SYLLABUS
CHINESE 201 MARGARET LIU INTERMEDIATE CHINESE I OFFICE: AA 252 PHONE: 845-6242
OFFICE HOURS: _________
COURSE DESCRIPTION
CHI 201, Intermediate Chinese I, is the first semester of second-year Chinese. Prerequisites are one year of spoken Chinese and one year of written Chinese (either traditional or simplified characters), or the permission of the instructor if the student has had the equivalent experience in the language.
The main textbook is supplemented by a novel (based on a popular Chinese folktale adapted for students whose knowledge is limited to 300-400 characters) as well as material from a variety of sources displaying a range of diction and styles. Speaking and listening skills will be honed, in additional to oral practice in class, by the tapes accompanying the main textbook. While points of grammar are discussed as appropriate, the student is expected to know basic sentence patterns at the elementary level since this course will deal with refinements of syntax and usage.
Students complete requirements for one year of study at the second-year level with CHI 202. However, those who wish to study Chinese at the intermediate level for more than two semesters can do so by repeating CHI 201/202 courses, in any sequence, since course contents are specifically designed for this purpose and change from semester to semester and from year to year without substantial repetition.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
textbook, accompanying tapes, and class sessions conducted increasingly in Chinese.
2. To increase reading skills through the textbook, novel, and supplementary materials.
Texts are presented in either traditional or simplified characters, or both, and
occasionally with pinyin aids.
TEXTBOOKS
Required: Beijing Languages Institute, Chinese for Today, Vol. II, 1989.
(includes Exercise Book and 5 tapes—the textbook and tapes will be used for
both the Fall 1998 and Spring 1999 semesters)
Fang-Yu Wang, The Lady in the Painting, 1983.
Optional: Any standard Chinese-English dictionary containing both traditional and
simplified characters, alphabetized through a pinyin system. If a dictionary is
not available at the campus bookstore, buy one at a bookstore that sells foreign
language books (e.g., a large chain store). Examine the dictionary to see that the
print is legible to you; often the Chinese characters are too small to read easily.
GRADING SYSTEM
My grading philosophy is designed to encourage learning. Since students in this course have varying backgrounds in Chinese, uniform exams are not possible. Instead, students are expected to hand in written homework every week, and evaluations are based on class participation and individual progress in writing as demonstrated in the 12 best pieces of written work of the semester. Weekly reading and writing assignments are announced in class.
Attendance and participation, 30%
including oral work
Written assignments 70%
ATTENDANCE
It is essential in a language class that the student attend class regularly, complete assignments on time, and take the scheduled tests, though inability to complete an assignment or take a test should not be used as a reason for staying away from class. Repeated absence from class may result in the grade of F or W, depending on the circumstances and at the discretion of the instructor. In case of absence, it is the student’s responsibility to obtain information about and make up the missed work.
CONFERENCES AND INDIVIDUAL HELP
I will be available during posted office hours and additional hours by arrangement for individual help. Quick questions can conveniently be accommodated right before or after class. Additional ways to get in touch with me are by fax, 845-6186, or e-mail, nv.liuxm@nvcc.edu (I do not read my e-mail Friday through Sunday).