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 high level of Mandarin at the end of this year. As novice high learners, students will be able to communicate and exchange information about familiar topics using phrases and simple sentences, sometimes supported by memorized language. Novice high learners can handle short social interactions in everyday situations by asking and answering simple questions. 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 of instructional language, self-introductions, descriptions of their immediate surroundings, such as family, school life, and leisure activities, 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 Expectations: • Punctual arrival (Tardiness without passes will impact your grades) • Well-prepared 1 Prepare and bring your 3-ring binder of Mandarin to class every time 2 Bring writing utensils, a dry-erase marker, and paper every time 3 Attendance is mandatory (Absences without valid reasons will impact your grades. • Be organized 1 Organize distributed materials in new to old order in your Mandarin binder • Participate in class activities • Be respectful 1 Raise hands to ask questions or make requests 2 Listen attentively while classmates or teacher talk 3 Attendance is mandatory (Absences without valid reasons will impact your grades.) Grading: • Homework and Class participation: 25% • Quizzes: 20% • Tests: 30% • Presentations and projects: 25% |