Peking University
Required Peking University Language Courses
Intensive Chinese
These courses on Intensive Chinese (Hanyu汉语) concentrate on the study of written Chinese, and are designed to advance the student’s skill in reading and writing through the study of short essays and stories. They include exercises in tone drills, vocabulary, and grammatical usage.
Elementary Intensive Chinese II
This level is for students with a Chinese vocabulary of 500-1,000 words. Students who complete this level should be able to pass the original version of the HSK (Elementary) Level 3, which is approximately equivalent to ACTFL sublevel Novice High or Intermediate Low. Textbook: Xu Jingning 徐晶凝, Ren Xuemei 任雪梅, and Li Xiaoqi, ed. Boya Hanyu: Chuji Qibu (Pian II) 博雅汉语:初级起步(篇II) (Boya Chinese: Elementary, vol. 2). Beijing: Peking University Press. Contact hours: 100-120. Recommended credit: 6 semester/9 quarter hours.
Elementary Intensive Chinese III
This level is for students with a Chinese vocabulary of 1,000-2,000 words. Students who complete this level should be able to pass the original version of the HSK (Elementary) Level 4, and is approximately equivalent to ACTFL sublevel Intermediate Mid. Textbook: Qian Xujing 钱旭菁, Huang Li 黄立, and Li Xiaoqi, ed. Boya Hanyu: Zhun Zhongji Jiasu (Pian I) 博雅汉语:准中级加速(篇I) (Boya Chinese: Pre-Intermediate, vol. 1). Beijing: Peking University Press. Contact hours: 100-120. Recommended credit: 6 semester/9 quarter hours.
Intermediate Intensive Chinese I
This level is for students with a Chinese vocabulary of 1,000-2,000 words. Students who complete this level should be able to pass the original version of the HSK (Elementary) Level 4, which is approximately equivalent to ACTFL sublevel Intermediate Mid. Textbook: Qian Xujing 钱旭菁, Huang Li 黄立, and Li Xiaoqi, ed. Boya Hanyu: Zhun Zhongji Jiasu (Pian I) 博雅汉语:准中级加速(篇I) (Boya Chinese: Pre-Intermediate, vol. 1). Beijing: Peking University Press. Contact hours: 100-120. Recommended credit: 6 semester/9 quarter hours.
Intermediate Intensive Chinese II
This level is for students with a Chinese vocabulary of 2,000-3,000 words. Students who complete this level should be able to pass the original version of the HSK (Elementary) Level 5, which is approximately equivalent to ACTFL sublevel Intermediate High. Textbook: Qian Xujing, Huang Li, and Li Xiaoqi, ed. Boya Hanyu: Zhun Zhongji Jiasu (Pian II) 博雅汉语:准中级加速(篇II) (Boya Chinese: Pre-Intermediate, vol. 2). Beijing: Peking University Press. Contact hours: 100-120. Recommended credit: 6 semester/9 quarter hours.
Intermediate Intensive Chinese III
This level is for students with a Chinese vocabulary of 4,000-5,000 words. Students who complete this level should be able to pass the original version of the HSK (Intermediate) Level 7 or 8 which is approximately equivalent approximately to ACTFL sublevel Advanced Mid. Textbook: Li Xiaoqi. Boya Hanyu: Zhongji Chongci (Pian II) 博雅汉语:中级冲刺(篇II) (Boya Chinese: Intermediate, vol. 2). Beijing: Peking University Press. Contact hours: 100-120. Recommended credit: 6 semester/9 quarter hours.
Advanced Intensive Chinese I
This level is for students with a Chinese vocabulary of 3,000-4,000 words. Students who complete this level should be able to pass the original version of the HSK (Intermediate) Level 6, which is approximately equivalent to ACTFL sublevel Advanced Low. Textbook: Zhao Yanfeng 赵延风 and Li Xiaoqi, ed. Boya Hanyu: Zhongji Chongci (Pian I) 博雅汉语:中级冲刺(篇I) (Boya Chinese: Intermediate, vol. 1). Beijing: Peking University Press. Contact hours: 72-90. Recommended credit: 4.5 semester/6.75 quarter hours.
Advanced Intensive Chinese II
This level is for students with a Chinese vocabulary of 4,000-5,000 words. Students who complete this level should be able to pass the original version of the HSK (Intermediate) Level 7 or 8, which is approximately equivalent to ACTFL sublevel Advanced Mid. Textbook: Li Xiaoqi. Boya Hanyu: Zhongji Chongci (Pian II) 博雅汉语:中级冲刺(篇II) (Boya Chinese: Intermediate, vol. 2). Beijing: Peking University Press. Contact hours: 72-90. Recommended credit: 4.5 semester/6.75 quarter hours.
