Course Syllabus for Chinese 2

Ms. Liu

Course Description

Chinese 2 continues the study of the Chinese language to establish a solid foundation for further development. Students will learn additional 180 characters in order to communicate verbally and in writing on various topics. Students will be engage in practice of speaking and writing Chinese in class and communicating through pen-pal letters and by email beyond class time. The course will also focus on cultural understanding through class discussions, group projects, movies, student presentations and a few simple detailed authentic reading material. In addition, students will be able to type Chinese characters using computer technology, cellphone and research online to gain first-hand knowledge to expand their horizon.

Cultural Studies: Twice a month (or every other Friday) a designated cultural study class will allow students to explore Chinese history, geography, culture and modern life in China. Movies, Children’s books, artifacts, paintbrush and other materials will be used to facilitate cultural understanding.

Course Objectives

At the end of the second year, students will be able to describe location, position and tell directions. Students will also be able to describe shopping experience, preference for colors and style. Students will be able to give a simple report on weather, and order food in a restaurant.

Description of how course develops learner profile habits

As an International Baccalaureate program school, Snowden is focusing on educating students to become individuals described in IB learner profile: inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-taker, balanced and reflective. By taking language course students will discover their potentials in language learning and develop understanding of other cultures and others’ point of view through authentic learning materials.

Curriculum Covered & Timeline:

September 2020: Lesson 1-2 (birthday)

October 2020: Lesson 2-3 (Daily life and one’s home)

November 2020: Lesson 4 (clothes)

December 2020: Lesson 5 (Shopping)

January 2021: Lesson 6 (Visiting a friend)

February 2021: Lesson 7 (Making phone calls)

March 2021: Lesson 8 (Eating)

April 2021: Lesson 9 (Weather)

May 2021: additional vocabulary and readings

June 2021: Review and Exam

Essential questions:

1. How to tell time, date, and day of the week.

2. How to express likes and dislikes

3. How to describe the layout of one’s home.

4. How to ask questions related to shopping.

5. How to discuss weather conditions.

Description of Major Assessments / Assignments (Learning Products)

Students are expected to complete the following assignments:

Daily assignment/worksheet

Writing exercise and essays including pen-pal letters and journal entries

Projects (make a book, sing a Chinese song or presentations)

Speaking assessments

Quizzes

Mid-term exam

Final exam

Assessment and Grading Policy

Final grade computation:

1^st term: 20%;

2^nd term: 20%;

3^rd term: 20%;

4^th term: 20%

Mid-term: 10% and final exam: 10%

Each term grade consists of

a. 40% quiz average. At least 2-4 quizzes are given within a term/quarter. Quizzes may be given at the end of each lesson, and may be retaken after school before the end of the term. Sometimes a project will replace a quiz or test, and the project will be assessed by rubrics.

b. 35% every worksheet/assignment, which varies in numbers for different level of classes. Worksheets are students’ obligations that they must do. Failing to hand in complete worksheet in 5 days will result in grade reduction. Worksheets/assignments may be completed in class or at home according to the teacher’s instructions. Incomplete worksheet/assignment receives no credits. Every assignment will be corrected and returned to students in a timely manner. Neat handwriting of Chinese characters is required for all students.

c. 25% class participation including physical presence, digital class participation and note taking

Students are expected to

Speak Chinese in a thoughtful manner.

Listen to others with respect and appreciation.

Present one’s own project with care.

Late Work Policy

Students have 5 days to complete a worksheet counting from the day when it’s assigned. On a 100 point scale, late work will lose 1 point per day. For example, a perfect score worksheet is five days late, it will be only credited for 95 points.

Required Materials:

A notebook, a folder, pen and 180 index cards. Have textbook handy if any.

Key Course Texts: Ni Hao II An Introduction to Chinese by ChinaSoft

Extra Help

Tuesdays and Thursday after school 2:15-3:15 or by appointment for other days

Online help is also available by arrangement depending how remote learning is carried out.

Availability for Parent contact

Email Ms. Liu at lliu@bostonpublicschools.org or call 617-635-9989 leave message

Individual conference may be arranged.

Must-visit site links:

Ms. Liu’s google class https://classroom.google.com/c/MjE5ODAwOTE0Mlpa

Google site https://sites.google.com/bostonpublicschools.org/snowdenchinese