Course Description:
This course introduces the starting level of Mandarin language and Chinese culture with a focus of oral proficiency, designed for students with no or little background in Mandarin. The goal is to lay a solid foundation for further Mandarin language and Chinese culture study and strive for a novice low/mid level of Mandarin at the end of this year. As novice low/mid learners, students will be able to communicate on very familiar topics using single words and phrases they have practiced and memorized. With an emphasis on oral proficiency, students will also be able to replicate a few dozens of Chinese characters. However, the progress in written skills will pace much differently compared to that of speaking skills. Students will be exposed to a sequence of topics in instructional language, self-introductions, descriptions of their immediate surroundings, such as family etc. They will simultaneously learn the cultural information that helps to contextualize the use of Mandarin language.
Materials:
Technology (Required, fun and helpful)
Expectations:
Grading:
This course introduces the starting level of Mandarin language and Chinese culture with a focus of oral proficiency, designed for students with no or little background in Mandarin. The goal is to lay a solid foundation for further Mandarin language and Chinese culture study and strive for a novice low/mid level of Mandarin at the end of this year. As novice low/mid learners, students will be able to communicate on very familiar topics using single words and phrases they have practiced and memorized. With an emphasis on oral proficiency, students will also be able to replicate a few dozens of Chinese characters. However, the progress in written skills will pace much differently compared to that of speaking skills. Students will be exposed to a sequence of topics in instructional language, self-introductions, descriptions of their immediate surroundings, such as family etc. They will simultaneously learn the cultural information that helps to contextualize the use of Mandarin language.
Materials:
- Worksheets developed by 吕老师Lu Laoshi, which share learning objectives and lesson agendas
- Textbook Huanying (Warning: textbook is NOT equivalent to our curriculum. It only acts as a resource)
- Authentic reading materials accessible in Room 204
- A variety of online/offline authentic resources
Technology (Required, fun and helpful)
- Quizlet
- WeChat (Click here to see a 'how to' video)
- Homework Site (Google folder)
Expectations:
- Punctual arrival (Tardiness without passes will impact your grades)
- Well-prepared
- Prepare and bring your 3-ring binder of Mandarin to class every time
- Bring writing utensils, a dry-erase marker, and paper every time
- Attendance is mandatory (Absences without valid reasons will impact your grades.
- Be organized
- Organize distributed materials in new to old order in your Mandarin binder
- Participate in class activities
- Be respectful
- Raise hands to ask questions or make requests
- Listen attentively while classmates or teacher talk
- Attendance is mandatory (Absences without valid reasons will impact your grades.)
Grading:
- Homework and Class participation: 20%
- Quizzes: 25%
- Tests: 30%
- Presentations and projects: 25%