TEACHING
師者，所以傳道授業解惑也。——韓愈
A teacher is someone who transmits the Dao, imparts professional knowledge, and dispels confusion. ----Han Yu
Born in a family of four generations of educators, I have a natural passion for teaching. I have been teaching at American universities at both the undergraduate and graduate levels for over fifteen years. I have taught Chinese language at all levels, modern Chinese literature, Chinese cinema, modern Chinese theatre, Chinese business culture, and conducted multiple individual studies with doctoral students in Comparative Literature on modern Chinese literature, film, and culture.
It is my firm belief that the mission of liberal arts education is to open the students’ eyes, train their minds, and prepare them for an informed, inspired, and fulfilling life. It is also my firm belief that teaching is a science, a skill, and an art, which requires careful design and constant experiment, practice, reflection, improvement, especially at a time of technological explosions. Over the years, I have developed an effective teaching tool kit that comprises active learning, guided practice, and motivational and inclusive learning environment.
As a teacher, I see myself as the captain of a ship: I take my crew on a trip into the ocean of modern and contemporary Chinese language and culture, showing them what has been discovered and inspiring them to explore what is lying ahead; more importantly, I train them vigorously in their seamanship so that they can chart unknown waters on their own in the future.
Courses Taught
Courses at Purdue University (Fall 2014–present)
CHNS301/ “Chinese Level V”
CHNS401/ “Chinese Level VII”
CHNS342/ “Modern Chinese Literature”
CHNS330/ “Introduction to Chinese Cinema”
CHNS594/ “Modern Chinese Theatre”
CMPL699/ “Comparative Literature PhD Research Thesis”
Courses at University of Arkansas (Fall 2012–Spring 2014)
CHIN1003/ “Elementary Chinese I”
CHIN1013/ “Elementary Chinese II”
CHIN4313/ “Business Culture and Society in China”
CHIN4333/ “Business Chinese Language: Speaking and Writing”
Courses at University of California, Riverside (Fall 2007–Spring 2012)
CHN20A / “First-Year Chinese for Heritage Learners” (Instructor)
CHN20B/ “First-Year Chinese for Heritage Learners” (Instructor)
CHN001/ “First-Year Chinese for Non-Heritage Learners” (Instructor)
CHN048~AST048/ “Chinese Cinema” (TA)
CPLT015/ “Language, Literature, & Culture” (TA)
CLA040/ “Classical Mythology” (TA)
LING020/ “Language and Linguistics” (TA)
Aspirational Courses
Undergraduate:
Modern Chinese Literature in Translation
Modern Chinese Drama in Translation
Chinese Independent Documentaries
Chinese Digital Culture
Modern Chinese Prose (in Chinese)
Modern Chinese Poetry (in Chinese)
Advanced Undergraduate / Graduate Seminar:
Chinese Avant-Gardes: Literature, Film, Art, Performance, and Music
Contemporary Chinese Experimental Theatre: Mainland, Taiwan, and Hong Kong
Modern Chinese Comedy: History, Genre, and Reception
Digital China: A Critical Review
Western Scholarship on Modern Chinese Literature and Culture: Developments, Approaches, and Methodologies
Research Writing Seminar on Modern China (with varying focuses)
Extra-curricular and Outreach Activities
Chinese Tea Hour
Casual weekly conversation to practice speaking Chinese and discuss Chinese customs, values, popular culture, and trendy topics
Chinese Movie Appreciation
monthly screenings of films from mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, with pre-screening introduction and post-screening discussion
Chinese Studies Colloquium
quarterly speaker series that features cutting-edge research on China studies by leading scholars at Purdue and across the US
Chinese New Year Celebration
annual celebration of the Chinese New Year with varying activities
World Film Forum
annual international film series that brings the Purdue campus and the local community into conversation on pressing issues in the world