2011-2012 Course Syllabus

Syllabus for Chinese 3

2011-2012

Sharon Meng (Meng Lǎoshī)

Room 244

Planning periods: 6^th, 7^th and 8^th

Email: smeng@gsgis.k12.va.us                       Phone: 354-6800 Ext.3304

Course Description:

            This course is based on textbook 跟我学汉语 Gen Wo Xue Hanyu 3 (Learn Chinese with Me 3) and several other commonly used high school Chinese textbooks. Building upon the foundations in Chinese 1 and 2, students develop language skills necessary to carry out oral and written activities and utilize analytical and abstract thinking skills. Students read a variety of authentic materials to broaden their range of vocabulary in Standard Mandarin. Students focus on conversation and compositional skills by preparing dialogues and short compositions about selected topics. Students review all characters learned from Chinese 1 and 2 and learn an additional 250 to 275 characters.

Textbook(s): Students will be given instructor-made handouts and worksheets. Students are only responsible for material introduced in the handouts. 

Web Page: http://menglaoshichinese3.blogspot.com/

Also linked to school webpage: http://www.gsgis.k12.va.us/ (click on Faculty Webpage)

Major Themes:

1.      Personal Life

2.      Family and Friends

3.      School and Community

4.      The World Around Us

Assessment/Evaluation Procedures:

Students will be evaluated on homework, class participation, quizzes, tests and projects.

Late work policy:

• Students are responsible for making up all work missed during an excused absence.
• Following an excused absence, students should complete any missing homework assignments and/or class work within a week after returning to class. Students will receive a zero for any incomplete work.
• It is very important for students to keep up with their daily learning, and homework assignments are due on their due dates. Late assignments can be turned in one class late for 75% of total grades. Assignment turned in the next class will receive 50% of total grades. No work will be accepted after that.
• Students with special circumstances that prevent them from completing a homework assignment should speak to Meng Laoshi before class.

Classroom Expectations:

1. Students should respect the teacher and one another
2. Students should be punctual and come prepared to class
3. Students should actively participate in all classroom activities
4. Students should not eat, drink or chew gum during instruction (water bottles are okay)

Homework Guidelines:

• Punctuality: Bring the assignment the day it is due. Meng Laoshi will only accept work that is completed in full.

• Identification: Your name, date that the assignment is due must be no the paper that you turn in.
• Legibility: Write as neatly as possible. Character sheet grades are based on both completion and accuracy.

Materials Needed:

1.      One 1” three ring binder

2.      5 subject index divider 

3.      Index cards for making flashcards

4.      4 dry erase markers (dark, easy to see colors, such as red, blue, black, green. No yellow or light pink please)

5.      One composition book for additional character writing practice

Useful tips for learning Chinese:

• Keep a well-organized binder, keep all handouts, notes, worksheets and characters sheets in their place.
• Spend 15-20 minutes daily reviewing characters and words for recognition
• Continue to practice tones. Record yourself or practice with a friend who is also taking Chinese.
• Check the class website at least once a week.
• Keep updated with Chinese current events.