Chinese Language in Context - Novice Abroad III

Center: 
Kunming
Program(s): 
Kunming Summer - China & Southeast Asian Development
Kunming Summer - Environmental Studies
Discipline(s): 
Chinese Language
Course code: 
CN 201
Terms offered: 
Summer
Credits: 
3
Language of instruction: 
English
Instructor: 
TBD
Description: 

This class is intended to be a course in Chinese language for non-Chinese speaking students who have studied Chinese two or three semesters. The course will give students basic tools that are immediately useful as well as stabilize their existing foundation. The lessons encompass many new sentence patterns, more than 700 new words, as well as activity objectives. This class is designed to gain ability to hold higher level of daily conversations with native speakers, such as: (a) interviewing local people; (b) discussions about “arriving in Beijing”, “terms of address”, “traffic safety”, etc.; (c) writing essays on given topics; and (d) making up stories or describing in detail based on given pictures, encouraging students to finish assignments creatively with newly learned structures and vocabulary. Through these exercises, students will be able to communicate with local Chinese people on certain social topics. For example, they will be able to talk about cultural differences between China and U.S.

Research has demonstrated that study abroad can enhance every aspect of language ability. One of the most important general findings of this research is, however, that study abroad is most beneficial for the development of abilities related to social interaction. Students who go abroad can learn to do things with words, such as requesting, apologizing, or offering compliments, and they may also learn to interpret situations calling such speech acts in ways that local people do…In short, and logically, study abroad has been show to enhance the aspects of communicative competence that are most difficult to foster in classroom settings (IES Abroad MAP for Language and Intercultural Communication, p. 6).

Student Profile
This course is designed for students with a basic foundation of the language. Students who can already use a few basic words and phrases, and who can understand very simple requests and responses are appropriate for this level. Students entering this course are also able to read and interpret the basic meaning of simple sentences and phrases in class—at times relying on pinyin--and may recognize a limited range of characters in the community. Students who have studied the language in high school or in college but never continued to build their skills may find this level appropriate. The language assessment process will determine the appropriate level for each individual student.

This course builds upon the skills introduced in Novice Abroad II. By the end of the course, the successful student will have built a solid basic foundation in the five skills: intercultural communication, reading, writing, listening and speaking to accomplish a variety of everyday needs in the host culture as described in the learning outcomes below and should be capable of entering the Novice Abroad IV.

Prerequisites: 

Decided by placement test.

Learning outcomes: 

By the end of the course, students will be able to achieve some of the outcomes for the Novice Abroad level as defined by the MAP for Language and Intercultural Communication. The key learning outcomes from the MAP are summarized below:

I.    Intercultural Communication

   A. Students will be able to meet simple everyday needs using verbal and non-verbal communication, and they will be able to use compensatory strategies when they do not know the word or expression (paraphrasing, repetition, talking around the point, body language etc.).
   B. Students can recognize some appropriate and inappropriate expressions and behaviors in the host language.
   C. Students will be able to distinguish between many simple representations of formality and informality in the language.
   D. Students will identify some differences between cultural stereotypes and generalizations between the home culture and the host culture.
   E. Students will start to make informed comparisons between their host culture and the home culture.

II.    Listening

   A. Students will be able to understand many simple statements, requests, descriptions, and questions in specific cultural context relevant to them (hosts’ interactions, Center interactions, studying, shopping, transportation, meals), and within a familiar environment at times.
   B. Students will be able to use context to understand the gist of some basic spoken language they overhear, including some standard television programs, simple exchanges between others, and basic announcements.

III.    Speaking

   A. Students will be able to use simple phrases appropriately in everyday situations with increasing accuracy (home, the IES Abroad Center, and the wider community).
   B. Students will be able to express simple needs by asking questions, and get what they need in uncomplicated, everyday situations.

IV.    Reading
   A. Students will be able to identify and understand words and simple sentences relevant to their studies and with a broader understanding of the writing system covered explicitly in class.

V.    Writing

   A. Students will be able to write short texts about concrete topics, such as themselves, their families, their friends, their likes, dislikes, plans, experiences and their daily routines.
   B. Students will be able to send simple emails and text messages.
   C. Students will be able to write with increased accuracy, although using some native language structures.

