About Chin303 課程介紹

Chinese 303 |   三年中文: 大中華地區的商業和傳播媒體

課程題目Course Topics  We will focus on FOUR topics:

Topic #1: 大中華地區的歷史和經濟發展
Topic #2: 履歷表, 求職信和工作面試
Topic #3: 新生代創意文化
Topic #4: 媒體,戶聯網和政府管制

字典和網上工具Dictionary and Tools  – Chinese-Tools.com xuezhongwen.net (or www.mdbg.net) | zhongwenweb.com | Dict.cnnciku.com | www.zhongwen.com

For a hardcopy dictionary see Chinese Characters: A Genealogy and Dictionary by Rick Harbaugh

課程內容和目標Course Description and Objectives  Chinese 303 is designed for students who have completed at least two years of Mandarin at the college level or equivalent to further develop listening, reading, writing and oral communication skills at the advanced level. Emphasis is on reading, writing and group discussion. All 300-level courses include a more rigorous reading and writing component, and require students to participate in lengthier class discussions. Students who do not have prior study abroad experience or have not taken any other 200-level courses other than 201-202 should consult the instructor to make sure their placement in this course is appropriate.

The texts selected in this course will give students glimpses into the contemporary Chinese societies in the Greater China region, with special attention to practices and terminology used in the world of business and media. Additionally, exposures to contemporary political and social issues as well as familiarity with business etiquette are integral parts of this course. Students are expected to bring the knowledge they have gained, from previous Asian Studies courses, from their study abroad experience or from the background reading required for the course, into class discussion and essay writing. As we study the linguistic elements in each lesson, we will also compare and contrast different ideas, customs and value systems, and explore areas of interest within the parameters of our topic. The ultimate goal for the course is for students to gain a deepened knowledge of these two target regions and to develop better communicative skills and proficiency in Chinese related to these specific topics discussed in the course. Selected grammatical units from Chinese Grammar Made Easy will be used as supplemental exercises.

The course will explore four major topics:
1. Economic development in the Greater China area;
2. Job application, resume, business etiquette and work ethics;
3. New China’s cultural scene – pop music and experimental musicians;
4. Media, the Internet and government censorship.

These topics and related issues will be presented in a broader cultural context, presented in various media and formats, including online news articles, blogs, youtube or tudou video clips, TV/radio programs, e-commerce websites and ads. Students need to read background information (in English) and research on certain topics to ensure adequate understanding for class discussions and essay writing. The linguistic goal of the course is for students to build further proficiency and independence in deciphering authentic materials and to use the language with enhanced accuracy and confidence in professional settings and daily discourse. Through class discussions,  individual and group projects, presentations, and other communicative tasks, students are expected to learn a core set of materials, but will also be permitted to focus on topics and subject matter reflecting their own interests and proficiency levels.

Students are expected to bring the knowledge they have gained, from previous Asian Studies courses, from their study abroad experience or from the background reading required for the course, into class discussion and essay writing. As we study the linguistic elements in each lesson, we will also compare and contrast different ideas, customs and value systems, and explore areas of interest within the parameters of our topic. The ultimate goal for the course is for students to gain a deepened knowledge of contemporary Chinese culture and to develop better communicative skills and proficiency in Chinese related to these specific topics discussed in the course.

Chinese 301, 303, 305 and 307 are not taught as sequential courses. However, students majoring in FLIA/Chinese, Chinese/Language & Culture, East Asian Language or minoring in Chinese are strongly encouraged to take one each semester in any order (307 first, or 305 first, or 303 first, or 301 first), depending on course scheduling and availability. At least one 300-level course is to be offered each semester, and will be repeated every two years. A tentative schedule for these courses is as follows: 303 for fall ’11, 305 for spring ’12, 301 for fall ’12, and so on. I am planning on proposing a new 300-level course, Chinese 309, tentatively entitled, Chicken Claw and Lion’s Head: Food and Chinese Culture. If approved, it will replace Chinese 305 and to be offered in spring 2012.

Since students for this class often come in with different levels of fluency and preparation, it is essential that evaluation includes not only in-class tests and group exercises, but also individual presentations and projects. Students’ individual effort and progress will be closely monitored throughout the semester.  Although different expectations and standards may be applied to students of different levels and backgrounds, all students should strive to improve in the following areas:

  • Reading: Read with greater speed, efficiency and independence.
  • Writing: Use vocabulary that is more sophisticated, write longer sentences, and express clearly key points with elaboration; be able to discuss and comment on a topic; go for accuracy, clarity rather than length.
  • Communication: Acquire background knowledge on a variety of topics to ensure better comprehension and more ease in oral delivery.

