First-Year Chinese

Chinese 101, 102, 103

Teaching Materials:

1. Integrated Chinese--Textbook, Level 1/Part I-II
2. Integrated Chinese--Workbook, Level 1/Part I-II 
3. Integrated Chinese--Character Workbook, Level 1
4. Oxford Chinese-English; English-Chinese Dictionary

Language Learning Tools (In the Language Lab)

• Video of Lessons from Practical Chinese Reader
• Audio tapes of lessons from Practical Chinese Reader
•  Grammar Notes
• Hanzi: Computer Software to accompany PCR [IBM]
• Hyperchinese: Computer software for grammar study [MAC]: Selections
• Films (video) and study guides: A Great Wall
• Chinese Webpages and Chinese software:
  • Chinese Yahoo
  • Chinese Learning Tools
  • Exercises for IC
  • MicrosoftXP, Word2002 (Word Processor for IBM available at the language lab.)
  • Wenlin (IBM software for learning and practicing Chinese characters, available at the language lab.)
  • 103 Radicals (IBM software for learning and practicing Chinese radicals, available at the language lab.)

Objectives of this Course:

The objective of this course is to help you achieve the intermediate low proficiency in the area of listening, speaking, reading, writing and translating Chinese. The projects can be considered as means to lead to the acquisition of skills.

1. Listening Skills: Comprehend questions and statements that are used in dialogues based on the texts of PCR, volume I; understand directions and dialogues used in class sessions. All students are expected to understand classroom directions
2. Speaking Skills: Articulate sounds and tones correctly; respond in dialogue; imitate dialogue; retell stories and explain situations.
3. Reading Skills: Comprehend the assigned texts in PCR and other supplementary reading materials.
4. Writing Skills: Write approximate 450 characters; compose short dialogues and essays using the correct grammatical constructions and appropriate vocabulary; find words in dictionary according to pinyin and character order.
5. Translating Skills: Show the ability to retain the meaning of each language as you translate from English to Chinese and from Chinese to English; recognize difference in word order when translating; learn equivalent phrases in both languages.

Evaluation:

Self-evaluation: Students self-evaluation can begin by asking: How have I carried out my study of Chinese language? Have I used the assignments to gain proficiency, not simply to complete tests? Has my level of proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, writing and translating advanced? Students will be evaluated on the basis of participation and proficiency.  In Class, students should try to speak Chinese as much as possible. Grades are based on the following:

• Unit exam  (40%)
• Weekly dictation (10%)
• Class participation* (15)%
• Assignment (workbook & essay) (15%)
• Oral presentation (10%)
• Final exam (10%)

*Class participation will be graded on a four point scale, according to the following basic criteria. Half-point fractional increments are also used (e.g. 3.5)

•   4 points -- well-prepared, excellent performance
•   3 points -- well prepared, good performance
•   2 points -- some evidence of preparation, but at least one major problem
•   1 point -- present but unprepared
•   0 point -- absent

NOTES: Make-up exams will be given only in the case of excused absences. Three or more  absences could result in the lowering of the student's grade by one full letter grade.

Grades will be assigned as follows:

You will be scheduled at least two individual sessions with the instructors discussing your performance and progress in this class. If you have questions, be they regarding the course, your progress or the language itself, please come to see the instructors during their office hours or by appointment.

Good Luck!