CHIN

This course is designed to prepare the fourth year Chinese students for further language and cultural studies at graduate level and help them achieve the “Advanced-plus” level of proficiency in Mandarin Chinese, meaning the students should be able to perform all Advanced-level tasks (including reading, listening, speaking and writing) with linguistic ease, confidence, and competence. In order to achieve this goal, it is necessary for the students to be able to read original and authentic Chinese writings and to understand thoroughly the grammatical, idiomatic and cultural dimensions of these writings, further developing their linguistic and analytical skills based on the readings. This course will cover the most representative prose writings in modern Chinese literary history. They are all written by major writers and will give the students a unique opportunity to get access to the essence of Chinese cultures as well as the charm of the language itself.

Students will be introduced to a few significant topics concerning Chinese culture and history written in different genres and styles by the major writers. All the texts are original and unabridged. Vocabulary list will be provided with the texts in both traditional and simplified Chinese. Class instruction and discussion, conducted only in Chinese, will focus on the literary close reading, accompanied with a less proportion of grammar practices. The texts will also serve as models of writing and literary creation. All the materials used in this course will be uploaded to the Moodle site.

Course Requirement

I. Preparation 課堂準備
You are expected to come to the class well prepared. Preparation includes, but not limited to (1) studying vocabulary carefully until you recognize characters and understand the meaning of each word; (2) reading the text thoroughly until you understand the main topic and content; (3) before the second or third meeting of each lesson, you should prepare for discussing related topics and expressing your opinions in both oral and written forms. Your preparation is crucial to your success in this class.

II. Attendance and Performance 出勤和表現
Regular attendance is mandatory. An excused absence will be granted if the instructor is contacted ahead of time and an adequate explanation and documentation of a valid reason are provided. You may be required to do additional work or meet with the instructor during the office hour to make up for your absence. Students are expected to show their efforts on preview, review and active in-class participation during the semester.

III. Homework 作業
Please check the Moodle site for the homework assignments and the due day, which will also be emphasized during the class. Almost every class meeting will have homework due. Late, incomplete, or sub-standard homework will not receive full credit.

IV. Vocabulary Quiz 生詞測驗
A vocabulary quiz will be given for each lesson. The dates are on the course schedule.

V. Tests 考試
Two Tests will be given to examine how the students understand the content of the text, vocabulary, and cultural background. Please check the course schedule for the dates.

VI. Writing Projects 寫作
Students will be required to complete two formal writing projects for this class. Please check the schedule for the topic and the due day. Two drafts, the first and the final, are required. You can type them with computer, but need to hand in the hardcopy in class. The grading criteria will be given to students and explained in class.

VII. Final Presentation 期末報告
The students will be required to give an individual presentation and take part in discussions and comments at the end of the semester. Detailed instructions will be provided before the event.

VIII. Final Exams 期末考試
The registration office will schedule the final exam for this semester but may have it rescheduled to accommodate individual travel plans upon request.

IX. Chinese Table 中文桌子
The Chinese Table will be held at 12:30pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays (in Room 4 on Wed and 209 on Thursdays) in Sharples Dining Hall, starting from Week 2 (9/7). This is a wonderful opportunity for you to practice Chinese with teachers and fellow students outside the classroom.

Grading

Attendance 5%
Participation 15%
Homework 15%
Vocabulary Quiz 5%
Mid-term Test 15%
Writing Project 10 %
In-class Presentation 15%
Final Exam 20%