Method of presentation: 

Lecture, Drill, Language activity, Field trip, Discussion, Tutoring, Written and oral assignments, Audio and video materials, Translation.

Required work and form of assessment: 
  • Attendance                 15%
  • Participation                 15%
  • Dictation                 25%
  • Homework                25%
  • 2 Tests                20%

 Grading Scale:
        A        95-100
        A-      90-94.9
        B+     87-89.9
        B        84-86.9
        B-      81-83.9
        C+     78-80.9
        C        75-77.9
        C-      70-74.9
        D        60-69.9
        F

CHINESE CLASS RULES AND REGULATIONS

Attendance and Participation:

  • After FIRST unexcused absence, a letter of warning will be issued, and the student will be required to have an administrative review.
  • After the SECOND unexcused absence, there will be a formal administrative review hearing with the program director. A possible consequence of that hearing is dismissal from the program.
  • After the 4th incidence of tardiness, an administrative review hearing will be held with the possible consequence probation.

Illnesses:

  • Go to hospital and get a letter authorizing your absence by a doctor. Submit it to your teacher, then your absence will be excused.
  • Inform your RA, or your homestay parents to write you a note and hand it to your Chinese teacher the very next time of class. Then, your absence will be excused.
  • No non-illness related absences. You are required to prepare for next day’s class and participate actively in class.

Dictation:

  • One Dictation worth 100 points.
  • If you are late or absent, you will probably miss it.
  • But if you are late or absent due to your excused illness (with prescription or a note), you can ask your teacher to give you a make-up one.
  • Correct your dictation and hand it in before the next test = 3 points bonus

Homework:

  • Do it carefully and hand it in on time (before lecture starts)= ?/100 points
  • Forget to do it or take it to school, hand in to your teacher the next day before lecture starts= ?/50 points
  • Correct homework, and hand it in before next test. You will have bonus = +3 points

Oral and written tests:

  • Oral takes 40% and written takes 60%
  • Correct the tests and you will get 3 extra points

Chinese Classroom regulations:

  • Attend class on time, inform your teacher if you can not attend.
  • Hand in homework on time
  • Preview and review on a daily basis
  • Listen to the audio text before class
  • Be cooperative in class, answer questions and follow the rules
  • Dress appropriately, no cap, slippers or pajamas in class
  • Do not eat in class
  • Respect your teacher and the other students in your class, mute your cell phone in class

CHINESE CLASS RUBRICS

Rubrics for writing assignments

90-100分

Excellent-Communicative; reflects awareness of certain aspects; well organized and coherent; contains a range of grammatical structures with minor errors that do not impede comprehension; good vocabulary range.

优——与读者的交流性强，内容反映有关问题；条理性，组织性极强，语法结构非常丰富，少量小错误不影响理解；使用丰富的词汇。

80-89.9 分

Good-Comprehensible; some awareness of certain aspects; adequate organization and coherence; adequate use of grammatical structures with some major errors that do not impede comprehension; limited vocabulary range.

良——易于理解；能反映有关问题；组织合理，条理较清晰；语法结构较丰富，可能出现较大错误，但不会影响理解；词汇使用范围有限。

70-79.9分

Fair-Somewhat comprehensible; little awareness of certain aspects; some problems with organization and coherence; reflects basic use of grammatical structures with very limited range and major errors that at times impede comprehension; basic vocabulary used.

可——意思还可被理解；几乎不能清楚反映有关问题；组织调理欠佳；能使用基本语法，但语法结构使用范围有限，出现的较大错误有的时候会影响理解；只能使用基本词汇。

Bellow 70

低于 70分

Poor-Barely comprehensible; no awareness of certain aspects; lacks organization and coherence; basic use of grammatical structures with many minor and major errors that often impede comprehension; basic to poor vocabulary range.

差——意思表达不清，影响理解；不能反映有关问题；缺乏组织条理性；只能使用基本语法结构，但大错小错不断，时常影响理解；词汇使用差。

Rubrics for Oral Tests

Pronunciation发音

90-100

Excellent- No consistent or conspicuous mispronunciation; approaches native-like pronunciation with good intonation and juncture.

