First Year Chinese  (W-Sections)

Textbook(s)

• A First Reader for Advanced Beginners (by Columbia staff, Columbia University Press 2003)

Course Objectives

Students in First Year Chinese W Classes are expected to achieve the following by the end of the academic year:
• Master the Chinese phonetic symbols (pinyin) with satisfactory pronunciation.
• Be able to understand and use correctly grammar/structure learned in the course.
• Be able to present personal narratives and discuss topics on Chinese culture introduced in the textbook in Chinese.
• Be able to comprehend short reading passages with words learned in the course.
• Be able to read level appropriate reading materials with the help of a dictionary.
• Be able to write short essays of 400-500 words in length.
• Be able to write a summary of a level appropriate reading passage in Chinese.

Course Requirements

1. Attendance: Attendance in class is counted in the calculation of your final grade.
2. Preparation: Each class requires preparation.  Routine preparation includes studying the new words, writing characters, reading the text and grammar notes.
3. Homework:(1) Exercises in the sections of Getting the Main Ideas and Understanding Structure. (2) Exercises on grammar. (3) Compositions
4. Class performance:Your discussion of your written exercises in small groups and general class discussions.  Active participation is expected.
5. Tests: One written test will be given approximately for every two lessons.
6. Dictations: Dictation will be given for every class session.
7. Final exam: There will be an oral presentation and a written exam at the end of each semester.