Beginning Chinese II (1412)
Instructor : Margaret Xiao
Office: Bus 204
Phone:
Email:
Time: 9:30--10:45 TuTh (lecture) and 14:00-14:50 Tu (lab)
Office hours: 9:00-10:00, 3:00-4:00 MWF and by appointment
Required Texts:
Integrated Chinese 3rd edition (Simplified Character Edition) Level 1, Part 1 in three volumes (Textbook, Workbook, and Character Workbook) edited by Yuehua Liu, Tao-chung Yao, et al. (Cheng & Tsui Company, 1997).
Course Description:
Beginning Chinese II is a proficiency-orientated course in Mandarin Chinese, designed for students who have successfully completed at least one semester Chinese course. This class emphasizes developing listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills using both Pinyin phonetic system and simplified Chinese characters. Students will learn approximately 250 characters through essential real-life topics, which also introduce the social and cultural background of the language.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this course, students will
1. acquire vocabulary and sentences for basic daily-life communication.
2. be able to read and write at least 150 simplified Chinese characters
3. be able to conduct coversations or make short presentations on topics studied.
4. master the formats of Chinese letter and diary, and be able to write two or three paragraphs compositions.
5. be able to demonstrate knowledge of tradions, cultures, and life styles of the Chinese speaking world.
Language Lab:
Attending Lab class and working in the Geography/Language Lab are required. The lab is open Monday through Friday. Students are expected to spend a minimum of two sessions per week practicing Chinese in the lab or at home. Please be aware that the computers in the lab are specially set up for listening to language cds and Chinese music, and watching Chinese moives. This will ultimately save your time and enable you to learn more efficiently. You may do your homework assignments or practice in the lab also.
Assignments:
The course is designed with a twofold approach: in-class work and homework. Class work then prepares you for the homework assignment. You must take responsibility for your learning and prepare for each class. Assignments also includes practicing Pinyin pronunciaton, writing Chinese characters, preparing for dialogues and presentations in class. In order to learn effectively, you must complete all assignments.
Quizzes, tests, and exams:
In addition to one final exam and one midterm exam, there will be 2-3 short quizzes (some unannounced) which will be averaged over the term to count as one separate "test grade". The lowest quiz grade of the short quizzes will be dropped and this quiz average will count as a third test. No make-ups will be given for the short quizzes, as you are allowed to drop one grade. A cumulative midterm exam will be given. Make-ups for exams will be given at the discretion of the instructor and only in cases of serious illness or emergency. It is best to inform the instructor as soon as possible (before the exam) if you must miss a test or an exam. Late notification (after the exam) will merit an F for the exam. The final exam will be a comprehensive examination on all material covered in the course.
Basis for final grade:
The final grade will be based on the following:
Class attendence and participation 15%
Homework 20%
Oral Interviews 10%
Quizzes 10%
Midterm exam 20%
Final Exam 25%
100%
Grading Scale:
90-100 A
80-89 B
70-79 C
60-69 D
00-59 F
Course policies:
1. All assignments are due in class on the date for which they are assigned. No assignment (homework, composition) will be accepted for a grade after this time. All work in the course must be completed to receive a passing grade.
2. Attendance: Since participation in class is essential to the development of speaking and listening skills, you are encouraged to attend class regularly. Any absence for whatever reason will lower your class participation grade. One third of your participation grade is strictly attendance. 0 unexcused absences = 100; 1= 95; 2= 85; 3= 75, 4 = 65; 5 = WF. If you do miss a class, it is in your interest to speak to me. It is your responsibility to find out what material is covered and what assignments are due when you are absent. After the fifth unexcused absence, the instructor may drop a student from the roster with a WF. See also Undergraduate Bulletin.
3. Daily preparation and participation: You should thoroughly study all material before and after it is covered in class. Everyone will have the opportunity to respond during drill and conversational activities, so be prepared to actively participate in class and to ask questions.
4. Academic dishonesty: Students should see the professor for help in doing assignments.
Homework done with the help of native speakers cannot be graded. Students who copy other students work as well as those who allow their work to be copied will receive 0% grades for any such work. Cheating on exams and quizzes will result in an F (0%) for the examination.
5. Grade Replacement/Forgiveness: If you are repeating this course for a grade replacement, you must file an intent to receive grade forgiveness with the registrar by the 12th day of class. Failure to do so will result in both the original and repeated grade being used to calculate your overall grade point average. Undergraduates will receive grade forgiveness (grade replacement) for only three course repeats; graduates, for two course repeats during his/her career at UT Tyler.
6. State-Mandated Course Drop Policy: Texas law prohibits a student who began college for the first time in Fall 2007 or thereafter from dropping more than six courses during their entire undergraduate career. This includes courses dropped at another 2-year or 4-year Texas public college or university. For purposes of this rule, a dropped course is any course that is dropped after the census date (See Schedule of Classes for the specific date).
Exceptions to the 6-drop rule may be found in the catalog. Petitions for exemptions must be submitted to the Registrar's Office and must be accompanied by documentation of the extenuating circumstance. Please contact the Registrar's Office if you have any questions.
7. Disability Services: In accordance with federal law, a student requesting accommodation must provide documentation of his/her disability to the Disability Services counselor. If you have a disability, including a learning disability, for which you request an accommodation, please contact Ida MacDonald in the Disability Services office in UC 3150, or call (903) 566-7079.
8. Student Absence due to Religious Observance: Students who anticipate being absent from class due to a religious observance are requested to inform the instructor of such absences by the second class meeting of the semester.
9. Student Absence for University-Sponsored Events and Activities: If you intend to be absent for a university-sponsored event or activity, you (or the event sponsor) must notify the instructor at least two weeks prior to the date of the planned absence. At that time the instructor will set a date and time when make-up assignments will be completed.
10. Social Security and FERPA Statement: It is the policy of The University of Texas at Tyler to protect the confidential nature of social security numbers. The University has changed its computer programming so that all students have an identification number. The electronic transmission of grades (e.g., via e-mail) risks violation of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act; grades will not be transmitted electronically.
11. Emergency Exits and Evacuation: Everyone is required to exit the building when a fire alarm goes off. Follow your instructor’s directions regarding the appropriate exit. If you require assistance during an evacuation, inform your instructor in the first week of class. Do Not re-enter the building unless given permission by University Police, Fire department, or Fire Prevention Services.
12. To know and understand the policies that affect your rights and responsibilities as a student at UT Tyler, please follow this link: http://www.uttyler.edu/wellness/StudentRightsandResponsibilities.html
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