Mandarin Chinese IA Syllabus, 2015-2016
Note: This syllabus is tentative and thus subject to modification when and where
necessary. The updated syllabus will be posted in Google Classroom.
Location: Room 116
Phone Number: 314-854-6421
Instructor: Le Laoshi (Le, Fushun)
Email: fushunle@claytonschools.net
Course Description: Chinese 1A will introduce the students to the basic components of
Mandarin Chinese through theme-based content and hands-on activities. Pinyin
romanization, simplified forms of Chinese characters, basic grammar patterns as well as
functional everyday expressions will be taught within the living context of Chinese
culture. Topics will start from self-introduction and develop to students' immediate
surrounding such as school, family and daily life. Cultural components will be taught
through songs, videos, calligraphy, crafts, and festival celebrations. A major goal is to
develop and sustain student motivation and commitment in studying the Chinese
language and culture.
Books & Materials:
1. Textbook and workbook: Huanying, An Invitation to Chinese, Volume 1 Part 1 by
Jiaying Howard and Lanting Xu, Second edition. Boston: Cheng & Tsui Company
Note: Book covers are required for both textbook and workbook (Take good care of your
book—the first one is free, but you have to pay for replacement copies!)
2. A binder or folder (for handouts) and a notebook (for note-taking and character
practicing).
3. A writing utensil and a note book or paper
Class Format and Expectations:
The class is designed based on the district curricular goals and objectives, which guide
the assessments in the interpretive, interpersonal and presentational modes. Assessments
on both the target language and culture will be included. Problem-based learning is
adopted and the class activities are goal-oriented, interactive, and collaborative. Power
teaching rules are adopted to create a positive and efficient learning environment.
There are five lessons in each unit and each lesson will take two to three weeks to
complete. A quiz will be given at the end of each lesson, a test at the end of each unit,
and an exam at the end of a semester. Long and short-term projects will be assigned
throughout the semester. Some in-class time will be used for review prior to quizzes, tests
and exam, and so coming to every class is vital.
The key to learning a foreign language is effort! This includes arriving on time, listening
to the teacher and classmates respectfully, actively participating in class, completing
homework and class work on time. The best ways to acquire the language are to take
risks in using the language as much as possible in class and to study for a short period
each day. A successful language learning experience in this class is demonstrated by the
completion of the participation, homework/assignments, quizzes, tests, projects and a
final exam.
Active participation in class is critical to your success in this class because it
demonstrates your learning and skills in using Chinese to communicate, solve problems,
and to take quizzes and tests. Participation means coming to class on time and prepared,
following class rules, respecting your teacher and classmates, maximizing your ability to
speak Chinese, taking an active and appropriate role in discussion and in-class exercises
and working cooperatively with partners and in groups.
Homework may consist of studying, practicing vocabulary, completing a worksheet or
assignment, writing, preparing for quizzes and tests, or working on a project. The more
practice you get by completing homework, the better prepared you will be for
assessments, quizzes, tests and the final exam. Each assignment will be recorded and
reported in the online grading program with a completion grade and will serve as
materials to be covered in quizzes and tests.
Tardiness and absence policy: Tardies and absences are recorded, as learning a foreign
language depends largely on daily classroom participation. An absence receives a zero
for the day, including any test, quiz or assignment given that day. No late assignments or
make-ups for quizzes, tests or exam will be accepted unless allowed by the teacher. If
students arrive late or leave early more than one or two times or if there’s evidence that
they need help, the teacher will talk with them individually and she may contact their
parents and refer them to resources at the school. Any tardiness or absence will make the
teacher feel sorry, but she may differentiate instruction for students in consideration of
unexpected crises in health or life. The key is for students to adopt a growth mindset,
enjoy taking risks in using Chinese and to put in serious effort to improve their language
skills and cultural competence.
Grading policy: The semester grades will be based on student performance in
participation, assignments, quizzes, tests, projects and one final exam:
Total points: 222 Points distribution: Participation 82 Assignments 30 Quizzes 30
Tests 40
Final exam 20
Projects 20
Daily rewards: 1 points for speaking the target language all the time
1 point for prepared, active and respectful learning behavior
Extra help: I encourage you to contact me for help as soon as you need it. Since I teach
in several different schools, the best way is to email me at fushunle@claytonschools.net
and make an appointment with me. I am generally available to work with you after
school.
I have read and understand Le Laoshi’s syllabus for Chinese IA.
Student Signature____________________Parent Signature____________________
Date: _____________________________