Chinese IV Syllabus
In the fourth year, students use Live Interactive Chinese and Happy Beijing as their textbooks, putting everything they have learned into contemporary context that will be meaningful to them. The students will continue to communicate among themselves in Chinese. They will continue to explore the products and practices of Chinese culture through special projects. They will be facilitated in making further connections and more astute comparisons between their own culture and Chinese, and they will be offered the opportunity to engage directly with someone from China in the form of an on-line pen pal from Beijing. This will help inspire in each student the desire for life-long Chinese learning. Practical reenforcement of what they have learned will be emphasized and additional cultural exposure will be sought though films, exhibitions, and other internet resources.
1st Trimester we will get practice using what they have learned through application of the language using lessons from the textbook Happy Beijing. Lessons include those on learning language, identifying objects, expressing desires, making an invitation, ordering food, giving congratulations.
2nd Trimester we will focus on cultural studies and trip planning and comparisons between Chinese and Western culture, continuing to use Happy Chinese. Changing money, visiting a bank, prepare for a trip, shopping and bargaining, buying tickets, reserving a room at a hotel. Aspects of Chinese culture continue to be explored.
Grading: There will be assessment quizzes, tests, in class practice and drills, homework and special projects. Each of these will have an impact on your grade. Grades will be based on the following: homework 25%, in-class participation 25%, tests and quizzes 25%, special projects (if applicable) %25.
Homework: Homework will focus on reading and writing practice. It is very important to learn correct stroke order and to pay careful attention to penmanship. Carelessly dashed off homework assignments, even if complete and correct in a technical sense, will not receive full marks.
Illness, etc.: There is much ground to cover over the course of the year. Participation in class is the only way you will be able to acquire all the necessary skills in order to move on. Too many absences and you will inevitably fall behind causing your progress to suffer. All homework assignments are progressive so those missed due to an absence will have to be made up. You are responsible for all work due on days when you are absent. If you know in advance that you will be absent on a particular day I will try to give you your homework assignment in advance so you can keep up.
Contact Information: Guo-Qing Heaton, (718) 462-1849, gheaton@lrei.org