CHNS G4015-G4016 Readings in Modern Chinese

Professor Meng is one of the most quirkiest and well organized teachers I've met in Columbia. Also, she truly cares about her students. She is concerned about their well being and makes an effort to truly get to know and empathize with each. Her readings are challenging but nothing impossible. Her clear sense of direction coupled with her meticulous word sheets provides enough guidance in and of themselves, but her clear instruction leaves room for no nonsense. Also, the readings expose you to parts of Chinese culture you would never have encountered from real authors and real political texts (instead of edited textbook material) If you take this class, you'll learn a lot. Just do your work and speak out.

I have had Meng for two years running now, and while I've had a lot of outstanding teachers at Columbia, she outstrips them all. Leaving aside, for the time being, the ferocious devotion she inspires in her students (we loved her so much we asked her to help us create a new 5th year-level class, Media Chinese, so that we might not have to be parted from her), she simply works harder for you than any other professor I've encountered here. It doesn't hurt that she can be hilarious in class, either--though she will bust your ass if you don't do the work. She is immune to BS--you simply cannot get it by her, and if you try, she will smack you down in front of the whole class.

It is worth noting, I suppose, her inclination towards non-native speakers. She does not teach W-level Chinese, and while she does not bar native speakers, they sometimes have trouble in her class, largely because of her outspoken contempt for the PRC government. Nor is she a big fan of the ROC either, though--she is very political, but even here, she has one extremely rare quality--she is absolutely receptive to argument. Not even in that aggravating "you have the right to your wrong opinion" sort of way, that speaks in tones of contempt and disdain. She actually listens, and trusts in the intellect of her students. We argued with her all semester, and never once complained that she was unfair, condescending, or superior, as professors so often are. Instead, arguments were absolutely stimulating, fascinating, and passionate.

Basically, if you want to learn real Chinese you study with Meng.