Course Description

CHINESE 1411 Beginning Chinese I

Fundamentals of Chinese taught in an integrated skills approach to achieve functional language proficiency through conversations, vocabulary building, and grammar. The students will be introduced to 300 basic Chinese characters. Laboratory practice. University transfer as beginning-level foreign language credit. Core curriculum course

Prerequisites

No prerequisites

Course Goals (includes core competencies, incorporation of SCANS, etc.)

You will be able to express topics about your personal life, interest, your desire and likes/dislikes and to describe things around you in a formal form of Chinese. You will understand differences in speech levels reflecting different formalities.

You will be able to read and write simple Chinese sentences using 300 characters.

The following descriptions reflect what most students will be able to do by the end of the course. The terms given in parenthesis are descriptive terms of proficiency in foreign language, based on a classification developed by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages. (ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines)

Listening Comprehension (Novice-Mid)
Able to understand some short, learned utterances, some sentence-length utterance, particularly where context strongly supports understanding and speech is clearly audible. Comprehends some words and phrases from simple questions, statements, high frequency commands and courtesy formulae. May require repetitions, rephrasing and/or a slowed rate of speech for comprehension.

Speaking (Novice-Mid)
Able to satisfy partially the requirement of basic communicative exchanges by relying heavily on learned utterances but occasionally expanding these through simple recombination of their elements. Can ask questions or make statements involving learned material with some spontaneity. Speech consists of leaned utterances rather than of personalized, situational adapted ones.

Reading (Novice-Mid)
Able to recognize the symbols of the writing system. The reader can identify an increased number of highly contextualized words and phrases. Rereading may be required.

Writing (Novice-High)
Able to meet limited practical writing needs. Can write short messages, postcards, and take down simple notes, such as telephone messages. Can create statements or questions within the scope of limited language experience. Material produced consists of recombination of learned vocabulary and structures into simple sentences on very familiar topics.

CULTURAL AWARENESS
Acquire general knowledge about the Chinese language and culture, to include knowledge about:
a. Chinese language structure and pronunciation.
b. Different levels of formalities
c. Unique customs, attitudes and assumptions of Chinese people detected in practical communication.

Chinese 1411 fulfills the six basic intellectual competencies of the Core Curriculum.

READING: Reading material at the college level means having the ability of analyze and interpret a variety of printed materials, books, articles, and documents.

WRITING: Writing at the college level means having the ability to produce clear correct, and coherent prose adapted to purpose, occasion, and audience. In addition to knowing correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation, students should also become familiar with the writing process, including how to discover a topic, how to develop and organize it, and how to phrase it effectively for their audience. These abilities are acquired through practice and reflection.

SPEAKING: Effective speaking is the ability to communicate orally in clear, coherent, and persuasive language appropriate to purpose, occasion, and audience.

LISTENING: Listening at the college level means the ability to analyze and interpret various forms of spoken communication.

CRITICAL THINKING: Critical thinking embraces methods for applying both qualitative and quantitative skills analytically and creatively to subject matter in order to evaluate arguments and to construct alternatives strategies. Problem solving is one of the applications of critical thinking used to address an identified task.

COMPUTER LITERACY: Computer literacy at the college level means having the ability to use computer based technology in communicating, solving problems, and acquiring information. Core-educated students should have an understanding of the limits, problems, and possibilities associated with the use of the technology and should have the tools necessary to evaluate and learn new technologies ad they become available. (Houston Community College System 2000-2001 Catalog, 35)

Instructor Information

Textbook Information

1. Beginning Chinese by John DeFrancis
2. Character Text for Beginning Chinese by John DeFrancis
3. Supplementary handouts

Lab Requirements (if any)

Bi-weekly language Lab

Students with Disabilities

Students who require reasonable accommodations for disabilities are encouraged to report to the disability counselor to make necessary arrangements. Faculty are only authorized to provide accommodations requested by the Disability Support Services Office.

Academic Honesty

Students are expected to do their own work, unless an assignment is made specifically as a group assignment. Plagiarism(handing in another person's work as your own), or cheating will result in a grade of F for the assignment, quiz, or test in question. For a second offense, the student may receive a grade of F for the course.

Attendance and Withdrawal Policies

Attendance is essential and daily records will be kept. In accordance with HCCS official policy, a student may be dropped for excessive absences after missing more than two weeks of class (10 hours).  Consult with the instructor in case of serious illness or business reasons for absence. Students will lose points on participation grade for every class missed over two weeks. Absences will be counted from the first class day of the semester, no matter when the student registers or first attends.

Grading Policy

Course Requirements for example: Testing, Projects, Assignments, Portfolios, Service Learning, Internships, etc.

Quizzes
Tests
Final Exam

Make-up policy

1. Students are responsible for material covered during their absence. It is the responsibility of the student to consult with the instructor about work missed and make-up assignments.

2. Homework: Must be turned in by due date for credit. Consult instructor in case of illness.

3. Quizzes: No makeups unless you do so prior to the next class meeting following the quiz. Missing one quiz will not count against you. Missing several will count.

4. Major exams: If you are ill, it is your responsibility to notify the instructor in advance, if possible, and to ask about a make-up.

Course Content

Reading and writing approximately 300 basic Chinese characters.
Vocabulary building
Language structure and pronunciation
Culture and other information on China

Course Calendar with Due Dates for Assignments and Testing

Other Student Information (clubs, tutoring, web resources, student services, etc.)

Suggestions
1. Dedicate eight hours outside the classroom for studying and practicing Chinese.
2. Prepare the vocabulary and the text of each lesson before each class section.
3. Listen to the tape of lessons for 30 minutes a day on average.