优——没有一贯性的或者明显的发音错误，语音语调及抑扬顿挫很接近母语者。

80-89.9

Good- Some identifiable deviations in pronunciation. Non-native accent evident with occasional mispronunciations that do not interfere with understanding.

良——有一些较明显的发音偏误。偶尔出现的发音错误虽然不影响理解，但是很容易就暴露了非母语者的身份。

70-79.9

Fair-Identifiable deviations in pronunciation. Non-native accent requires careful listening and mispronunciations lead to occasional misunderstanding.

可——有明显的发音偏误。非母语者的发音需要仔细聆听，但是错误的发音还是偶尔会导致听话人的误解。

低于70

Poor-Frequent pronunciation errors with a heavy non-native accent. Many phonemic errors that make understanding difficult.

差——非母语的口音很重，发音错误频繁。发音方法的错误导致理解困难。

Fluency

流利度

90-100

Excellent-Speech is effortless and smooth with speed that approaches that of a native speaker.

优——言语输出轻松顺利，语速接近母语者。

80-89.9

Good-Speech is mostly smooth but with some hesitation and unevenness caused primarily by rephrasing and groping for words.

良——言语输出基本流畅，但由于说话者需要时间遣词造句，说话过程中会伴有一些犹豫和停顿。

70-79.9

Fair-Speech is slow and often hesitant and jerky. Sentences may be left uncompleted, but speaker is able to continue however haltingly.

可——言语输出缓慢，时常表现为吞吞吐吐，磕磕巴巴。句子可能是不完整的，但是说话者仍然能继续这个话题。

低于70

Poor-Speech is very slow and exceedingly halting, strained and stumbling except for short or memorized expressions. Difficult for a listener to perceive continuity in utterances and speaker may not be able to continue.

差——言语输出非常缓慢，停顿极多，除非是经过熟记的表达。听话者很难得到完整性的内容，而说话者也可能无法完成完整地表述。

Grammar/ Language Use

语法、

语言使用

90-100

Excellent-Very strong command of grammatical structure and some evidence of difficult. Complex patterns and idioms. Makes infrequent errors that do not impede comprehension.

优——熟练掌握语法结构和复杂的句式和习惯表达法。不常出现的偏误也不会影响理解。

80-89.9

Good-Good command of grammatical structures but with imperfect control of some patterns. Less evidence of complex patterns and idioms. Limited number of errors that are not serious and do not impede comprehension.

良——良好掌握语法结构，但是对一些复杂句式，习惯表达法的掌握还不牢固。有限的偏误不属于严重的影响理解的偏误。

70-79.9

Fair-Fair control of most basic syntactic patterns. Speaker always conveys meaning in simple sentences; some important grammatical patterns are uncontrolled and errors may occasionally impede comprehension.

可——基本掌握基本语法模式，较多使用简单句，不能掌握重要语法句式，出现的偏误会影响理解。

低于70

Poor-Any accuracy is limited to set or memorized expressions; limited control of even basic syntactic patterns. Frequent errors impede comprehension.

差——表达的准确性差，包括经过熟记的表达。对基本语法句式的使用能力有限，常见错误影响理解。

Vocabulary

词汇

90-100

Excellent-Very good range of vocabulary with evidence of sophistication and native-like expression. Strong command of idiomatic expressions. In-frequent use of circumlocution because particular words are rarely lacking.

优——词汇量很大，使用的词汇有深度，而且词汇使用接近母语者。对习惯用语，如成语的掌握熟练。用词准确，很少使用模糊概念。

80-89.9

Good-Good range of vocabulary with limited evidence of sophistication. Some expressions distinctly nonnative-like but always comprehensible. Limited evidence of idiomatic expressions. Speaker is comfortable with circumlocution when lacking a particular word.

良——词汇量较大，但深度有限。一些表达不太地道，但是不影响理解。对习惯用语的掌握有限。说或者自如使用模糊性、解释性语言来代替准确的概念性词汇。

70-79.9

Fair-Adequate range of vocabulary with no evidence of sophistication. Some distinctly nonnative expressions or errors in word choice may impede comprehension. No evidence of idiomatic expressions. Speaker has difficulty with circumlocution when lacking a particular word.

