Mandarin for Cantonese Speakers

Course Description

Chinese 418. Mandarin for Cantonese Speakers. Chinese 406 equivalent or permission of instructor. (2). (Excl).

The course is specifically designed to help students from Hong Kong who have advanced Chinese reading and writing skills but lack oral Mandarin (Putonghua) competence. Cantonese native speakers without an advanced level in reading and writing are encouraged to attend Chinese core courses or, if qualified, Chinese 378.

Classes:
	 3-4 pm, MW, 3522 Frieze Building
	
Instructor:	
	Qinghai CHEN
	Office: 3083 Frieze Building (Tel: 764-9111; E-mail: chenq@umich.edu)
	Office Hour: 2pm-3pm, TTh, or by appointment

General Objectives:  
	The course is specifically designed to help students from Hong Kong who have
  advanced Chinese reading and writing skills but lack oral Mandarin (Putonghua)
  competence.  Cantonese native speakers without an advanced level in reading and
  writing are encouraged to attend Chinese core courses or, if qualified, Chinese 378.

Texts:  Course Pack  Chinese 418 
	   (Kolossos Coursepacks, 310 E. Washington, Ann Arbor, Tel: 994-5400)
	Mini Audio Pack (optional)
	   (Language Resource Center, 2nd floor, Modern Language Building)

Activities and Requirements:
	1. Intensive pinyin drills
		This part will basically be covered in the first two weeks.
	2. Reading-aloud exercises
		Wednesday classes are typically devoted to reading-aloud and corrections. Unless
		otherwise specified, recording of designated materials on a tape is due on the following
		Monday before class.
	3. Dialogue performances
		Four prepared dialogues are required throughout the semester. In your preparation, you
		should refer to the covered chapters in the textbook and work with your partner before 
		you come to class.
	4. Speaking exercises
		This means prepared or impromptu short speeches, discussions or debates on a given or
		self-chosen topic.
	5. Speech Contest
		It is arranged on the last day of class. Participation is mandatory. You have to choose
		materials for yourself. Individual tutoring is available.  

Grades:	
	Class participation 	10%	(2% off for each absence)		
	12 Recordings  24%	(Late work NOT accepted)
	4 Dialogues    24%	(Monologue in case partner is absent, NO make-ups)	
	4 Speeches     24%	(NO make-ups)
	Discussion and Debate	18% (NO make-ups)

	96-100  A	91-95  A-	86-90  B+ 	81-85  B	76-80  B-	71-75  C+
	 66-70  C	61-65  C-	56-60  D+	51-55  D	46-50  D-	
	Contest winners will earn up to 5 extra points.		

Schedule:	(Ask instructor)

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