Chinese as a Second Language (CSL)
The Chinese as a Second Language (CSL) program at Duke Kunshan University offers a comprehensive and immersive learning experience tailored to the real-world application of Chinese. Our program is designed to prioritize conversational skills within authentic contexts, leading students to fluency through practical use and cultural immersion.
Real-Context Conversation and Cultural Appropriateness
Our curriculum is centered around engaging students in meaningful conversations that they are likely to encounter in everyday situations. By simulating real-life scenarios, learners can quickly gain the confidence and ability to communicate effectively in Chinese across various settings, from the conversation with delivery people to ordering food at restaurants.
Moreover, we believe that language and culture are inextricably linked. We teach language nuances and social cues to ensure that students not only speak the language but also respect the cultural context in which it is spoken, fostering deeper connections with native speakers of Chinese.
Student-Centered Curriculum and Individualized Tutoring Sessions
We take pride in our student-centered curriculum, which is flexible and adaptive to the needs of each learner. By considering individual interests and learning styles, our classes are engaging and responsive to student feedback, assuring a personalized path to language mastery.
Our program also provides individualized tutoring sessions. These one-on-one interactions provide students with the personalized attention they need to tackle specific challenges, hone their pronunciation, and refine their language skills under the guidance of instructors and tutors.
Cultural Activities and Field Trips
In our program, the language learning extends beyond the classroom through a rich array of cultural activities and field trips. These experiences allow students to immerse themselves in the Chinese way of life, from traditional festivals to contemporary arts, deepening their cultural understanding and linguistic competence.
Advanced Specialty Classes
For students seeking to delve deeper into particular aspects of the Chinese language, we offer various advanced classes. These include specialized courses in debate, literature, and independent study projects. These courses are designed to challenge learners and foster critical thinking, articulation, and a profound appreciation of the Chinese literary tradition.
In summary, our CSL Program is not just a series of language courses, but a journey of cultural and linguistic discovery. With a balanced combination of conversation, culture, personalized learning, and real-world application, our students are not only learning a language—they are experiencing it in all its richness and diversity.
CSL Courses
Spring 2025
- CHIN 102 A&B Beginning Chinese 2
- CHIN 201 A&B Intermediate Chinese 1
- CHIN 202 A&B Intermediate Chinese 2
- CHIN 231B Second Year Chinese for Heritage Learners (Session 1)
- CHIN 232A Second Year Chinese for Heritage Learners 2 (Session 2)
- CHIN 301 A&B Advanced Intermediate Chinese 1
- CHIN 302 A&B Advanced Intermediate Chinese 2
- CHIN 401 A&B Advanced Chinese – Issues in Modern China 1
- CHIN 402 A&B Advanced Chinese – Issues in Modern China 2
- CHIN 409 Book Club (Session 1)
- CHIN 410 Giving Talks in Chinese
- CHIN 411 Professional Networking (Session 2)
- CHIN 414/WOC 214 Reading Chinese Love Stories
- CHIN 415/WOC 215 Forbidden Love in Chinese Films
- CHIN 417/LIT 217: Li Yu and Seventeenth Century Chinese Pop Culture (Session 2)
- CHIN 422 Martial Arts Cinema: Nation, Gender, and Identity
Fall 2024
- CHIN 101 A&B Beginning Chinese 1
- CHIN 102 A&B Beginning Chinese 1
- CHIN 201 A&B Intermediate Chinese 1
- CHIN 202 A&B Intermediate Chinese 1
- CHIN 231A Second Year Chinese for Heritage Learners (Session 2)
- CHIN 301 A&B Advanced Intermediate Chinese 1
- CHIN 302 A&B Advanced Intermediate Chinese 1
- CHIN 401 A&B Advanced Chinese 1 – Issues in Modern China 1
- CHIN 402 A&B Advanced Chinese 2 – Issues in Modern China 1
- CHIN 406 Debating Issues in Contemporary China
- CHIN 411 Professional Networking (Session 1)
- CHIN 412 Chinese Across the Curriculum (Session 2)
- CHIN 414/WOC 214 Reading Chinese Love Stories
- CHIN 415/WOC 215 Forbidden Love in Chinese Films
- CHIN 419/WOC 219 Traveling Texts, Moving Images: East Meets West in Film Remakes
CSL Program Activities
Weekly Chinese Tea Time 中文茶憩 (Every Wednesday 7-8 PM, WLS Space) – Spring 25. Check out the complete menu HERE.
Weekly Chinese Tea Time 中文茶憩 (Every Wednesday 7-8 PM, WLS Space) – Fall 24
CSL Program Faculty
CSL Program Assistant Director
CSL Program Faculty
Cong Li, Senior Lecturer of Chinese and Japanese Language
Hui Yao, Lecturer of Chinese Language
Jia Yan, Lecturer of Chinese Language
Jinhua Li, Associate Professor of Chinese Studies and Langauge
Li Xu, Senior Lecturer of Chinese Language
Lianyun Pang, Lecturer of Chinese Language
Liying Feng, Lecturer of Chinese Language
Lu Liu, Lecturer of Chinese Language
Meng Wang, Lecturer of Chinese Language
Wenting Ji, Assistant Professor of Chinese Language
Mengtian Chen, Assistant Professor of Applied Linguistics
Xiaofei Pan, Lecturer of Chinese Language
Xiayun (Sophia) Zhou, Lecturer of Chinese Language
Yili Zhang, Lecturer of Chinese Language
Yu (Hannah) Miao, Lecturer of Chinese Language
