
Modern Chinese Literature in Translation
Asian Studies

This course surveys the four major modes of Chinese literature from the early 20th century to the present: realism, modernism, socialist realism, and postmodernism. Themes of modernity, nationalism, gender, class, and identity are explored through primary texts. The course emphasizes rhetorical, formal, and aesthetic critiques of literature.

ASIA 208

Contact

Yanbing Tan
Visiting Assistant Professor of Chinese

yatan@sewanee.edu

Gailor Hall 216, Ext 3367

News & Event

5th Annual International Karaoke Night

The 5th Annual International Karaoke Night took place on November 7, 2019 at the Tiger Bay Pub. There were songs in 8 different languages: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Latin, Russian, and Spanish.

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Connecting the Dots

Language Houses
Themed Residence Halls

To create an immersive learning experience, Sewanee has several language houses (French, German, Russian, Spanish, and Italian) that simulate real-world language and cultural encounters. The head resident is a native speaker, and students speak their house language while “at home". Events throughout the year showcase educational and recreational aspects of the language house and the culture it represents.

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International & Global Studies, Major & Minor
45 professors, 14 departments

International & global studies at Sewanee stretches far beyond the gates. Involving faculty members from departments across the College, the program spans disciplinary and thematic boundaries. The rapid pace and complex nature of our world require dexterity to navigate. At Sewanee, you will study the ever-changing political, economic, and cultural issues that characterize our world today. Here, experiencing the real world begins in the classroom.

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Study Abroad
Engaged citizens solving global problems

At Sewanee, we pledge to offer each student an opportunity to study abroad. And at Sewanee, we keep our promises. Travel, learn, and cultivate your knowledge by communicating across cultures and acquiring a sensitivity to other ways of life. Apply social scientific methodologies to various frameworks. Learn to formulate solutions to global problems and apply those theories at home in a local context.

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