Classical (or Literary) Chinese was the primary written language used in China from antiquity through the early twentieth century. Its structures and vocabulary continue to be present in the modern Chinese language, especially in the formal language of newspaper, legal, and academic prose. Familiarity with Classical Chinese is essential to achieving full competency in modern Chinese. Classical Chinese is also a fascinating language in its own right, and its reading knowledge opens up access to a rich body of materials that continue to define the Chinese cultural tradition. In this one-semester introduction, we will focus on mastering basic grammar and vocabulary, as well as the reading and translation of prose and poetry from the formative period (before the end of Han in 220 CE). By the end of this course, students should be able to read a Classical Chinese text with the help of a dictionary. This course is designed for both Chinese learners (see prerequisite) and students who already have reading knowledge of modern Chinese. Students who have not studied Chinese but can read Chinese characters (e.g., Japanese and Hanja) are welcome to consider this course.