The first course in the heritage sequence. This course is designed for students with a Chinese heritage background, focusing on strengthening language skills while exploring cultural identity. The curriculum integrates cross-cultural perspectives, covering topics such as hometown connections, language and cultural identity, family values, and differing parenting views. Students will also examine the definitions of "华人" (Huárén) and "华裔" (Huáyì), gaining a deeper understanding of their cultural roots. Additionally, the course delves into the history and evolution of Chinese characters, fostering a comprehensive appreciation of the language and its significance. Through authentic materials, students will engage in meaningful learning experiences that bridge language proficiency with cultural awareness.
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Develop reading and writing skills in Mandarin through engagement with authentic texts and relevant cultural topics.
- Improve Mandarin pronunciation with targeted practice and corrective feedback.
- Deepen understanding of Mandarin grammar, identifying and correcting common structural errors.
- Gain cultural insight into both Chinese and Chinese American communities, enhancing cross-cultural awareness and self-identity.
- Explore themes related to the home and social lives of Chinese-American young people. Topics include cultural and personal identity, parents' hometowns, studying Chinese in college, cultural heritage, co-ed living situations, and Chinese representation in film.
- Oh, China! 《中国啊，中国》 by the Princeton University Press.
Class attendance (8%)
participation (5%)
Vocabulary Dictations/Quizzes (10%)
Tests (20%)
Homework (20%)
Midterm Exam (10%)
Final Exam (10%)
Final Presentation (10%)
Essay (5%)
Debate (2%)
Grades will be computed as follows:
A. 90-100 points
Outstanding performance demonstrating strong mastery of all language skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing), consistent participation, and cultural understanding.
B. 80-89 points
Good performance with a solid grasp of course content and active class participation; some minor weaknesses in one or more skills.
C. 70-79 points
Meets basic requirements, but may show gaps in proficiency or inconsistent engagement.
D. 60-69 points
Marginal performance; minimal mastery of content with frequent errors or missed assignments.
F. below 59 points
Failing; lacks proficiency and has not met the course requirements.
Students are expected to attend all scheduled class meetings punctually. Active engagement and consistent attendance are essential for success in a language course. Unexcused absences and late submissions will negatively affect your grade.
Students are expected to maintain the highest standards of academic integrity. All work submitted must be original and properly cited. Plagiarism, cheating, or any form of academic dishonesty will result in immediate consequences as outlined in the university's academic integrity policy.
This is a Core IMPACTS course that is part of the Arts, Humanities & Ethics area.
Core IMPACTS refers to the core curriculum, which provides students with essential knowledge in foundational academic areas. This course will help master course content, and support students’ broad academic and career goals.
This course should direct students toward a broad Orienting Question:
- How do I interpret the human experience through creative, linguistic, and philosophical works?
Completion of this course should enable students to meet the following Learning Outcome:
- Students will effectively analyze and interpret the meaning, cultural significance and ethical implications of literary/philosophical texts in English or other languages, or of works in the visual/performing arts.
Course content, activities and exercises in this course should help students develop the following Career-Ready Competencies:
- Ethical Reasoning
- Information Literacy
- Intercultural Competence