Chou and his colleagues have once again produced a superb Chinese language textbook. This crack team of seasoned teachers is probably the best in the world when it comes to teaching Chinese as a second language. A Kaleidoscope of China presents a veritable feast of fascinating essays. Students will not only find it stimulating but, more importantly, will learn well from it. -- James M. Hargett, University at Albany, State University of New York The well-chosen texts in A Kaleidoscope of China cover a wide spectrum of social and cultural issues in contemporary China. The targeted exercises not only help consolidate grammar points, sentence structures, and vocabulary, but also train students other language skills appropriate at this level. This book will be very well received by students and teachers alike. -- Baozhang He, College of the Holy Cross

A Kaleidoscope of China is an advanced Chinese-language textbook that gives students a greater command of Chinese while deepening their understanding of the social and cultural issues facing China today. Geared to the unique needs of students with two or more years of instruction in modern Chinese, this book features a stimulating selection of articles and essays from major newspapers and periodicals in China, offering a revealing look at contemporary Chinese society. Topics include: buying a home versus having a child; consumer exports to America; depression; online dating; cell phones; empty-nest syndrome; fast food; the Virginia Tech massacre; medicine; the 2008 Sichuan earthquake; and global warming. Every selection is accompanied by a vocabulary list, exercises, and grammar notes. No other Chinese-language textbook so effectively helps advanced students expand their language skills while immersing them in what is truly a kaleidoscope of today's China. * Teaches advanced Chinese while providing a window into contemporary China * Features selections from actual Chinese newspapers and periodicals * Includes vocabulary lists, exercises, and grammar notes * Ideal for students with two or more years of instruction in modern Chinese