Readings in Contemporary Chinese Cinema

An entirely new and different type of advanced reader. The ten selected movies deal with an array of political, social, economic, and historical issues that are extremely important in China today. Most of the learning comes when students can conduct discussions on the subjects raised in the films. The lessons are structured to facilitate this process, as are the exercises that follow the extensive vocabulary lists. -- James M. Hargett, State University of New York, Albany An excellent textbook. The innovative design and format, the broad range of collection, the glossary, and exercises are all expertly presented. This textbook should win the trust of both Chinese-language teachers and students. -- Baozhang He, College of the Holy Cross

Most Chinese-language textbooks cater to beginners and intermediate-level students, but virtually none address the unique needs of advanced students. This work fills this gap through the use of critically acclaimed Chinese films to teach students Chinese while also broadening their knowledge about China.Most Chinese-language textbooks today cater to beginners and intermediate-level students, but virtually none address the unique needs of advanced students seeking to expand or reinforce their language skills in one semester. Readings in Contemporary Chinese Cinema fills this gap through the use of critically acclaimed Chinese films to teach students Chinese while also broadening their knowledge about China. The authors have carefully chosen ten movies produced in recent decades by filmmakers from mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. Set broadly within the twentieth century, these classic films are representative of both urban and rural life, and vividly depict the diversity of perspectives that comprise contemporary Chinese society. The authors provide an informative synopsis and critique of each movie, and include selections of movie dialogue that allow students to practice and build proficiency. The comprehensive lessons are supplemented with exercises, sentence-pattern examples, English-language glossaries, and extensive vocabulary lists. There are also discussion questions that can be used in conjunction with screenings of the films. Readings in Contemporary Chinese Cinema is designed for students with three or more years of college-level instruction in modern Chinese, and can be used alone or as a sequel to Anything Goes: An Advanced Reader of Modern Chinese. It has been proven effective at Princeton University and in the Princeton in Beijing program, and is ideal for those returning from study abroad in China.