CHIN 1011 - Beginning Chinese I

Credits: 5
Hours/Week: Lecture 5 Lab None
Course Description: This course is an introduction to Mandarin Chinese language and culture. Fundamental grammar, correct oral-expression, aural comprehension, and reading are stressed. Weekly listening and laboratory work are required. An introduction to Chinese culture is also included. NOTE: Students who have completed any Chinese language course should contact the instructor.
MnTC Goals
6 Humanities/Fine Arts, 8 Global Perspective

Prerequisite(s): None
Corequisite(s): None
Recommendation: None

Major Content
1. Chinese phonetic system

1. Initials
2. Finals
3. Tone marks
4. Pinyin rules

2. Chinese Characters

1. The Chinese writing system
2. Strokes of Chinese characters
3. Chinese radicals

3. Grammar

1. Order of the sentences
2. Question sentences format
3. Adverb position
4. Adjectives position
5. Preposition phrase
6. Tense

4. Topics

1. Greetings: Introduce self and people
2. Talking about family
3. Date and time
4. Hobbies
5. Visit friend
6. Making appointments

5. Chinese Culture

1. The origin of Chinese Language
2. The evolution of Chinese Characters/Scheme for the Chinese Phonetic Alphabet
3. How to use Chinese App
4. Personal Names
5. Forms of Address for family and relatives
6. Chinese Zodiac
7. Chinese music
8. Chinese Tea Culture
9. Chinese festival

1. Demonstrate speaking and listening skills in paired and group activities.
2. Demonstrate written ability in the form of short essays, letters, and journal entries.
3. Demonstrate rudimentary reading skills by read real life related Chinese cultural pieces.
4. Discuss cultural aspects of contemporary Chinese community in the United States and Canada.

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