Advanced Intensive Chinese III
This level is for students with a Chinese vocabulary of 7,000-8,000 words. Students who complete this level should be able to pass the original version of the HSK (Advanced) Level 11 which is approximately equivalent to ACTFL sublevel Superior. Textbook: Jin Xunian, Chen Li, and Li Xiaoqi, ed. Boya Hanyu: Gaoji Feixiang (Pian III) 博雅汉语:高级飞翔(篇III) (Boya Chinese: Advanced, vol. 3). Beijing: Peking University Press. Contact hours: 72-90. Recommended credit: 4.5 semester/6.75 quarter hours.
Spoken Chinese
These courses on Spoken Chinese (kouyu 口语) emphasize conversational Chinese through texts, which include exercises in vocabulary, grammar, and sentence construction. The exercises are context-oriented and provide students practical vocabulary through dialogues and pattern drills.
Elementary Spoken Chinese II
Textbook: Dai Guifu, et al. Chuji Hanyu Kouyu (2) 初级汉语口语(2) (Elementary Spoken Chinese, vol. 2). Contact hours: 100-120. Beijing: Peking University Press. Recommended credit: 6 semester/9 quarter hours.
Elementary Spoken Chinese III
Textbook: Dai Guifu, et al. Chuji Hanyu Kouyu (Tigao Pian) 初级汉语口语(提高篇) (Elementary Spoken Chinese, Improvement). Beijing: Peking University Press. Contact hours: 100-120. Recommended credit: 6 semester/9 quarter hours.
Intermediate Spoken Chinese I
Textbook: Liu Delian 刘德联 and Liu Xiaoyu 刘晓雨. Zhongji Hanyu Kouyu (1) 中级汉语口语(1) (Intermediate Spoken Chinese, vol. 1). Beijing: Peking University Press. Contact hours: 72-90. Recommended credit: 4.5 semester/6.75 quarter hours.
Intermediate Spoken Chinese II
Textbook: Liu Delian 刘德联 and Liu Xiaoyu 刘晓雨. Zhongji Hanyu Kouyu (2) 中级汉语口语(2) (Intermediate Spoken Chinese, vol. 2). Beijing: Peking University Press. Contact hours: 72-90. Recommended credit: 4.5 semester/6.75 quarter hours.
Intermediate Spoken Chinese III
Textbook: Liu Delian, et al. Zhongji Hanyu Kouyu (Tigao Pian) 中级汉语口语(提高篇) (Intermediate Spoken Chinese, Improvement). Beijing: Peking University Press. Contact hours: 72-90. Recommended credit: 4.5 semester/6.75 quarter hours.
Advanced Spoken Chinese I
Textbook: Zu Renzhi 祖人植 and Ren Xuemei 任雪梅. Gaoji Hanyu Kouyu (1) 高级汉语口语(1) (Advanced Spoken Chinese, vol. 1). Beijing: Peking University Press. Contact hours: 72-90. Recommended credit: 4.5 semester/6.75 quarter hours.
Advanced Spoken Chinese II
Textbook: Liu Yuanman 刘元满, Ren Xuemei 任雪梅 and Jin Shunian 金舒年. Gaoji Hanyu Kouyu (2) 高级汉语口语(2) (Advanced Spoken Chinese, vol. 2). Beijing: Peking University Press. Contact hours: 72-90. Recommended credit: 4.5 semester/6.75 quarter hours.
Advanced Spoken Chinese III
Textbook: Liu Yuanman, et al. Gaoji Hanyu Kouyu (Tigao Pian) 高级汉语口语(提高篇) (Advanced Spoken Chinese, Improvement). Beijing: Peking University Press. Contact hours: 72-90. Recommended credit: 4.5 semester/6.75 quarter hours.
Chinese Language Electives at Peking University
Some Chinese language elective courses may not be offered both semesters.
Elementary & Intermediate Chinese Language Electives
This elective is appropriate for students placed in Elementary Intensive Chinese II – Intermediate Intensive Chinese I
Elementary Chinese Listening Comprehension
This course (Chuji Tingli 初级听力) is divided into two sections. Students placed in Reading in Chinese – Elementary II use volume one and students placed in Intermediate I use volume two of the course textbook. Textbook: Lin Huan 林欢. Hanyu Chuji Tingli Jiaocheng (Shang, Xia Ce) 汉语初级听力教程(上、下册) (Chinese Elementary Listening Course, vol. 1-2). Beijing: Peking University Press. Contact hours:52. Recommended credit: 3 semester/4.5 quarter hours.
