Department Learning Objectives:
A Work in Progress

• speak fluently with good grammatical, lexical and cultural accuracy in formal and informal speaking styles.
• read authentic texts such as literature, newspapers, and magazines.
• understand spoken language in daily conversations, public speeches and media.
• engage and discuss cultural values and assumptions in readings and mass media.
• translate a short story, essay, poetry, or excerpts from news, film and other media.
• write accurate and meaningful reports and descriptions in formal written prose, and letters and notes in formal and informal language.
• in the case of Chinese majors, read classical Chinese texts of moderate difficulty; in the case of Japanese majors, read annotated texts in classical Japanese.

A solid grounding in the literature and culture of China or Japan involves:

• knowledge of classical and modern literary texts, films, and other media.
• ability to analyze and interpret texts in an informed and sensitive way, both orally and in writing.
• understanding and experience of cultural practices, enabling successful interaction in a Chinese or Japanese cultural environment.
• ability to undertake and implement independent research, showing a command of primary and secondary sources.