CLASS EXPECTATIONS

Mandarin Chinese II

2016-2017

Instructor: Ms. Zhang Hongling

Phone Number: 854-6062

Email:

Classroom: 144

Textbook:Huanying, An Invitation to Chinese, Volume 1 & 2

By Jiaying Howard and Lanting Xu, Second edition.

Boston: Cheng & Tsui Company.

Workbook: Huanying workbook Volume 1 Part 2 & Volume 2 Part 1

Course Description: Chinese II is designed for students who have studied Chinese for 1 year at CHS or two years at WMS. In this course, students will be guided away from mechanical, classroom-style language learning at the beginning level and develop their language proficiency through more complex grammar and more spontaneous conversation. Authentic reading, listening and visual materials such as maps, movie posters, traffic and airport signs, menus, online newspapers and TV will be incorporated into the class. Students will develop their cultural understanding and appreciation through frequent comparisons of different regions in China as well as between China and the United States of America.

Materials: 1.A binder (for lots of handouts) and a notebook (for note-taking and writing practice). You should bring a writing utensil and paper with you to class every day, as well as your textbook and workbook. (Take good care of your book—the first one is free, but you have to pay for replacement copies!) You should use whatever method of keeping track of your papers and assignments that works best for you (folder, binder, etc.).

2. A flash drive to back up computer work for the class.

Course Essential Questions:

  • What is culture?
  • How am I part of the global community?
  • How can I use the language skills and application of cultural norms to actively participate in Chinese culture?
  • What can we learn about our culture and language by studying Chinese?
  • How does language connect people and promote empathy and tolerance?
  • How will I use my Chinese skills outside of the classroom?
  • How am I changed by the study of Chinese languages and cultures?
  • In what ways is my life similar to and different from those in Chinese culture?

Class Format and Expectations:

CH II is broken down into four units. Each unit has a theme that is carried throughout six lessons and will take ten weeks to complete. Quizzes and oral presentations will be given on a weekly basis. A comprehensive test will be given at the end of each unit. Long and short-term writing assignments and projects will be assigned throughout the semester.

Assessment Types:The semester grades will be based on tests, quizzes, oral presentations, participation, homework assignments, and projects:

  1. 30% quizzes, lesson tests and unit tests
  2. 15% Homework assignment. You’ll be given homework three or four times a week. Some will be collected for evaluation and some will be reviewed in class.
  3. 20% Presentations and Projects
  4. 20% Class Participation: Class participation is very important to your success in this class. You’re expected to speak only Chinese unless you are given permission to speak English. Your participation will be evaluated with the following criteria:
  • Respect for the learning environment
  • Frequency of participation
  • Quality of participation
  • Use of Chinese in class
  1. 15% Final exams, both oral and written

Policy on Late Work, Absences and Test Retake

Lateness – 10% or a letter grade will be deducted for every day the assignment is late.

Absences: If you miss school due to an excused absence, you will have the same amount of days to make up for your homework, quizzes and tests. After that, the late work policy will apply to you.

Retake: You can retake the quizzes and tests for 90% of the full credits if your scores are below D+.