Victoria Mills
B.A. Modern Language
Mandarin Chinese Emphasis
Global Politics Minor
Documentation Of Coursework
Page Introduction
This page is a documentation of all of the language, culture, and literature courses that I have taken at Clemson University as well as all of the courses that I have completed for my minor！
Language Instruction
Elementary Chinese 1010
Introductory course that covered simple speaking as in common words like numbers and common phrases like basic questions. There was a lot of stress on the tones in the Chinese language as well. At this level, we wrote characters in the workbook for extra credit. Attending cultural events and the Chinese language club meetings were encouraged.
Elementary Chinese 1020
Continuation of Elementary Chinese 1010 with much more focus on reading with pinyin as well as translation from English, writing simplified Chinese characters and memorizing correct pinyin. Speaking exercises became more complex and understanding grammar structures in the Chinese language were also more prevalent at this level.
Intermediate Chinese 2010
Intermediate course that placed more emphasis on communication skills and structure. We moved to reading characters without the assistance of pinyin and writing from memory; oral practice in in several forms including Talk Abroad assignments and presentation projects on Chinese idioms. We could attend Chinese language club meeting for extra credit.
Intermediate Chinese 2020
Continuation of Intermediate Chinese 2010 that consisted of vocabulary expansion, learning proper grammar and tones, as well as reading, understanding, and translation paragraphs written with Chinese characters. There were several assignments that required oral practice like Talk Abroad, presentation projects on Chinese idioms, skits, and karaoke.
Chinese Conversation & Composition I 3050
An abundance of practice of the spoken language emphasizing knowledge of Chinese vocabulary words, pronunciation, proper usage, and comprehension. Learning practical language skills such as reading news articles and reporting on current events as well as writing essays in Chinese on the culture and other similar topics related to Chinese.
Chinese for Int'l Business I 3160
A course with classes that were conducted in Chinese and studied spoken and written Chinese for business and health related situations. Emphasized writing/translating business letters and professional documents on business and health topics. Included drafting memos, emails, and reports as well as a visit to a factory to utilize the relevant vocabulary we learned.
Directed Reading 3980
Study abroad course taken at Chung Yuan Christian in Taiwan and taught in Chinese. Focused on topical vocabulary and grammar points for several cultural and situational topics in Chinese. We made weekly journal entries in Chinese documenting our trip and took written and oral examinations to check our learning, usage, and comprehension of the material.
Directed Reading 3980
Continuation of the Study abroad course taken at Chung Yuan Christian in Taiwan and taught in Chinese. Focused on different cultural and situational topical vocabulary and grammar points for topics in Chinese. We still did weekly journal entries and examinations as well as excursions outside of class time with our teacher and tutors.
Studies Chinese Language II 4120
An in-depth study of terminology and syntax for specific subject areas in contemporary social issues. Phrases and slight semantical differences between words were a major focus. All videos, readings, and class discussions were in Chinese.
Culture and Literature
Modern Chinese Literature 4020
A course on Chinese literature from the end of the nineteenth century C.E. to present translated to English taught in English. Readings included works of poetry, prose, drama, fiction, and literary criticism by famous Chinese authors and writers. We did deep analysis of an individual work and created a presentation with a partner along with individual papers.
History of Modern China 3300
A Course Focused on the Growth and development of Chinese civilization from ancient times to the present. Placed an emphasis is on 20th century China, particularly since the rise to power of the Communist regime which we learned through several nonfiction works of modern Chinese literature.
Philosophy in Ancient China 3120
A study of the history of Chinese philosophy from fifth century BCE, including Confucianism, Daoism, Buddhism, Neo-Daoism, and Neo-Confucianism. We examined several Chinese philosophers' views and arguments on questions about life and death, history and society, as well as education and personal cultivation.
Pre-Modern Chinese Literature 4010
Chinese literature course taught abroad at Chung Yuan Christian in Taiwan in with readings and discussions in English. Literature spanned from 8th century B.C.E. to 19th century C.E. in China. Excerpts included works of Chinese poetry, prose, philosophical writings, short stories, and literary criticism of the pieces from that era.
Selected Topics in Chinese Culture 4990
Chinese film course that consists of a deep analysis of various social aspects and cultural norms through screenings. The themes include artistic and historical context, philosophical and religious traditions, motifs and symbols, and comparisons between generations. Films are in Chinese, but readings and discussions are in English.
Chinese Culture and Society 4180
Course taught abroad at Chung Yuan Christian in Taiwan in with readings and discussions in English. Consisted of examinations of basic cultural values and patterns of Chinese social life. Focuses on traditional Chinese family systems, gender identities, social exchanges, medicine, and education with topical learning excursions.
CI: China's Foreign Policy 3050
Creative Inquiry that follows news publications and current events that pertain to the United States’ and China’s international relations along with other states involved with several different political issues. Includes a trip to Washington D.C. to discuss with multiple congressional offices and the Embassy of the People's Republic of China.
Minor Courses
Introduction to International Relations 1020
Political Science course that consist if an overview of both theory and practice in contemporary global politics. Topics of this course included the structure of and primary actors in the international system, reasons conflict occurs, and roles of things like international institutions, law, and policy.
Introduction to Comparative Politics 1040
An introductory Political Science course to the study of comparative politics in the post-Cold War era, that had an emphasis on theories and applications. Topics of this course included democratic and non-democratic systems, ideologies, political cultures, party systems, and governmental structures such as the legislative, executive, and judicial structures.
Religion and World Politics 4080
A Political Science course on the relationship between religion and various aspects of world politics which are examined and critically analyzed. The central question of "why are religion and politics so thoroughly interwoven worldwide" is considered by studying the relationship between religion & politics in the theoretical, the empirical, and the cross-cultural perspective.
Terrorism & Violent Extremism 4570
Political Science course consisting of the examination and the analysis of the international phenomenon of terrorism and violent extremism in terms of the origins, the operations, the philosophies, and the objectives of several different types of non-state political actors.
International Organizations 3620
A Political Science course that examines the normative and the institutional foundations of civil society. The course explains the formal institutions, the decision-making processes, and the multilateral capacities of international governmental and nongovernmental organizations.
Creative Inquiry in Political Science 3050
Creative Inquiry following news publications and current events that pertain to international relations between the United State and China as well as any other states that may be involved across several different political issues. Includes a trip to Washington D.C. to discuss with several congressional offices and the Embassy of the People's Republic of China.