Chinese Language Program Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between W classes and N classes?
W classes are for Chinese heritage learners; N classes are for non-heritage learners.
What is the difference between Introductory Chinese and 1st Year Chinese?
The difference between the Introductory Chinese and the 1st year Chinese is that the former is a slow-paced, 2.5 credit course while the latter is a regular, 5 credit course. The former starts in spring semester, the latter starts in fall semester. Students who complete one year study of the Introductory Chinese could join the regular 1st Year Chinese in its second semester.
What style Chinese characters does the program teach?
We believe that our students should be able to read both traditional and simplified styles of Chinese characters but write simplified ones, a policy in Chinese as “认繁书简.“ We, therefore, teach traditional Chinese characters at both the first and second year levels, but switch to simplified characters at the third year level and above.
Study Abroad
For more study abroad information, please visit the Center for Undergraduate Global Engagement (UGE).
Regulations for the Chinese Program
Admission and Placement Test: Except for those wishing to take first semester elementary level classes, all entering students are required to take the Chinese Placement Test (CPT). Continuing students must receive a grade for C+ or better for the current course to be admitted to the second semester of the same course, and B- or better to be able to move on to the next level. If a continuing student does not meet the requirement, he/she should also pass the CPT to be able to continue. The CPT is scheduled only once for each semester, usually on the Friday of the registration week before classes begin.
Attendance: Regular class attendance is imperative for successful completion of the Chinese course and attendance is strictly enforced in the Chinese Program. We strongly advise students not to miss three classes in a semester. Upon any absence thereafter, unless legitimate documentation is presented, a half grade point will be deducted from the student’s final grade, e.g. from A- to B+, from B+ to B, and so on. (Please note that a pre-purchased airplane ticket is not considered a legitimate document except for emergencies.)
Homework Assignments: Homework must be turned in on the due date according to your course syllabus or your instructor’s schedule. Late work will not be accepted.
Tests: All scheduled tests are mandatory. Under no circumstances can a test be rescheduled for a student unless legitimate documentation is presented. (See the note under Attendance.)
The Pass/Fail Option: The Chinese Language Program does not grant a P/F grade. Students should contact the registrar to arrange a conversation from a given letter grade to a P/F. The P/F grade, however, cannot satisfy the language requirement for the East Asian major, nor does it qualify a student for advancement to higher level Chinese courses.
Auditing: No Auditing Allowed.
Code of Honor: Students are expected to observe the highest standard honor in their course work. Specifically they should not take the place of another in an exam. Nor should they give or receive help from another during the exam.
Grading Scale: Please see your course syllabus for requirements and grading system. The following scale indicates the conversion equivalency. The highest grade that a student will receive from a Chinese course at Columbia is A.
Scores Final Grade
94 and above…………………… A
90-93……………………………… A-
87-89……………………………… B+
83-86……………………………… B
80-82……………………………… B-
77-79……………………………… C+
73-76……………………………… C
70-72……………………………… C-
60-69……………………………… D
59 and below…………………… F