Intermediate & Advanced Chinese Language Electives
These electives are appropriate for students placed in Intermediate Intensive Chinese II – Advanced Intensive Chinese II
Chinese Pronunciation Correction
This course (Zhengyin 正音) helps students correct pronunciation mistakes and trains them in proper pronunciation. It also helps students understand pronunciation methods and enables them to form correct pronunciation habits. Textbook: Wang Ruojiang 王若江. Hanyu Zhengyin Jiaocheng 汉语正音教程 (Teaching Materials for Spoken Chinese Pronunciation Correction). Beijing: Peking University Press. Contact hours:26. Recommended credit: 1.5 semester/2.25 quarter hours.
Intermediate Audiovisual and Oral Chinese
This course (Zhongji Shi-Ting Shuo 中级视听说) helps students to understand Chinese people’s daily lives and Chinese culture through audiovisual and oral exercises based on the popular Chinese situation comedy series, Home with Kids. It is designed to improve their Chinese proficiency level as well as intercultural communication competence. Textbook: Liu Lixin刘立新 and Deng Fang邓方. Hanyu Shi-ting Shuo Jiaocheng: Jia You Er-Nü 汉语视听说教程:家有儿女 (Home with Kids: A Multi-Skill Chinese Course). Beijing: World Publishing Corporation. Contact hours:52. Recommended credit: 3 semester/4.5 quarter hours.
Intermediate Business Chinese
This course (Zhongji Shangwu Hanyu 中级商务汉语) teaches Chinese language in relation to business and communication. It enables students to engage in simple business activities such as visiting a company, attending meetings, ordering goods, making inquiries and claims, and negotiating insurance. Textbook: Cui Huashan 崔华山. Xin Silu: Zhongji Sucheng Shangwu Hanyu 新丝路:中级速成商务汉语 (New Silk Road: Intermediate Business Chinese). Beijing: Peking University Press. Contact hours:52. Recommended credit: 3 semester/4.5 quarter hours.
Intermediate Chinese Characters
This course (Zhongji Hanzi 中级汉字) teaches Chinese characters, learning methods, ways to improve compositions, pronunciation, and meaning of Chinese characters, and helps students develop more complex vocabularies. Textbook: Li Dasui 李大遂. Xitong Xue Hanzi (Zhongji Ben) 系统学汉字(中级本) (Chinese Characters: A Systematic Approach, Intermediate Volume). Beijing: Sinolingua Press. Contact hours:52. Recommended credit: 3 semester/4.5 quarter hours.
Intermediate Chinese Grammar
This course (Zhongji Yufa 中级语法) reviews basic Chinese grammatical patterns and introduces complex grammatical structures. Textbook: Xu Jingning 徐晶凝. Zhongji Hanyu Yufa Jiangyi 中级汉语语法讲义 (Intermediate Chinese Grammar Course). Beijing: Peking University Press. Contact hours:52. Recommended credit: 3 semester/4.5 quarter hours.
Intermediate Chinese Listening Comprehension
This course (Zhongji Tingli 中级听力) helps students improve their language skills and listening abilities with exercises in Chinese. Textbook: Liu Yuanman 刘元满, ed. Hanyu Zhongji Tingli Jiaocheng (Shang, Xia Ce) 汉语中级听力教程 (上、下册) (Chinese Intermediate Listening Course, vol. 1-2). Beijing: Peking University Press. Contact hours: 26. Recommended credit: 1.5 semester/2.25 quarter hours.
Intermediate Newspaper Chinese
This course (Zhongji Baokan 中级报刊) guides students to correctly understand the contents and master the skills for reading Chinese newspapers and periodicals, improve their understanding of China and Chinese culture, and expand their vocabulary and improve their ability in Chinese reading. Textbook: Xiao Li 肖立. Baokan Yuyan Jichu Jiaocheng (Shang) 报刊语言基础教程 (上). Beijing: Peking University Press. Contact hours:52. Recommended credit: 3 semester/4.5 quarter hours.
Intermediate Writing
This course (Zhongji Xiezuo 中级写作) provides practice in learning Chinese characters, as well as helping students increase their vocabulary, learn new grammar, and improve their writing skills. Textbook: Luo Qingsong 罗青松. Fazhan Hanyu: Zhongji Hanyu Xiezuo (Shang) 发展汉语•中级汉语写作 (上) (Intermediate Writing, vol. 1). Beijing: Beijing Language and Culture University Press. Contact hours:52. Recommended credit: 3 semester/4.5 quarter hours.
Advanced Chinese Language Electives
This elective is appropriate for students placed in Advanced Intensive Chinese II, III
Lectures on Chinese Language and Culture
This course (Zhongguo Yuyan Wenhua Jiangzuo 中国语言文化讲座) is a lecture series on Chinese language and culture presented by the faculty of the School of Chinese as a Second Language. There are 14 topics in total, including discussions of linguistics, literature, and art, ideology, and culture. Textbook: Zhang Ying 张英 and Jin Shunian 金舒年, eds. Zhongguo Yuyan Wenhua Jiangzuo (I-II) 中国语言文化讲座 (I-II) (Lectures of Chinese Language and Culture, vol. 1-2). Beijing: Peking University Press. Contact hours:26. Recommended credit: 1.5 semester/2.25 quarter hours.
