Program Overview

Chinese (CHNS)

Course Fees

Some courses may carry fees beyond the standard tuition costs to cover additional support or materials. Program-, subject- and course-specific fee information can be found on the Office of the Bursar website.

Course Descriptions

CHNS 101. Elementary Chinese I

• Term Typically Offered: Fall Only
• Description: For beginners. Introduction to fundamentals of Mandarin Chinese, including pronunciation, grammar, and some Chinese characters, with emphasis on all four basic language skills - speaking, listening comprehension, reading and writing.

CHNS 102. Elementary Chinese II

• Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
• Prerequisite(s): CHNS 101 or equivalent.
• Description: Continued work on fundamentals of Mandarin Chinese, including pronunciation, grammar, and additional Chinese characters, with emphasis on all four basic language skills - speaking, listening comprehension, reading and writing.

CHNS 200. Study Abroad

• Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
• Description: Participation in a University of Louisville study abroad program or another program undertaken with prior approval of the Department. Credit is awarded with proof of successful completion.

CHNS 201. Intermediate Chinese I

• Term Typically Offered: Fall Only
• Prerequisite(s): CHNS 102 or equivalent.
• Description: Designed to strengthen communication skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Grammar review, mastery of 500 Chinese characters; insights into China, its language and culture.

CHNS 202. Intermediate Chinese II

• Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
• Prerequisite(s): CHNS 201 or equivalent.
• Description: Continued work on communicative skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Mastery of additional signs; insights into China, its language and culture.

CHNS 300. Study Abroad

• Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
• Description: Participation in a University of Louisville study abroad program or another program undertaken with prior approval of the department. Credit is awarded with proof of successful completion.

CHNS 301. Advanced Intermediate Chinese I

• Term Typically Offered: Fall Only
• Prerequisite(s): Completion of CHNS 202 or equivalent.
• Description: Increase ability to read, write, speak and understand Chinese. Learn new characters and master use of a Chinese-English dictionary.

CHNS 302. Advanced Intermediate Chinese II

• Term Typically Offered: Spring Only
• Prerequisite(s): Completion of CHNS 301 or equivalent.
• Description: Emphasis on four language skills continues. Mastery of up to 800 Chinese characters; learn new words from context and character combinations.

CHNS 311. Independent Study

• Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
• Prerequisite(s): CHNS 202 (or equivalent), or permission of instructor.
• Description: Independent study in Chinese language, literature and culture.

CHNS 313. Special Topics in Chinese Literature, Language, and Culture

• Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
• Prerequisite(s): CHNS 102.
• Description: Study of an aspect of Chinese Literature, culture and /or language.
• Note: May be repeated once for credit.

CHNS 321. Chinese Conversation I

• Term Typically Offered: Fall Only
• Prerequisite(s): CHNS 202 or equivalent.
• Description: The course is designed to help students achieve an intermediate level of communication through practicing Chinese while discussing a variety of topics.

CHNS 322. Chinese Conversation II

• Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
• Prerequisite(s): CHNS 321 or equivalent.
• Description: The course is designed to help students achieve an advanced intermediate level of communication through practicing Chinese while discussing a variety of topics.

CHNS 455. Advanced Readings in Chinese I

• Term Typically Offered: Fall Only
• Prerequisite(s): CHNS 302 or permission of the instructor.
• Description: Enhances the student's ability to read and understand modern written Chinese by examining authentic literary and non-literary texts.

CHNS 456. Advanced Readings in Chinese II

• Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
• Prerequisite(s): CHNS 455 or permission of the instructor.
• Description: Continuation of CHNS 455.

CHNS 551. Special Topics

• Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
• Prerequisite(s): CHNS 456 (or equivalent), or permission of the instructor.
• Description: The course aims at bridging the gap between students advanced skills of spoken Chinese and their understanding of the complexity of advanced written Chinese.