The second course in the heritage sequence and designed for students with a Chinese heritage background, aiming to enhance their proficiency in advanced language skills while deepening their understanding of cultural identity. The curriculum explores key aspects of Chinese heritage, including family values, the concept of 孝顺 (filial piety), and the significance of Chinese courtesy in social interactions. Students will also be introduced to Mandarin Chinese and other Chinese dialects, examining their historical and regional development. Additionally, the course covers Chinese immigration history, the evolution of Chinatowns, and their cultural significance worldwide. Students will gain a well-rounded perspective on their linguistic and cultural heritage while strengthening their language skills.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- Compare and contrast regional linguistic identities, the history of Chinese immigration, and the development of diasporic communities like Chinatowns.
- Analyze cultural values such as filial piety, courtesy, and intergenerational expectations within Chinese and Chinese-American contexts.
- Reflect critically on personal bilingual and bicultural experiences in relation to societal narratives and historical developments.
- Present structured, well-reasoned oral and written responses to cultural themes and social issues discussed in class.
- Compose paragraphs and short essays on personal and cultural topics using appropriate vocabulary, grammar, and rhetorical structure.
- Engage in oral exchanges that demonstrate awareness of register, tone, and cultural nuance.
- Interpret authentic Chinese texts and audiovisual materials on heritage-related topics.
- Improve Mandarin pronunciation and grammatical accuracy through feedback and focused practice.
- Demonstrate increased control of linguistic structures and vocabulary in both speech and writing.
- 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.
tudents 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