CHIN 101(F)-W88-102(S) Basic Chinese*

An introduction to Mandarin, the language with the largest number of native speakers in the world, which is the official language of China and Taiwan, and one of the official languages of Singapore. Course objectives are for the student to develop simple, practical conversational skills and acquire basic proficiency in reading and writing in both the traditional and the simplified script at about the 500-character level. The relationship between language and culture and the sociolinguistically appropriate use of language will be stressed throughout. Both audio and video materials will be employed extensively.
Format of spoken classes: dialog performance, drills, communicative exercises. Format of written classes: oral reading, questions and discussion in Chinese, translation and explanation in English. Evaluation is based on classroom performance, homework, quizzes, unit tests, and an oral and written final exam.
No prerequisites. Enrollment limit: 10 per section (expected: 10 per section). Preference given to first-years and sophomores. This is a rigorous, semi-intensive introduction to listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students who possess prior background but are not yet ready for Chinese 201 due to insufficient preparation in reading and writing should speak with the Coordinator about taking Chinese 121, 122.
Credit granted only if both semesters and the winter study sustaining program are taken.

Hour: CHANG and NUGENT (first semester)
CHANG and F. WANG (second semester)