可——词汇量一般，深度不够。一些不地道的遣词造句会影响理解。不能使用包括成语在内的习惯用语。当表达出现词汇空缺时，也很难用解释性的语言继续表达。

低于70

Poor-Limited range of vocabulary. Lack of repertoire and frequent errors in word choice often impede comprehension. Speaker shows no attempt in circumlocution when lacking a particular word.

差——词汇量有限，表达中会出现内容缺失，失误，也会影响理解。当表达出现词汇空缺时，说话者根本不尝试使用解释性语言来继续谈话。

Total Average

总平均分

  

Rubrics for Oral Reports and Presentations

Pronunciation发音

90-100

Excellent- No consistent or conspicuous mispronunciation; approaches native-like pronunciation with good intonation and juncture.

优——没有一贯性的或者明显的发音错误，语音语调及抑扬顿挫很接近母语者。

80-89.9

Good- Some identifiable deviations in pronunciation. Non-native accent evident with occasional mispronunciations that do not interfere with understanding.

良——有一些较明显的发音偏误。偶尔出现的发音错误虽然不影响理解，但是很容易就暴露了非母语者的身份。

70-79.9

Fair-Identifiable deviations in pronunciation. Non-native accent requires careful listening and mispronunciations lead to occasional misunderstanding.

可——有明显的发音偏误。非母语者的发音需要仔细聆听，但是错误的发音还是偶尔会导致听话人的误解。

低于70

Poor-Frequent pronunciation errors with a heavy non-native accent. Many phonemic errors that make understanding difficult.

差——非母语的口音很重，发音错误频繁。发音方法的错误导致理解困难。

Fluency

流利度

90-100

Excellent-Speech is effortless and smooth with speed that approaches that of a native speaker. No need for notes.

优——言语输出轻松顺利，语速接近母语者，不需要提示。

80-89.9

Good-Speech is mostly smooth but with some hesitation and unevenness caused primarily by rephrasing and groping for words. Some notes are needed.

良——言语输出基本流畅，但由于说话者需要时间遣词造句，说话过程中会伴有一些犹豫和停顿, 需要一些提示。

70-79.9

Fair-Speech is slow and often hesitant and jerky. Sentences may be left uncompleted, but speaker is able to continue however haltingly. Need many notes.

可——言语输出缓慢，时常表现为吞吞吐吐，磕磕巴巴。句子可能是不完整的，但是说话者仍然能继续这个话题，需要提示较多。

低于70

Poor-Speech is very slow and exceedingly halting, strained and stumbling except for short or memorized expressions. Difficult for a listener to perceive continuity in utterances and speaker may not be able to continue. Rely on notes.

差——言语输出非常缓慢，停顿极多，除非是经过熟记的表达。听话者很难得到完整性的内容，而说话者也可能无法完成完整地表述,完全依赖于提示。

Grammar/ Language Use

语法、

语言使用

90-100

Excellent-Very strong command of grammatical structure and some evidence of difficult. Complex patterns and idioms. Makes infrequent errors that do not impede comprehension.

优——熟练掌握语法结构和复杂的句式和习惯表达法。不常出现的偏误也不会影响理解。

80-89.9

Good-Good command of grammatical structures but with imperfect control of some patterns. Less evidence of complex patterns and idioms. Limited number of errors that are not serious and do not impede comprehension.

良——良好掌握语法结构，但是对一些复杂句式，习惯表达法的掌握还不牢固。有限的偏误不属于严重的影响理解的偏误。

70-79.9

Fair-Fair control of most basic syntactic patterns. Speaker always conveys meaning in simple sentences; some important grammatical patterns are uncontrolled and errors may occasionally impede comprehension.

可——基本掌握基本语法模式，较多使用简单句，不能掌握重要语法句式，出现的偏误会影响理解。

低于70

Poor-Any accuracy is limited to set or memorized expressions; limited control of even basic syntactic patterns. Frequent errors impede comprehension.

差——表达的准确性差，包括经过熟记的表达。对基本语法句式的使用能力有限，常见错误影响理解。

Vocabulary

词汇

90-100

Excellent-Very good range of vocabulary with evidence of sophistication and native-like expression. Strong command of idiomatic expressions. In-frequent use of circumlocution because particular words are rarely lacking.