Advanced Business Chinese
This course (Gaoji Shangwu Hanyu 高级商务汉语) fosters listening comprehension skills, speaking, reading, and writing of Chinese needed in business activities. Students deepen their understanding of the economic life, society, and culture of China in relation to business. Textbook: Li Xiaoqi 李晓琪 and Li Haiyan 李海燕. Xin Silu: Gaoji Sucheng Shangwu Hanyu (Shang, Xia) 新丝路:高级速成商务汉语 (上、下) (New Silk Road: Advanced Business Chinese, vol. 1-2). Beijing: Peking University Press. Contact hours:52. Recommended credit: 3 semester/4.5 quarter hours.
Advanced Chinese Writing
This course (Gaoji Xiezuo 高级写作) helps advanced Chinese learners improve their written expressions and focuses on increasing vocabulary and reading skills. Textbook: Jin Shunian 金舒年, Liu Delian 刘德联 and Zhang Wenxian 张文贤. Liuxuesheng Shiyong Hanyu Xiezuo Jiaocheng (Shang) 留学生实用汉语写作教程 (上) (A Practical Chinese Writing Course for Foreigners, vol. 1). Beijing: Peking University Press. Contact hours:52. Recommended credit: 3 semester/4.5 quarter hours.
Advanced Newspaper Chinese
This course (Gaoji Baokan 高级报刊) uses extensive reading materials from Chinese media, enabling students to learn about the Chinese economy, culture, law, and education systems. It is designed to help students master Chinese newspaper reading and expand their knowledge and vocabulary. Textbook: Zhao Yunhui 赵昀晖. Meiti Hanyu Gaoji Yuedu 媒体汉语高级阅读 (Advanced Chinese Reading in Media). Beijing: Peking University Press. Contact hours: 52. Recommended credit: 3 semester/4.5 quarter hours.
Ancient Chinese
This course (Gudai Hanyu 古代汉语) teaches common vocabulary, grammar, and general cultural knowledge of ancient Chinese. It fosters basic competency in reading ancient Chinese literature and further improves students’ written Chinese. Textbook: Wang Shuo 王硕. Hanyu Guwen Duben 汉语古文读本. Beijing: Peking University Press. Contact hours:52. Recommended credit: 3 semester/4.5 quarter hours.
Chinese Function Words
This course (Hanyu Xuci 汉语虚词) helps students master the usage of main Chinese particles, grammar, and expressions in both spoken and formal settings. It focuses primarily on practical usage of particles and somewhat on theory. Textbook: Li Xiaoqi 李晓琪. Xiandai Hanyu Xuci Jiangyi 现代汉语虚词讲义. Beijing: Peking University Press. Contact hours: 52. Recommended credit: 3 semester/4.5 quarter hours.=
Chinese History
This course (Zhongguo Lishi 中国历史) provides students a comprehensive overview of Chinese history, and is designed to help students gain a general understanding of the subject, and build more specialized vocabulary and practice basic methods of the discipline, with a goal to connect the study of Chinese language and the field of Chinese history. Textbook: Zhao Yanfeng 赵延风. Zhongguo Lishi Zhuanye Hanyu Jiaocheng 中国历史专业汉语教程. Beijing: Peking University Press. Contact hours: 52. Recommended credit: 3 semester/4.5 quarter hours.
Chinese Language through Films
This course (Ying-Shi Hanyu 影视汉语) uses Chinese language films produced in mainland China, as a way to increase students’ Chinese vocabulary and insight into the world of Chinese cinema and contemporary Chinese culture and introduces them to the development of the Chinese film industry. Contact hours: 52. Recommended credit: 3 semester/4.5 quarter hours.
English-Chinese Translation
This course (Ying-Han Fanyi 英汉翻译) enables students to master basic methods for English-Chinese translation and requires they translate an extensive range of general articles. It reinforces their understanding of Chinese sentence structures and expression rules, as well as helps them improve their ability to express themselves, expand their vocabulary, and strengthens their ability to communicate in culturally appropriate ways. Contact hours:52. Recommended credit: 3 semester/4.5 quarter hours.
Survey of China
This course (Zhongguo Gaikuang 中国概况) enables international students to learn about China and its language. It also helps them gain relevant professional knowledge, while significantly improving their reading, listening comprehension, and speaking skills. Textbook: Wang Shunhong 王顺洪. Zhongguo Gaikuang 中国概况. Beijing: Peking University Press. Contact hours:52. Recommended credit: 3 semester/4.5 quarter hours.