CHIN 1001 – Elementary Chinese I is an introduction to listening, speaking, reading and writing in Chinese and to the culture of Chinese-speaking regions.
Learning Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:
- Use Chinese to communicate with peers and instructors both orally and in writing to create a shared community experience.
- Employ strategies to comprehend texts (in written, aural, and video form) written by and for Chinese speakers.
- Employ strategies to express ideas orally and in writing related to familiar topics in presentational contexts.
- Employ strategies to express ideas in interpersonal contexts in culturally appropriate ways, including identifying and signaling comprehension breakdown, asking and answering questions, and requesting information.
- Understand and communicate the basics of Chinese-speaking cultures, modes of life, and customs.
- Develop intercultural awareness through the study of the similarities and differences among and the relationships between language and culture systems.
- Be prepared to continue developing Chinese language skills and cultural understanding in CHIN 1002.
Course Materials
Course Text: Integrated Chinese Volume One 4th Edition (Simplified) Boston: Cheng & Tsui Co., 2010.
Information on how to purchase the text is available on our Canvas site.
All course materials (discussions, assignments, grades etc.) will be hosted in Canvas.
Evaluation Criteria
Class participation & dictation (4) 20% Mid-term exam (Oral & Written) 25%
Quizzes (4) 20% Final exam (Oral & Written) 25%
Assignments 10%
Description of Graded Components
Attendance (10%) (dictation)
Regular attendance is crucial for success in language class, as it ensures consistent learning and participation. Students are expected to attend all scheduled class meetings punctually and participate actively in the drills, conversational practices, discussions, and other class activities.
Each absence afterward will cause ONE point to be taken from your final grade. Students have insufficient attendance (lower than 1/3) and without any documentation provided before Week Seven cannot take the Oral Exam and the Final Project. A student with full attendance during the semester will receive ONE point of the total score.
Participation (10%) (dictation)
Active participation in class discussions and activities is essential for deepening your understanding of the language and culture. Students are encouraged to engage actively both in and outside of class to earn extra credits. You can participate in conversational practices with the Chinese Student Association, share Chinese podcasts, write weekend journals, or join cultural events throughout the semester. Equally important is your commitment to completing assignments, practicing regularly, and engaging in independent study, as these activities reinforce your learning and prepare you for future lessons.
Assignments (10%)
The homework is required to help you grasp the new vocabulary and grammar better from each lesson. It’s also a good way to practice your character writing. Students are expected to finish the Workbook tasks after each lesson; submit your assignment on Canvas.
Mid-term Oral Exam ( 5% )
In the 8th Week of the semester, you will participate in an instructor-graded Oral Examination. During this assessment, you’re listening and speaking skills, as well as your understanding of the course content, will be evaluated through an interview on selected topics.
Mid-term Written exam 20%
After students have completed the first four lessons, they need to review and reinforce their understanding of the approximately150 new words and 26 grammar points they have learned. A midterm exam will be used to assess their mastery of the content from these four lessons.
Test: 4 Quizzes 4 (20%)
Tests are given at the end of every two lessons; there will be 4 tests. The final test will be a comprehensive exam covering the lessons taught in the textbook.
Final Presentation (5%)
Individual or pair presentation (5-8 minutes). Select listed topics and use the vocabulary and grammar you have accumulated throughout this semester as much as possible. You will provide written comments and feedback on the presentations of all peers.
Fina Written exam 20%
After completing the seven lessons, students will review and reinforce what they have learned, including nearly 280 new vocabulary words and 47 grammar points. A final exam will be used to assess their mastery of the seven lessons and to help prepare them for a smooth transition into the CHIN1002 next semester.
Grading Scale
Your final grade will be assigned as a letter grade according to the following scale:
A 90-100%
B 80-89%
C 70-79%
D 60-69%
F 0-59%
Attendance /or Participation
Although an online course offers greater flexibility, please remember that your timely participation and online engagement is key to your success in this course, as well as that of your classmates.
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.