优——词汇量很大，使用的词汇有深度，而且词汇使用接近母语者。对习惯用语，如成语的掌握熟练。用词准确，很少使用模糊概念。

80-89.9

Good-Good range of vocabulary with limited evidence of sophistication. Some expressions distinctly nonnative-like but always comprehensible. Limited evidence of idiomatic expressions. Speaker is comfortable with circumlocution when lacking a particular word.

良——词汇量较大，但深度有限。一些表达不太地道，但是不影响理解。对习惯用语的掌握有限。说或者自如使用模糊性、解释性语言来代替准确的概念性词汇。

70-79.9

Fair-Adequate range of vocabulary with no evidence of sophistication. Some distinctly nonnative expressions or errors in word choice may impede comprehension. No evidence of idiomatic expressions. Speaker has difficulty with circumlocution when lacking a particular word.

可——词汇量一般，深度不够。一些不地道的遣词造句会影响理解。不能使用包括成语在内的习惯用语。当表达出现词汇空缺时，也很难用解释性的语言继续表达。

低于70

Poor-Limited range of vocabulary. Lack of repertoire and frequent errors in word choice often impede comprehension. Speaker shows no attempt in circumlocution when lacking a particular word.

差——词汇量有限，表达中会出现内容缺失，失误，也会影响理解。当表达出现词汇空缺时，说话者根本不尝试使用解释性语言来继续谈话。

内容

Content

90-100

Excellent-Communicative; reflects awareness of certain aspects; well organized and coherent.

优——与听众的交流性强，内容有效反映有关问题, 条理性，组织性极强。

80-89.9

Good-Comprehensible; some awareness of certain aspects; adequate organization and coherence.

良——易于理解，能反映有关问题，组织合理，调理较清晰。

70-79.9

Fair-Somewhat comprehensible; little awareness of certain aspects; some problems with organization and coherence.

可——意思还可被理解，几乎不能清楚反映有关问题，组织调理欠佳

低于70

Poor-Barely comprehensible; no awareness of certain aspects; lacks organization and coherence.

差——意思表达不清，影响理解，不能反映有关问题，缺乏组织条理性。

回答问题

Q&A

90-100

Attentive listener. Ask meaningful and sophisticated questions. Can give excellent answer to all prepared and improvisational questions. 积极认真地聆听其他人的报告，能提出深刻的问题。就别人对自己报告提出的所有问题也能做出准确的回答。

80-89.9

Good listener. Try to ask meaningful and sophisticated questions. Be able to handle all prepared and improvisational questions. 认真聆听他人的报告，努力尝试提出深刻问题。能对别人的提问给予相应的回答。

70-79.9

Showing some interests in other’s presentations. Occasionally raise some meaningful and sophisticated questions. Be able to answer some questions.能表现出对其他人的报告的兴趣，也偶尔能提出一些深刻的问题。能对一些提问做出回答。

低于70

Showing no interests in other’s presentations, and can’t raise any effective questions. Fail to answer any questions.对其他人的报告没有丝毫兴趣，也不能提出有效的问题。不能应对别人的提问。

Total Average

总平均分

  

 

content: 

Week 1

Content

Corresponding Learning Outcome(s)

Assignments

Week 1

1.Functional:

· Talk about a past experience

· Talk about impression

· Describe a place

· Make a phone call

· Talk about living conditions

· Compare things

· Express concern

· Give suggestions

· Talk about habits

· Talk about changes

· Express doubts

· Compare things

2.Grammatical:

· To emphasize an element of a sentence

· Time clause

· Adverbs of degree

· The expression of “it is said…”

· The expression of “fortunately”

· To emphasize the negative tone

· To narrate a past experience

· To make a comparison

· The expression of “until”

3.Vocabulary:

· Airport

· City

· Room condition

· Phone call expression

· Room condition

· Suggestion

· Campus environment

· Daily life

· Time

· Habit

4.Culture:

· The current condition and the development of the airports in Beijing

· The general impression of Beijing

Ⅰ.a

Ⅱ.a,b

Ⅲ.a

Ⅴ.a

I.a,b

Ⅱ.a,b

Ⅰ.c

Ⅳ

· Listen to audio materials

· Read and record the text.

