VTN 1130 (6246) BEGINNING VIETNAMESE 1
Prof. Andrea Pham
Fall 2012
Office: 343 Pull Hall
M, W, F 3 NSC 227
Tel: (352) 392-7084
T, R 3 NSC 225
Office hours: T and R 10:40-11:30 and by
appointment.
Email: apham@ufl.edu
Objectives: This course is designed for learners without or very limited knowledge of the
Vietnamese language. The course provides a foundation for sounds and structures of
basic sentences, focusing on all four language skills: listening, speaking, reading and
writing. The first few weeks emphasize pronunciation. By the end of the course students
should be able to carry on simple conversations in daily life situations, and to read and
write simple sentences and paragraphs related to various aspects of Vietnamese culture.
Short stories, poems, songs, movies... will be used for reading, writing and listening
exercises. Attendance and participation are mandatory.
Texbook/materials:
Required:
Binh Nhu Ngo 1999. Elementary Vietnamese. Tuttle Publishing. ISBN
0804832072.
Selected hand-outs: will be distributed during the course.
Useful websites:
http://www.seasite.niu.edu/vietnamese/Guide_to_Pronunciation/consonant_system.htm
http://www.seasite.niu.edu/vietnamese/VNLanguage/SupportNS/tableofcontent.htm
Evaluation: Homework and participation
Exams (15% x 2)
Quizzes (5% x 4)
Group presentation
Movie discussion and reflection
Total
100
25%
120
30%
80
20%
60
15%
40
10%
400 pts
Students may come to class with different levels of exposure to the language. Evaluation,
therefore, will be based on the progress each student has made during the course.
Textbook
Bring your textbook to all classes. If you miss a class, check with your
group members what was covered in that class.
Quizzes, exams, homework Exams and short quizzes are given during regular class
hours. Quizzes are pop-up. There are no make-up quizzes or exams. If a
student misses a quiz or exam, a mark of zero will be assigned except for
documented medical emergencies. Late homework will not be accepted.
Andrea Pham
University of Florida
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Group work and Presentation Three to four students form one group. Each group works
closely in class discussions. Each group will be assigned a topic around
Week 11 or earlier to prepare and present in class. There are two
components in this task: your group presentation and your
participation in others’ presentations. The presentation is about 10
minutes with 5 minutes to answer questions from class. Everyone is
expected to attend and participate in all presentations. Your absences
during your classmates’ presentations, therefore, will affect the grade of
your group presentation. All members of the group will receive the same
grade.
Participation Coming to class well prepared helps you to learn most effectively in the
classroom. Take part during class presentations and discussions. Expect to
spend at least 7-10 hours per week at home in order to do well in this
course. Your grade for homework and participation is based on whether
you prepare your homework before class, reflected in your class
performance. Check your UF email account daily for messages, course
materials and assignments.
Movie
You will watch a movie about Vietnam and its people. Attendance is
mandatory. After that you’ll discuss various aspects of the Vietnamese
culture reflected in the movie, and will write a few paragraphs to show
your understanding and your thoughts. Vocabulary necessary for this task
will be provided.
Attendance and participation policy
Absences due to illness or emergency are excused only if paper documentation is
presented (e.g., a letter from a doctor/infirmary/clinic, police report, receipts for car
repair, court orders, funeral arrangements, etc); emails will not suffice. You are allowed
two unexcused absences; having more than two will affect your grade: deduction of 0.5
% (2 pts) for each absence without a documented medical reason. Missing 10 classes
might result in failing the course. Repeated tardiness will also reduce your grade. In the
event you must miss class, please contact the instructor prior to the class meeting and
have your absence pre-approved, except for documented emergency.
During class time you are required to devote your attention to the activities in the
classroom. Turn off cell phones before class starts. Check your UF email account
regularly for messages, course materials or assignments.
Weekly schedule
Weeks 1 & 2: Vietnamese sound inventory and spelling system
- Units 1-5
Week 3: Greetings
- Units 6-8
(M Sept 3 Labor Day)
Week 4: Getting acquainted
- Lessons 1-2
Weeks 5 & 6: Language, Nationality
- Lesson 3
Week 7: Getting acquainted in the classroom
- Lesson 4; Exam 1
Weeks 8 & 9: System of address terms
- Lesson 5
Andrea Pham
University of Florida
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Week 10: Date: year, month, week, day
- Lesson 6
Week 11: Time
- Lesson 7
Weeks 12 & 13: Introductions (M Nov 12 Veterans Day)
- Lesson 8; Exam 2
Week 14: Movie (WRF Nov 21-24 Thanksgiving Break)
Week 15: Movie discussions, Group presentations
Week 16: Group Presentations (cont.)
Last classes: December 5.
General note: Any component of this syllabus may be modified during the semester to
accommodate pedagogical need and student progress.
Grading policy
A
93-100
B-
80-82
D+
67-69
A-
90-92
C+
77-79
D
63-66
B+
87-89
C
73-76
D-
60-62
B
83-86
C-
70-72
E
less than 62
Passing Grades and Grade Points
A
4.0
B-
2.67
D+
1.33
WF
0
A-
3.67
C+
2.33
D
1.0
I
0
B+
3.33
C
2.0
D-
.67
S/U
0
B
3
C-
1.67
E
0
Please note that C- is no longer a passing grade.
Students with disabilities Students with disabilities must register with the Dean of
Students office at: P202 Peabody Hall, Gainesville, FL 32611-5055, Tel: (352) 392-1261.
Academic Honesty: http://www.registrar.ufl.edu/catalog/policies/students.html
Counseling and Wellness Center: http://www.counseling.ufl.edu/cwc/
Disability Resource Center: http://www.dso.ufl.edu/drc/
Grades: http://www.registrar.ufl.edu/catalog/policies/regulationgrades.html
Honor Code: http://www.dso.ufl.edu/sccr/honorcodes/honorcode.php
Andrea Pham
University of Florida
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Andrea Pham
University of Florida
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