Nanjing University, China: Courses

Courses are held during the 3-week Nanjing Summer School component for 5 days a week. The curriculum of the Nanjing Summer Advantage program is composed of one cultural studies course and one Mandarin language course. A language placement test will be required when you arrive in Nanjing.

Cultural Studies Course

Introduction to Chinese Cultural Studies
History/Sociology 103 (3)
This course will introduce many aspects of Chinese life from a contemporary perspective, including education, art, architecture, calligraphy and codes of behavior, and will examine the history and culture of China and the influences from different periods, including 20th century changes and the reforms since 1978. The course comprises both classroom and field studies accompanied by a range of co-curricular cultural visits. Participation on the included Beijing escorted excursion and the Suzhou day excursion contributes to this course, which is equivalent to 45 class hours.

Language Courses

Mandarin Chinese for Beginners
Chinese 101 (3)
For students who have little or no prior experience in learning Chinese and those who have learned PinYin and mastered a small vocabulary, but cannot communicate in fluent and complete sentences. This course covers useful expressions, situational conversations, basic sentence structure and recognition of Chinese characters. The course aims to take students to a vocabulary of over a thousand words and develop ability to participate in continuous conversation related to daily topics. The course meets for 15 hours per week over 3 weeks.

Mandarin Chinese Lower Intermediate Level
Chinese 201 (3)
This course is for students with a vocabulary of about one thousand Chinese words, who know the basic Chinese grammar rules and commonly- used sentence patterns, can participate in continuous conversation related to daily topics and are able to talk in simple passages. Students expand their knowledge of vocabulary, expressions, grammar and Chinese characters. The course meets for 15 hours per week over 3 weeks.

Mandarin Chinese Advanced Level
Chinese 301 (3)
This course is for students with a significant vocabulary of three thousand words. Students are admitted only after passing a placement test. The focus is mastery of grammar and Chinese characters and taking competencies to a high level. Students should be able to carry on discussions on a variety of specialized topics at correct speed and intonation. The course meets for 15 hours per week over 3 weeks.