Syllabus

This subject is the second semester of two that form an introduction to modern standard Chinese, commonly called Mandarin. Though not everyone taking this course will be an absolute beginner, the course presupposes only 21F.101/151, the beginning course in the sequence. Students with some prior knowledge of Mandarin (typically gained from growing up in a Chinese speaking community), but no reading (or writing) ability should take the streamlined beginning subject, 21F.107/157, offered in the Fall – or, if they have the background, the sequel to that subject, 21F.108/158.

The purpose of this course is to develop: (a) basic conversational abilities (pronunciation, fundamental grammatical patterns, common vocabulary, and standard usage); (b) basic reading skills (in both the traditional character set and the simplified); (c) an understanding of the way the Chinese writing system is structured, and the ability to copy and write characters; and (d) a sense of what learning a language like Chinese entails, and the sort of learning processes that it involves, so students are able to continue studying effectively on their own.

The Textbook

The main text in this course is J. K. Wheatley's Learning Chinese: A Foundation Course in Mandarin, part II (unpublished, but available online). (Part I of the book forms the basis of 21F.101/151, which is also published on OpenCourseWare.)

Assignments

All students will be asked to participate regularly in the online discussion forum which will cover (a) observations, questions, and reflections based on your study of the language and culture, the written and other materials that you use, as well as the presentations and activities that take place in the classroom; and (b) responses to exercises and other assignments. The textbook contains exercises designed to check on your mastery of each section. These are not assigned as such, but you are expected to do at least a part of each to test the waters; in some cases, you will want to do them all. The discussions will be monitored, and your contributions will be evaluated as part of your class grade.

Quizzes and Tests

As the calendar shows, there are five tests, evenly spaced over the course of the term, and an oral interview. There are also frequent short quizzes (not always announced) which are designed to keep you from falling behind and to diagnose difficulties. Quizzes contribute to your class grade. There is no final examination this term. Written tests will cover pinyin transcription (including tone), grammatical knowledge, usage (choice of words), appropriateness (choice of expression in a context), comprehension, reading in characters, and writing characters. The oral interview will test pronunciation, fluency, accuracy, and appropriateness of speech, and comprehension.

Grading

The course grade will be based on class performance, and on tests. A grade for class performance will be based on attendance (including promptness), and preparedness. Other factors may come in to play, eg: improvement versus stagnation over the semester, and progress relative to starting level. Quizzes or tests missed without written excuse cannot be made up. Attendance and promptness is assumed; more than four unexcused absences (a week's worth) lowers your grade one letter; significant lateness will add up to absences.