CHIN 1A: Beginner's course. Especially recommended for students starting the study of Chinese for the first time. Not suitable for native speakers. Focus on grammar, composition, and reading, along with practice in speaking and understanding Mandarin.

In this course, we will explore the fundamentals of the Chinese language and begin to familiarize ourselves with Chinese culture. It is designed for students with no prior experience in learning Mandarin Chinese and is not intended for native speakers. The course integrates listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, enhancing students' communication abilities in Mandarin Chinese while also incorporating Chinese culture into the classroom.

Drop policy

No-Shows

Since this is an online class with a regular synchronous meeting component, your attendance will be determined by the actions you take to demonstrate your dedication to the mandatory meetings and engagement in the class activities.  To prevent being considered a “No Show” follow the steps below in the first week of class. 

• Login on Monday to read the weekly announcement and check in several times throughout the week to stay on top of Discussion posts/replies.  

• In Module 0 complete an initial post by Thursday and a reply by Sunday to be counted. This is a graded practice Discussion and a record of attendance.  

  • Students who do not attend the mandatory meeting on Wednesday and fail to log in to the CHIN 1A class by the end of the first week will be considered a no-show and may be dropped from the class.

Stopped Engagement After the Initial Submission or First Attendance

Not participating in learning activities/discussions may result in being dropped from the class. I will attempt to reach you by Canvas inbox to check in first to see if you need support. 

Chinese Keyboards 

You will need to install Chinese Keyboard, so that you can type in Chinese characters to participate in the discussion activities and homework assignments. So make sure you set up your computer to type in Chinese.

If you are using a PC, you are expected to know how to type in Chinese with Windows 10 Pinyin or type Chinese characters with Windows 11.

Required Textbooks

Textbook and Student activities Manual are available in both traditional and simplified Chinese characters. You can choose either version to fit your learning goals. In this course, both character forms will be introduced. If you have any questions, we can discuss in the first Zoom meeting.

• Wu, Sue-mei et al. 2011. 2nd Edition. Chinese Link Zhong Wen Tian Di: Beginning Chinese, Level 1, Part 1, New Jersey: Pearson.  

  • ISBN-13: 9780205691982 (traditional character version)

  • ISBN-13: 9780205637218 (simplified character version)

• Wu, Sue-mei et al. 2011. 2nd Edition. Chinese Link Zhong Wen Tian Di, Student Activities Manual, Level 1, Part 1, New Jersey: Pearson.

  • ISBN-13:9780205696390 (traditional character version)

  • ISBN-13: 9780205696383 (simplified character version)

• Wu, Sue-mei et al. 2011. 2nd Edition. Chinese Link Zhong Wen Tian Di, Character Book for Chinese Link: Beginning Chinese, Traditional & Simplified Character Versions, Level 1 Part 1, New Jersey: Pearson.

  • ISBN-13: 9780205782987 (both simplified and traditional version)

Important Dates

Summer CHIN 1A is a 6-week fully online Chinese course starting on Monday, June 10, and ends on Sunday, July 21, 2024.  We will have an optional CityZoom orientation meeting on Monday (6/10) from 8:30 to 9:20 am. 

Course Syllabus