· Pattern drills

· Translation

· Make dialogues

· Discuss about your first day in Beijing

· Write a shot essay

Week 2

1.Functional:

· Talk about direction and location

· At the post office

· Express an action lasts for a period of time

· Sequence of actions

· Explain problems

· Talk about one’s health

· Give suggestions

· State the cause and effect

· Express conjecture

· Talk about parks

· Talk about recreations

· Describe a place

2.Grammatical:

· The preposition “from”

· To make a comparison using “relatively”

· The expression of “have to/ do not need”

· To indicate an inquiry of degree in an interrogative sentence

· The expression of “more than”

· The expression of “had better to do” to give a suggestion

· The preposition “toward”

· The sequence of actions

· To describe location

· The expression of “often”

· The expression of “every; any”

· The expression of “some…some…”

· The complement to express that some one can (not) do some thing

· The expression of “only……” as an adverbial clause of condition

3.Vocabulary:

· Location

· Post office

· Inquiry

· Park

· Recreation

· Life in a big city

4.Culture

· How to ask about direction

· How to send a international letter in China

Ⅰ.a,b

Ⅱ.a,b

Ⅳ

Ⅲ.a,b

Ⅴ.b

· Listen to audio materials

· Read and record the text.

· Pattern drills

· Translation

· Make dialogues

· Draw a map and introduce using the expression we learnt

· Send a postcard in the post office

· Review and Test 1

Week 3

1.Functional:

· Talk about habits

· Analyze reasons of a social phenomenon

· Talk about changes

· Make a conclusion

· Talk about traffic

· Compare things

· find a better solution

· Make complains

· Change money in a bank

2.Grammatical:

· The usage of “mostly/ rarely”

· Expression of starting to do something

· The expression of “make (a situation happen)”

· The expression of “no wonder why”

· To emphasize the negative tone

· The expression of “it is unexpected that…”

· The expression of “reason”

· To make a comparison

· Action lasts for a period of time

· The expression of exclusive and inclusive

· The expression of “even”

· The expression of “day by day”

· The expression of “would rather”

· Action that is going to happen in a period of time

· The expression of “to bother”

3.Vocabulary:

· Daily life

· Change

· Habit

· Traffic

· Bank

· Taxi

· Problem

4.Culture

· The culture of tea

· Chinese people’s daily habit

· Different ways to talk about “bathroom” in Chinese

· The development of Chinese public health infrastructure

· The development of Beijing subway

· Banks in China

Ⅰ.a,b,d

Ⅱ.a,b

Ⅲ.a,b

Ⅰ.a,b

Ⅱ.a,b

Ⅲ.a,b

Ⅰ.c

Ⅴ.a

Ⅰ.d,e

· Listen to audio materials

· Read and record the text.

· Pattern drills

· Translation

· Make dialogues

· Go to a bank and check how to change money there

· Interview

Week 4

1.Functional:

· Express complains

· Describe things

· Compare things

· List facts

· Talk about eating habit in China

· Order food in a restaurant

· Talk about traveling by train

· Talk about past experiences

2.Grammatical:

· Expression of “in a certain aspect”

· To give examples

· The complement to express that some one can (not) do some thing

· The expression of “not have to”

· The expression of “both…and…”

· The expression of “have not…yet, has already…”

· The expression of “the other”

· The continuation of a state

· The expression of “either…or…”

· The expression of “less than”

· The expression of “unexpectedly”

· The complement of a result

· The expression of “up till to (time), …”

· The expression of “chance; opportunity”

3.Vocabulary:

· Daily life

· Food

· Cooking

· Train

· Travel

4.Culture

· Different characters of local food

· The “face(dignity) problem” in China

Ⅰ.a,b

Ⅱ.a,b

Ⅲ.a,b

Ⅰ.a,b

Ⅱ.a,b

Ⅲ.a,b

Ⅰ.c

Ⅰ.d,e

Ⅴ.a

Ⅳ.

· Listen to audio materials

· Read and record the text.

· Pattern drills

· Translation

· Make dialogues

· Review and Test 2
Required readings: 

<IES 201 Reader>

Recommended readings: 

IES CN201 supplementary materials