Teaching

In the China Studies and Asian Studies programs at Leiden University, I teach two types of courses related to various aspects of pre-imperial and imperial China:

The first type, Classical Chinese language acquisition, includes these courses:

In the first two courses, compulsory for all China Studies majors, students are introduced to the vocabulary and grammar of the classical literary language of China, and familiarized with texts from a wide range of historical periods and literary genres. In these two courses we use my coursebook of Classical Chinese. The elective courses at a higher level make students conversant with Classical Chinese texts on topics carefully selected by their respective instructors.

The second type, lectures and tutorials, includes courses on these topics:

Entry-level courses (BA1) are lecture series introducing students to the most important Chinese historical periods, people, and events; the most influential Chinese philosophical texts, thinkers, and traditions; and the most prominent Chinese religious beliefs and practices. Intermediate-level courses (BA2) are tutorials that deepen knowledge in these fields. Higher-level courses (BA3 and up) focus on specific topics (e.g., the rhetorical function of anecdotes in early China).

More information about these courses can be found through the webpages for the Leiden University programs of China Studies and Asian Studies.

I also supervise graduate students in the process of writing a Ph.D. dissertation, as they work towards a doctorate degree at Leiden University:

To obtain their degree, graduate students are required to orally defend their Ph.D. thesis in a traditional ceremony that takes place in the Senate Room of the Leiden University Academy Building. Upon graduation, students may leave their signature in the Zweetkamertje (Sweat Room), a long-standing Leiden University tradition.