All goals set for this course are aimed for students to obtain proficiency at the ACTFL Advanced Level.

課程要求Course Requirements  Class will be conducted primarily in Chinese. Regular and punctual attendance as well as active participation in all classes will be expected of all students. Lesson topics will be supplemented with traditional Chinese culture and contemporary issues. Students are expected to spend at least 8 hours per week studying outside of class, including previewing, preparing, and reviewing assignments, and in appointments with the instructor, if required. Group projects and other assigned teamwork will require additional time for collaboration. Much of the coursework is to be completed by the student on his own outside of the class. Strong motivation, self-discipline and daily preparation will ensure a successful learning experience in this class. Students should be prepared to participate, comment and contribute ideas in every class and during group project sessions.

上課方式和學生參與Class Format and Student Participation  The instructor will conduct most tasks in Chinese and students are expected to use only Chinese in class. Students are not only expected to speak up when called on but to actively participate in class and to communicate in Chinese at all times with their instructor and classmates. Students’ efforts in expressing themselves in Chinese will be evaluated as part their class performance grade. Please do not eat or chew gums during class, as it will be difficult for you to speak up with clarity and promptness. Do not hesitate to approach the instructor at the end of the class to clarify any questions you may have. We will utilize the electronic turn-around classroom for computer-based individual and group work during class. You may bring your own laptop to class; however, you should only use the computer for class-related work. Do not use the computer to check email, type other papers or to browse unrelated web sites.

電腦教室Our SMART Classroom  The majority of the assignments from this course will involve the use of a computer that has an Internet connection. You will need to go to the computer labs on campus to complete your work. The Wyatt electronic classrooms (Wy209, Wy203, and Wy201) are not intended for after class lab use. All PCs on campus will allow you to do work in Chinese; however, PCs in the Media Center (Library basement) and McIntyre 324 (open 24 hours) work best for listening, typing and recording. You may need to bring your own headphones. Please keep one handy in your backpack. Microphones are available for purchase at the bookstore; you can also check one out at the Media Desk. For those who prefer to use their own computers, please visit the Computer Info Page to download pinyin and character fonts.

上課出席缺席規定Attendance Policy (M W F 3 days of class per week)  Your preparation and participation are a major part of your class performance. Complete the readings and assignments according to the designated schedules. You are graded in each class; the instructor will assess how well you have prepared for the class, your level of participation, and the quality of interaction between you and your classmates. You are expected to be in class on time everyday. Being more than ten minutes late (without a valid excuse) counts as half an absence; 20 minutes an absence.

  • Missing even one class will affect your participation grade. If you have to miss a class, please notify the instructor and turn in late assignments as soon as possible, also contact a classmate right away to go over what was covered and assigned. Go to the tutor to make up for the absence within two weeks.
  • Always ask for permission in advance for classes you know you will have to miss and make appropriate arrangements for missed work. In case of illness, only those who provide documentation will be excused.
  • If you miss two or more consecutive classes, you will need to make an arrangement with the instructor for extra work to make up for the absences. Missing three consecutive classes or more might result in your withdrawal from the class by the instructor.
  • It is your responsibility to obtain class notes and prepare any work assigned or due during the period of your absence.

補考Make-up Policy  Make-up tests must be arranged with the instructor in advance of the scheduled test time. All make-ups must be taken before graded tests are returned to the class except in the case of officially documented medical emergencies or University business. In case of illness or unplanned incidences, please contact your instructor for make-up work as soon as possible. Make-up tests are granted only at the discretion of the instructor. There will be no make-up or rescheduling given on final examination.

學生成績 Evaluation and Grading  Evaluation of this course is based on class preparation, in-class tasks and discussions, individual/group written assignments and oral presentations, and topic projects. No midterm or final examinations are given.

Grade points are roughly based on the following:

Attendance & Preparation (outside of class)

15%

Participation & Discussions (in-class)

25%

Presentations & Projects

50%

Progress/Teacher Assessment

10%

Grading scale is as followed:

94-100% = A 87-89% = B+ 77-79% =C+ 67-69% = D+
90-93% = A- 84-86% = B 74-76% = C 64-66% = D
80-83% = B- 70-73% = C- 60-63% = D-
Below 60%= F

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *