Appendix Sample syllabuses and daily assignments

Learning Chinese has, for a number of years, served as the main text – but not the only text -- for foundation level Chinese language courses at MIT (that is, the first four semesters). In these courses, students are provided not only with syllabuses that summarize the goals and requirements of the course, but also with daily (that is, hour-by- hour) schedules that indicate, in general terms, the material that should be studied to prepare for each class. While in most cases, such schedules have idiosyncratic features that would restrict transfer from one program to another, they are nevertheless useful as an indication of pace and emphasis, so they are included here for reference. Materials other than Learning Chinese mentioned in the schedules are listed before each course.

Chinese I: Daily assignments

Chinese I proceeds by way of 52 assignments, listed below – one for each class. Each is calculated to take not more than two hours (for a total of 8 hours a week). They involve reading or listening to sections of the textbook, preparing particular samples of language material, and doing exercises to monitor progress. (Teachers may want to collect the exercises, or they may simply supply preferred answers.) Courses that meet more than 52 hours a term can add assignments and material from Chinese 2.

The material for Chinese 1 is listed below; to allow revisions and additions, chapters and units are paginated individually, as shown.

Learning Chinese: A Foundation Course in Mandarin.

Preface and Background Sounds and Symbols Unit 1 Chars 1 (+ stroke-order supplement) Unit 2 Chars 2 (+ stroke-order supplement) Unit 3 Chars 3 (+ stroke-order supplement) Unit 4

In class In general, topics within a unit are introduced in class, using typical exchanges. They are studied in more detail out of class, using lesson material, working with the flashCube program, and checking progress with the exercises, until they can form the basis of class practice and further review. Most units culminate in a long dialogue that incorporates

1 many of the points of grammar and usage. Students internalize these so they can re-enact them in class, and eventually use them as the basis for personalized dialogues. Unit lessons alternate with character lessons, so that while one is being introduced, the other is being consolidated. With the character lessons, students practice the readings and exercises at home so that they can perform them with suitable fluency when they come to class.

Assignments The daily assignments list relevant sections as a guide to progress through the textbook. How the material is presented depends on the teacher as well as the subject matter. Some classes will begin with a review of earlier material and then focus on current topics; others will begin with conversational practice, then shift to reading exercises; still others will introduce upcoming material. The assignments are milestones on the route.

The first one or two classes are exceptional in that material is presented in class ‘sight unseen’, before it has been examined at home. By the third day, the items listed under each day should be done ‘for that class’, as indicated. The same with written homework.

Abbreviations: Assignments make reference to sections as Unit 1, 1.2.1, Chars 1,1.2.1, and to exercises as Unit 1 ex 3, Chars 1 exs 3 and 4.

Days 1 – 8 (to the practice test)

Days 1 and 2 In class, in addition to curricular and administrative matters (calendar, syllabus, flashCube, etc.), you will encounter your first conversational material ‘sight unseen’: topics such as names and titles, simple questions and responses (from Unit 1). In addition, you will be introduced to the tones and initials of Chinese and the pinyin system of transcription used to write them (from the lesson on Sounds and Symbols). You should start to read the introductory chapters: Background through section 2; and Sounds and Symbols up to the end of 3 (initial consonants), doing exs 1, 2, 3 as you go. Skip ahead to the beginning of Unit 1 and read up to the end of the section on pronouns (1.6). This first assignment should help you consolidate some of what you have been practicing sight unseen, in class.

For day 3 Read to the end of Background. Review through 3 in Sounds and Symbols, re-doing the exercises. You should be able to list the 12 surnames in 2.4, and recite from memory the chart of initials in 3.1. Continue with 4 on the rhymes, focusing on those issues covered in exs 4, 5, 6. Unit 1: Review through 1.6 and do ex. 1. Skip to 1.10.1 (tones) and learn to recite from memory the first six ‘tone combos’. Preview the two nursery rhymes in 1.12.

2 For day 4 Review Background, and Sounds and Symbols so far. Then continue with Sounds and Symbols from 5 to the end, doing the eight parts of ex. 7. Unit 1: Consolidate through 1.6, then continue through 1.7 (action verbs), including the mini conversations (1.7.5).

If flashCube is available, the pinyin exercises on (initials, rhymes, tones) provide useful contrasts and combinations for learning both the sound of Chinese and the pinyin symbols.

For day 5 Review Sounds and Symbols well, redoing the exercises. You should be able to cite the examples of the tonal shift of bu in 5.3. Continue with Unit 1 sections 1.8 and 1.9. The ‘closing phrases’ under 1.9.5 need particular attention; practice them as you would a few difficult bars of music.

For days 6, 7, 8 Review all of Background, Sounds and Symbols and Unit 1 (referring to 1.11, the summary) for the practice Test on Day 8. Make sure that you have learned how to write the material in pinyin with tones. The practice test will include listening and writing.

Days 9 – 18, to test #1

For day 9 Read Chars 1 through 1.6; practice the strokes and stroke order, naming the strokes as you write. [Grid paper for writing characters can be downloaded from this site.] Learn to write the numbers in characters, and to recite the multiplication tables and telephone numbers (ex 1 ab). Look ahead to Chars 1.7 and 1.8. Continue to consolidate Unit 1 material, which will also be practiced in class.

For day 10 Study Chars 1.7, 1,8 and 1.9. Do the reading (1.9.1) and exs 2, 3 and 4. [During this period, there will be instruction on word processing in characters, and occasional character writing exercises.]

For day 11 Consolidate Chars 1 so far and practice writing with correct stroke order (following the numbered strokes on the supplementary character sheets). Continue with 1.10, doing the reading. Begin Unit 2, with 2.1 (pronunciation) and all the sections of 2.2. Preview the rhymes (2.13). (You will be given Chinese names about this time; once you have them, there will be daily practice using them.)

For day 12 Chars 1.11 plus the phrases (1.11.1) and reading (1.11.2). Continue with Unit 2, section 2.3 (zěnmeyàng, etc.) Review and consolidate. Practice with names and titles.

3 For day 13 Chars 1.12 and 1.13 (to the end of the lesson), doing phrases (1.12.1) and reading (1.12.2), plus ex 5. Unit 2: section 2.4 and ex 2. Review the tone combos from Unit 1 (1.10) and then practice Unit 2 tone combos (2.11.3). Practice tone combos daily so you can recite each table accurately.

For day 14 Consolidate the first sections of Unit 2, and continue to though 2.7 (location), doing exs 3, 4ab, 5. Review Chars 1 by redoing the ‘phrases’ and ‘readings’. Look ahead to the culminating dialogue, in section 2.9 (‘at the airport’).

For day 15 Unit 2: review location (2.7) and continue with 2.8 (with special attention to ‘welcome’ and ‘praise’); then prepare the long dialogue in 2.9 (following the ‘3 steps’) so as to be able to perform it in class with confidence. Do ex 6ab.

For day 16 Finish up Unit 2; keep practicing dialogue 2.9 until confident. Do ex 7ab. Review pinyin, rhymes and longer phrases (welcome, thanks, praise, and transitions, etc.) Prepare for test 1 on day 18, which will cover up to the end of Unit 2 (including Chars 1).

For day 17 Review unit and character material for test #1 on day 18.

For day 18 Test #1 (Background, Sounds and Symbols, Unit 1, Chars 1, Unit 2). You will be asked to distinguish tone combos, identify initials and common rhymes, produce material from Units 1 and 2 (in correct pinyin), and read material composed with the characters from Unit 1. (No writing of characters.)

Days 19 – 31, to test #2

For day 19 Chars 2, review (2.0) and set #1, including 2.1.1 and ex 1; preview set #2. Work on producing the airport dialogue from Unit 2 more fluently.

For day 20 Chars 2, learn set #2 and read through 2.2; do ex 2. Spot review of Unit 2, especially location and existence and the main dialogue.

For day 21 Chars 2, set #3 (2.3) including 2.3.1 and 2.3.2, plus ex 3. Review Units 1 and 2 tone combos, and other pinyin material.

4 For day 22 Chars 2, set #4 (2.4) with readings and ex 4. Preview Unit 3, sections 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 (nationality), including V-guo ‘have you ever’.

For day 23 Unit 3 Practice rote material, eg money (3.9.1), days of the week (3.10.2) dates (3.10.3), and rhymes (3.15). Chars 2, read 2.5, do 2.6, and study 2.7 (On the street #2).

For day 24 Unit 3, NSEW (3.2.3), with 3.4.1 (dialogues) and ex 1. Keep practicing rote material, and add 3.10.4 (siblings).

For day 25 Consolidate Unit 3 so far. Continue with 3.5 and 3.6 (thanks, refusal, don’t, etc.). Pinyin practice (3.13). Continue to read and write characters regularly.

For day 26 Unit 3, exs 2, 3; study 3.7 (drinks), with focus on doing ex 4 (ordering drinks) fluently.

For day 27 Unit 3, sections 3.8 (why; a lot of), 3.9 (money) and 3.10 (other numbered sets), plus review Unit 3 so far. [Character writing exercises.]

For day 28 Unit 3, consolidate so far, especially 3.8 and 3.10 (other numbered sets). Last 3 tone combos (3.13.1). Character writing exercises.

For day 29 Unit 2, section 3.11 (courses and classes), and then begin the main dialogue (3.12). Do exs 10, 11, and 12. Chars 1 and 2. All 15 tone combos.

For day 30 Review all of Unit 3, as well as Chars 1 and 2 for test #2 on day 31

For day 31 Review again, focusing on dialogues 3.4.1, 3.7 and 3.12. Test #2 covers everything so far, including Unit 3 and Chars 2.

Days 32 – 44, to test #3

For day 32 Begin Chars 3 with the review section (3.0). Practice naming the radicals (refer the first section in the previous character lesson, Chars 2.) Review earlier dialogues for better fluency, beginning with the one in Unit 3 – courses and classes. Earlier dialogues will form the basis of some of the conversational practice in the next few classes.

5 For day 33 Chars 3, first set, reading the phrases and the short descriptions, and doing ex 1. Continue to consolidate Units 3, 2, and 1.

For day 34 Chars 3, review the first set. Preview Unit 4 material: 4.1 and 4.2 (existence and location) – especially the new words for locations.

For day 35 Chars 3, second set, reading and phrases, plus ex 2. Study Unit 4, sections 4.3.1 and 4.3.2 to get familiar with clock time, then preview the mini dialogues in 4.3.3 (times of meals).

For day 36 Chars 3, third set (3.3), including ex 3; review Chars 3 so far. Unit 4: consolidate clock time, meal times, and do exs 1and 2. Review your 15 tone combos.

For day 37 Chars 3, fourth set (3.4) and ex 4. Unit 4: continue with 4.4 (de) and 4.5 (names). Look ahead to titles (4.8.3) and professional titles (4.8.5).

For day 38 Chars 3, review the four sets and accompanying exs. Unit 4: focus on 4.6 and 4.7 (studying and working), along with ex 4. Preview the long dialogue (4.10).

For day 39 Unit 4: Look ahead to the rhymes (4.14); study all of 4.8 (forms of address), and do ex 5. Daily practice greeting people with titles, eg managers, CEOs, film directors. Pinyin practice with the exs in 4.12 (ex 7abc). More work on dialogue 4.10.

For day 40 Unit 4: Introductions (4.9) and the long dialogue (4.10). Follow the three steps to try to internalize this dialogue so you can perform at least the first half in class.

For day 41 Unit 4: work on improved fluency for the dialogue (4.10). Study the section on food (4.11), and listen to the short narratives until you can follow easily. Review Chars 3 and earlier.

For days 42, 43, 44 Consolidate for test 3 on day 44, which includes Unit 4 and Chars 3.

6 Days 45 – 52, through Oral interview to end of term.

For day 45 Practice the main dialogues to improve fluency, beginning with 4.10 (bus to Mianyang). Practice reading pinyin accurately, and fluently.

For day 46 Review the main dialogues from Units 2 and 1. Prepare class presentations

For day 47 Miscellaneous conversational and pronunciation practice; class presentations continued. [Sign up for oral interview.]

For day 48 Prepare for oral interviews, which will take place instead of class today, in Wei laoshi’s office.

For days 49, 50, 51 Various activities; guests

Last day (52) Chants and songs.

7 Chinese II: Daily assignments

The material for Chinese 2 is listed below. To allow revisions and additions, units are paginated individually; numbering begins again with each unit or character component. All are available in electronic format.

Chars 4 (+ stroke-order supplement) Unit 5 Chars 5 (+ stroke-order supplement) Unit 6 Chars 6 (+ stroke-order supplement) Unit 7

Chinese 2 meets four times a week for 13 weeks, for a total of 52 class hours. In the following schedule, assignments are listed in sequence (day 1, day 2, etc.), one for each day of class (with intervening days ignored).

Assignments The daily assignments list relevant sections and exercises as a guide for progressing through the textbook, and through the course. How the material is presented will depend on the teacher, as well as on the subject matter. Some classes will begin with a review of earlier material and then focus on current topics; others will begin with conversational practice, then shift to reading activities; still others will introduce upcoming material. The assignments are milestones on the route. A good rate of progress is dependent on good preparation at home, so by the third day, the items listed under each day should be done ‘for that class’, as indicated. The same with written homework.

Abbreviations: Assignments make reference to sections as, eg: Unit 5.10, Chars 6.2.1; and to exercises as, eg: Unit 7 ex 3, Chars 4 exs 3 and 4.

Days 1 – 8 (to test #1)

The first test on day 8 will cover Chinese 1 material, Unit 5 through section 3, and Chars 4. Chars 4 introduces 4 sets of characters (roughly 50 in all), and includes some special topics. Each of the four sections that introduces the character sets follows a sequence of steps: first, each character written large with notes on their form; then the new characters are illustrated in compounds and phrases, then in readings and finally, there is an exercise. Some students like to forge ahead of the schedule, then consolidate; others prefer a slow but steady approach. Either way is fine, so long as you manage to get through the material before the 8th day.

Days 1 and 2 Review and recovery. The first two days will be devoted to administrative and curricular matters (such as the syllabus and the website, etc.), to reviewing material covered in Chinese 1, and to getting started on Chars 4. You should prepare Chars 4.0 by day 3 (Thurs); it offers some review

8 of Chars 1-3. For days 2 and 3, you should also start reviewing Unit 4 conversational material (from Chinese 1), particularly the ‘Dialogue on the bus to Mianyang’ (4.10, with an mp3). Chinese 2 students should be able to access the Chinese 1 website if needed.

For day 3 Work on the first set of Chars 4 (4.1), examining the characters in large font with the notes that follow, then trying to learn to recognize them by doing 4.1.1 (compounds), 4.1.2 (reading) and Ex 1 (no writing – just prepare it so you can do it fluently in class). Review Units 4 and Unit 3 from the summaries (which have been collected from the summaries in Units 1-4 and placed on the class website in a file called ‘Chin 1 patterns’).

For day 4 Consolidate Chars 4.1 and move ahead to 4.2, following the same routine. Type out Chars 4 ex 2 in connected pinyin. (It’s okay to write characters too, of course, but better if you know how to type them.) Review Unit 3 and Unit 2.

For day 5 Consolidate Chars 4, sets 1 and 2, then go on to set 3, doing ex 3. Begin Unit 5, by practicing the tone contrasts in 5.1 (with an mp3) and the ‘or’ patterns in 5.2 and 5.3, which is the dialogue involving odd and even numbers that you have been practicing at the beginning of class recently.

For day 6 Continue with the last set in Chars 4 (4.4), writing out ex 4; then look ahead to the examples of business cards in 4.5. Type out Unit 5, ex 1 (‘or’).

For day 7 Review Chars 4 and do ex 5. The first test, on day 8 (Tues) covers Chinese 1 material and Chars 4 – reading only – and through Unit 5.3.

For day 8 Review Chinese 1 material. Make sure you remember how to write the material in pinyin, with correct tones. Review Chars 4 and Unit 5 through 5.3. Test 1.

Days 9 – 21 (to test #2)

For day 9 Unit 5, review 5.2 (Or), then continue with Food (2), doing ex 2 (so you can perform it in class – not to hand in); make sure you know the M-words for dishes, bowls, etc. (Review Food-1 in Unit 4.) Reading: Chars 4, consolidate with 4.5. (We will do the sentences in 4.5.1 in class.)

9 For day 10 Unit 5: Dialog 5.4.1 (with mp3); be able to perform it in class. Pay special attention to the names of dishes. Look ahead to 5.5 (V+de). Reading: Chars 4.6, business cards, and 4.7 ‘On the street’, especially the names of newspapers. Pinyin and tone practice. New rhymes from 5.17.

For day11 Unit 5.5: Expanding V+de. Be familiar with the vocabulary under 5.5.1, then practice commenting on abilities. Study the verbs under 5.5.3, and focus on the patterns with ‘bù xíng’ under (d). Write out Ex 3. Reading: return to the paragraph in Chars 4 p.1 (4.0) in traditional characters, and practice reading for fluency (to be checked in class).

For day 12 Unit 5.6 (Talking to children) – listen to the mp3; look ahead to 5.6.1, learning the vocabulary. Focus on the co-verb pattern, wǒ gěi nǐ zuò. Look ahead to Ex 4 and ask vocabulary questions so you can do it for the next assignment. Characters: miscellaneous practice from Chars 4. Pinyin and tone practice.

For day 13 Unit 5: Write out Ex 4 (‘They’re leaving HK next week etc.’) Look ahead to 5.7 (Music and musicians). Practice 5.7.2, the dialogue (also with mp3 on Stellar). [If you have favorite Chinese singers, groups, songs, you can bring in some CDs and lyrics – ahead of time, so your teachers can pick some material.] Character writing practice in class.

For day 14 Review Unit 5.7 (music) to ex 5 (oral), then continue with 5.8, verbs of cognition: learn zhīdao, dǒng, míngbai, kàndedǒng etc. More practice writing characters.

For day 15 Unit 5, do ex 6 (orally), and go on to 5.9 (destinations), learning the dào…qu pattern, and the verbs of movement such as bān, kāi, pǎo. Do Ex 7. Practice the 15 tone combos, and writing characters.

For day 16 Unit 5.10 (purpose), especially 5.10.2 and the verbs of intention (5.10.5). Look ahead and start to get familiar with the long dialogue, 5.14, with mp3.

For day 17 Unit 5. Consolidate, reviewing sections 5.6.1 (verbs, co-verbs and serial verbs) and 5.7 (music and musicians). Read 5.11 (in the past) and write out Ex 8. Continue to practice the long dialogue (5.13).

For day 18 Study Units 5.12 (And) and 5.13 (Sports and scores). Then focus on dialogue 5.14 so you can perform it in class. Study 5.15 (the r-suffix), with mp3 and 5.16 (strings of low tones).

10 For day 19 Unit 5, ex 9 in class. Continue to practice the long dialogue, and review Unit 5.

For day 20 Unit 5, ex 10 in class. Review all of Unit 5 and earlier material. Prepare for Test 2, which will cover through Unit 5 and review through Chars 4.

For day 21 Test 2 covering Units through 5 and Chars through 4 (review).

Days 22 - 32 (to test #3)

For day 22 Chars 5a-d. Review radicals (cf. Chars 2.0 for a list of common radicals). Talking about characters (5d). Preview set 1 characters and notes. Review Unit 5.4 (food).

For day 23 Chars 5, review 5.0 and continue with set 5.1, the notes, the associated compounds and phrases (5.1.1) and short dialogues (5.1.2), then do ex 1 (make sentences from the jumbled phrases). Review Unit 5.7 (music).

For day 24 Chars 5.2, the second set, with notes, phrases and reading. Do ex 2 (Questions on the narrative). Review Units 5.8 and 5.9 (destination and purpose).

For day 25 Chars 5.3, the third set, with notes, phrases and reading and do ex 3 (jumbled phrases). Review the main dialogue of Unit 5.

For day 26 Chars 5.4, notes, 5.4.1 (phrases) and 5.4.2 (reading). Preview Unit 6.1 (opposites).

For day 27 Chars 5.4 ex 4 (practice providing information from the table for class), and read 5.5.1 (18 sentences in traditional characters). Review Unit 6.1 and continue with 6.2 (descriptions), doing ex 1, 6.3 (V-guo) doing ex 2, and 6.4 (before, after, while).

For day 28 Chars 5.5, ex 5 (type characters if possible) and read to the end of the lesson. Unit 6.5 (when?), doing ex 3 (write out) and ex 4 (orally).

For day 29 Review Chars 5. Unit 6.6 (places of work) and do ex 5. Preview 6.7 (directions).

For day 30 Unit 6.7 (directions) and do ex 6. Review Chars 5.

11

For day 31 Preview the shi…de construction (6.8) and do ex 7.

For day 32 Test 3 covering Units through 6.7 and Chars through 5.

Days 33 to 44 (to test #4)

For day 33 Unit 6.7 (the shi…de construction) and do ex 8. Preview the main dialogue, 6.9.

For day 34 Unit 6.8, 6.9 (main dialogue), and 6.9.1 (wanr); review the shi..de construction.

For day 35 Ex 9a/b. Preview 6.10 to the Michael Jordan dialogue.

For day 36 Unit 6.10 and do ex 10. Preview Chars 6.1 (review).

For day 37 Unit 6.11 (food) and ex 11 (words). Chars 6.1, preview set 1 and notes.

For day 38 Review Unit 6. Chars 6.1, notes, phrases, reading and ex 1.

For day 39 Chars 6.2, notes, phrases, reading and ex 2. Review Unit 6.

For day 40 Chars 6.3, notes, phrases and reading. Review Unit 6 material.

For day 41 Chars 6.3, ex 3. Unit 7.1 (verb combos)

For day 42 Chars 6.4, ex 4. Unit 7.2 (connecting sentences)

For day 43 Review Chars 6 though 6.4 and read to the end of the lesson. Unit 7.3 (speaking languages) and ex 3.

For day 44 Test 4 covering through Unit 7.3 and Chars 6.4.

12

Days 45 to 52 (last day).

For day 45 Unit 7.4 (Language abilities) and 7.5 (tea and coffee).

For day 46 Do ex 4 (jumbled phrases), review 7.4 and 7.5, then go on to 7.6 (conveyances).

For day 47 Unit 7.7 (cai), doing ex 5, then 7.8 (duration) with ex 6.

For day 48 Unit 7.9 (le patterns), with ex 7.

For day 49 Unit 7.10 and 7.11 (Weather). Do ex 8.

For day 50 Unit 7.12 and 13 (listen to the mp3) and do ex 9.

For day 51 Presentations and review of Unit 7

For day 52 Presentations and end of class activities.

13 Chinese III: Daily assignments

Additional textbooks

Madeline K. Spring, Making Connections. Boston: Cheng and Tsui Company, 2002. Comes with two CDs; used sparingly in Chinese 3, more extensively in Chinese 4. The simplified character version (the one with the turquoise cover) is recommended.

Fred Fang-yü Wang, The Lady in the Painting. Yale University Press (Mirror Series A).

Chinese III meets 4 times a week for 14 weeks; with holidays, that amounts to 53 class hours (of 50 minutes each). In the following schedule, assignments are listed in sequence (Day 1, Day 2…), one for each day of class (with intervening days ignored). Note that the dates given for each assignment are the dates by which the assignments are due; in other words, the assignments are preparation for class. Hence ‘for Sept 10’ etc.

Abbreviations Assignments make reference to sections within Unit or Chars material (eg Unit 7.3, Chars 7.4.2) and to exercises (Unit 9 ex 3). Supplementary listening lessons (from the text, Making Connections) are cited as Lisn (eg Lisn 3), the reader, Lady in the Painting, as Lady (eg Lady 14-18).

General Chinese 3 is organized roughly as follows:

Chars 7 (end) Review of Unit 7 Lisn

Unit 8 Lady Lisn

Unit 10 Lady Lisn

Unit 10 Lady Lisn Presentations

Recordings of most the dialogues and narratives (as well as some other material) are available for listening or download (as mp3 files).

Teaching In general, the focus moves back and forth from conversation to characters, which allows consolidation of one while the spotlight is on the other. While individual styles of instruction vary, most teachers work towards a crescendo, from simple, short exchanges as patterns are being introduced to complicated, longer material as patterns, vocabulary and usage become more familiar. Units, or segments within units, culminate in relatively long dialogues or narratives that incorporate many of the new points of grammar and usage. Similarly, characters are introduced one set at a time, with repetition and overlap,

14 and frequent review (while the focus shifts to conversational material) until reading can proceed with accuracy and fluency.

The assignments The daily assignments indicate the pace of the class and the way the different materials are coordinated. They should be interpreted as additions to a process that involves review, preview and consolidation; so for example, the assignment for day #14 begins ‘Unit 8.5.3 (Duo fang…)’, which is a signal to get to know the construction by examining the examples so that you can add it to the material that you are preparing for Unit 8; you should then be practicing it in class and gradually incorporating it in your conversational competence.

Note that the assignments are for the next day’s class, regardless of how many days intervene. However, assignments that fall on a Thursday will be heavier that those that fall between Monday and Wednesday, reflecting the fact that there are three classless days intervening.

Part 1: Days 1 – 9 Review material from Chin I and II (texts, sound, and other materials available on OpenCourseWare) and proceed with Chars 7.

Day 1 In class: Getting used to the class format – greeting teachers, counting off, rote practice, rhymes. Ziwo jieshao ‘self introductions’; autobiographical information. The syllabus and information about the course. Then on to reviewing Unit 7 material (from the end of Chinese II): Talking about the weather; language abilities; what time do you (habitually) go to sleep/get up/eat breakfast, etc. Chars 6: Ex 2 (ordering drinks and snacks); 6.5 (A filial tale).

For Day 2 Review Unit 7 and Chars 6 (refer to the files entitled ‘Grammatical and topical highlights from Units 1-7’ and ‘Character list for Chars 1-6’). Re-familiarize yourself over the next few days with the following sections of Unit 7: 7.10 (Weather) and 7.11 (Dialog on weather); 7.8 (Duration) and 7.9 (Two le-patterns), 7.7 (Cai ‘not until’); and review Question Words in Appendix 1. Then for day 3, (re-)do exs 6 and 7 (in Unit 7.8 and 7.9). In class, you will do the pronunciation review under 7.14. Begin Chars 7 with 7.0, a review of earlier character material. Read the first set of questions (1.i) and prepare (oral) responses to them; practice reading the tonal sets (2) aloud. (Use flashCube to review Chars 1-6.)

For day 3 Recall your rhymes. Continue with Unit 7 review, adding 7.6 (conveyances) and 7.5 (Talking about tea and coffee). Lisn 1 (Greetings) – a daily dose until you understand. Chars 7: Complete all 4 sections of Chars 7.0, the review section.

15 For day 4 More Unit 7 review, adding 7.3 on language ability, 7.2 on conjoining sentences (doing ex 2) and finally 7.1 (Verb-combos-1). From Chars 6, (re-)read the filial tale (6.5) and the narrative (6.6).

For day 5 Complete Unit 7 review with 7.12 (on co-verbs) and 7.13 (The letter) – make sure you can answer the questions in ex 9. Begin the first set of Chars 7 (7.1, 7.1.1, 7.1.2 and 7.1.3).

For day 6 Unit 6 review (6.1 opposites; 6.2 describing people; 6.3 V-guo). In Chars 7, consolidate Set 1 (7.1 to 7.3) by reading and testing yourself with flashCube.

For day 7 Review Unit 6.4 (when, before, after) to 6.6 (Places of work), (re-)doing ex 5. Lisn 5 (Seeing friends). In Chars 7, learn set 2 by going through 7.2.1 and 7.2.2, then try to read the bio on Young Mao (7.3.1) and prepare to answer the questions in 7.3.1.

For day 8 (Tuesday) Review Unit 6.7 through 6.11. Consolidate Chars 7 through 7.3.1.

For day 9 (Wednesday) Prepare for TEST 1 which will review Units 6, 7 and Chars 6, and reading material that includes the first two sets of Chars 7 (ie through Chars 7.3.1). On the test, while reading may be in characters (primarily simplified, but also some traditional) as well as pinyin, you will not be asked to write characters.

Part 2: Days 10 – 20 Complete Chars 7, Unit 8 up to (not including) 8.10.

For day 10 Continue with Chars 7, set 3 (7.4 through 7.4.2) and try to read the filial tale about catching carp in winter.

Preview Unit 8 – esp. 8.1 (Narratives, with audio) and 8.3 (Comparison).

For day 11 Complete Chars 7, through Set 4 and the meteorological reports to 7.6 (On the street). You will have several weeks to consolidate Chars 7 (and earlier Chars lessons) while you’re working on Unit 8 (text and mp3s).

See what’s coming up in Unit 8 by examining 8.15 Highlights; review your Rhymes and look at the new ones in 8.16. Look ahead to names of sports under 8.2 and fruit under 8.5.1. Then review the short narratives of 8.1, and continue to familiarize yourself with

16 8.3 (Comparison) – you’ll start to work with simple comparisons in class (eg height, size of cities, etc.) Lisn 6 (on foreign language).

For day 12 Unit 8, do exs 1a,b; familiarize yourself with the sample interchanges in 8.2 (Sports). Consolidate 8.3 on comparison so that you can, eg, compare heights of classmates or size of cities in China and elsewhere (shifting from bi ‘than’ to meiyou ‘not as’). Continue to Preview 8.4 (approximately; large numbers, etc.)

For day 13 Unit 8, ex 2 (sports); continue with 8.5 and 8.5.1 (at the fruit stand). Pronunciation practice with ‘aspirations’ (8.14). Keep practicing ‘comparison’ and reviewing temporal narratives (8.1). Look ahead to 8.5.5 (Toasts) – practicing them in class each day; and start practicing ‘purchases’ (8.6).

For day 14 Unit 8.5.3 (Duo fang…), and look over the sections on cuisine and toasts; practice toasts daily. Do Unit 8 ex 3a,b (Comparison). Review ‘at the fruit stand’, and from earlier lessons, time of meals, names of dishes, after and before, etc. Preview Unit 8.6 (in the store) and items for purchase.

For day 15 Unit 8 ex 4b (on populations); preview 8.7 on regional languages and 8.7.1, the dialogue.

For day 16 Unit 8 ex 5 (comparison of cuisines); consolidate 8.7 and 8.7.1. Review earlier parts of Unit 8.

For day 17 Unit 8.8 (The story of Lin Mei, with audio); and ex 6 (questions on Lin Mei). Begin LADY: pp 1-3 (follow the rule of 3 for reading: characters>sentences>reading with comprehension).

For day 18 Unit 8.9 (Jobs), and ex 6; keep reading LADY through p.6.

For day 19 Review through 8.9, Chars 7 and the few pages of LADY read so far.

For day 20 Test 2, on all of Chars 7 and Unit 8 through 8.9 (Jobs); as before, character reading, not writing.

17 Part 3: Days 21 -32 Complete Unit 8; begin LADY; begin Unit 9

For day 21 Unit 8.10 (new le’s) and preview 8.12 and ex 9. LADY 7-8.5

For day 22 Unit 8 ex 8 (jumbled phrases); 8.12 (Verb-combos) and redo ex 9 until familiar. LADY through p. 10.

For day 23 Finish up Unit 8, doing ex 10 and 11. Review the highlights (8.15). LADY 11-13. Lisn

For day 24 Lsin 11 (Transportation). LADY through p.16. Unit 9: Look ahead to the highlights (9.16); review rhymes and preview Unit 9 rhymes (9.17); 9.1 (modification) and 9.2 (Clothes).

For day 25 Unit 9 ex 1; 9.3 (Bargaining the Chinese way – audio). LADY through p.19.

For day 26 Unit 9.4 (V-zhe), ex 2. Catch up with LADY if necessary; redo Lisns.

For day 27 Unit 9.4.5 (At the Temple – with audio); more with V-zhe (9.4); 9.5 (Colors). Do ex 3. LADY 20-22.

For day 28 9.6 (Buying a seal); preview 9.7 (the Ba construction) – manipulation things in the classroom; LADY 23-24 (= end of part 1)

For day 29 Unit 9.7 (Ba) and 9.7.1 (Making tea). LADY pp 25 to top of 27. Lisn 14.

For day 30 Unit 9.8 (Verb-combos 3 – review 2); ex 5. LADY pp 27-end of 29.

For day 31 Consolidate: Unit 9 through 9.8; do ex 6. LADY through p. 29.

For day 32 Test #3 on Unit 9 through 9.8 and LADY through p 29. (Review Unit 8.)

18 Part 4: Days 33 – 40 Complete Unit 9; continue with LADY

For day 33 Unit 9.9: Prep the Beijing Duck dialogue. LADY though end of p 31.

For day 34 Unit 9.10 and dialogue (9.10.1), plus ex 7. LADY through end of 34.

For day 35 Unit 9.11 and ex 8. Preview the Wang Xueying bio (9.12). LADY pp 36 and 37.

For day 36 Conclude Unit 9 (9.13 to end); review the Unit. LADY through p.40.

For day 37 Review Unit 9 (and prior material); continue with LADY through p.43. Lisn 15.

For day 38 More review and consolidation of Units 9 and 8; LADY through middle of p 48..

For day 39 Further consolidation of Units 8 and 9; catch up or review LADY to middle of p.48. Prepare for Test #4.

For day 40 Test #4 through Unit 9 and LADY p. 48.

Part 5: Days 41 – END Unit 10 and LADY to end.

For day 41 Preview Unit 10 – the highlights, the rhymes, then do Unit 10.1 (Feeling ill) with ex 1; and 10.2 (Indefinites); LADY though p. 49. Be thinking about subjects for your presentations during the final week in class (details to be presented this week in class).

For day 42 Unit 10 ex 2 (Indefinites), then preview 10.3 and the long interview (10.4 – with audio) – which is a good review of biographical material. LADY pp 50 and 51.

For day 43 Consolidate 10.4 (Interview) and prepare to interview your own teacher(s) in or out of class. Unit 10 ex 3; then 10.5 (Minor constructions) and read 10.6 (for interest). LADY pp 52-3.

19 For day 44 Unit 10.7 (Religion) and 10.8 (Verb-combos 4). LADY to top of p. 56. Lisn #15 (Birthdays).

For day 45 Unit 10.9 and 10.10, doing ex 5. LADY 56-58.

For day 46 Consolidate 10.10 (Bei) and review the ba-construction (9.7 and 9.9) which has similar grammatical properties to bei. Then preview 10.11 (Seeking opinions). LADY pp 59-60

For day 47 Unit 10.12 (Smoking – with audio) and the dialogue (10.12.1) LADY pp 61-62

For day 48 Consolidate Unit 10 so far and LADY through p. 62.

For day 49. Test #5 on Unit 10 to 10.12 and LADY through p. 62.

For day 50 Unit 10.13 (Driving – with audio). LADY to top of p. 68.

For day 51 Prepare presentations; continue with Unit 10.14 and 10.15 (Communication tools); LADY through p.70.

For day 52 Presentations; Unit 10.16 (Waiting and forgetting) and 10.17 (Telephoning). LADY though p 74.

For day 53 Presentations. Unit 10.18 (Chinese etiquette); LADY to end.

20 Chinese IV: Daily assignments

Additional materials

Madeline K. Spring, Making Connections. Boston: Cheng and Tsui Company, 2002. Comes with two CDs. The simplified character version (the one with the turquoise cover) is recommended.

Linda Hsai and Roger Yue, Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio. New Haven: Yale University Press (Far Eastern Publications). 1977; expanded to include pinyin and simplified characters, 1982.

21F.104 (Chinese IV) meets 4 times a week for 14 weeks; with holidays, that amounts to 52 class hours (of 50 minutes each). In the following schedule, assignments are listed in sequence (Day 1, Day 2…), one for each day of class (with intervening days ignored). Note that the dates given for each assignment are the dates by which the assignments are due; in other words, the assignments are preparation for class.

General For Learning Chinese, Part 4, assignments make reference to sections within a particular Unit; the listening text, Making Connections, is cited as Conn-1 (Greetings), etc.; and the reader, Strange Stories, is cited as Story-1 (八哥儿), etc. Note that the assignments are for the next day’s class, regardless of how many days intervene.

The term is divided into five parts. In all five, three sets of study materials (the Units, Conn and Stories) are intermeshed. During Parts 2, 4 and 5, you also work towards a class presentation along the lines described in the syllabus. All 5 parts also have a written test, usually about 30 minutes long, and involving reading in characters and writing in pinyin. There is no final examination.

Part 1: days 1 – 7

Day 1 Class: Introductions: zìwǒ jièshào; syllabus; materials. Making sure you can access the materials.

For Days 2,3 Home: Recall earlier material by studying ‘Chinese 3, 2, and 1 patterns’ (Stellar site, or class handout). You will be reviewing earlier material at appropriate times throughout the term. Study Unit 11.1 (yi-patterns) and listen to 11.2 (Beijing), getting familiar with the names of places. Listen and read Tale-1 (八哥儿). Class: ‘As soon as the teacher comes in’…. etc. Beijing map; the dialog; getting around town (review); winter weather, etc. Tale-1: reading and questions.

For day 4 Home: Unit 11, Ex-1. Unit 11.3 (Requests). Finish reading Tale-1. Listen to Conn-1 (Greetings). Class: ‘Going to the Great Wall’ – and Ex-1 (group feedback, then present your best version to the class). Finish Tale-1;

21 discussion of piānpáng, and the simplified/traditional differences. Pronunciation practice/pinyin dictation.

For day 5 Home: Unit 11.3 and Ex-2. Tale-2 (画上的马). Conn-2 (Family). Class: Practice making requests, asking for help, complaining; buying train tickets with people cutting in line, etc. Assistance with Tale-2 and Conn-2.

For day 6 Home: Read along as you listen to 11.4 (Geography – esp parts 1-4) – have a topographical map open as you do so if possible; Ex 3a and b. Finish Tale-2. Class: Examine the map of China; geography; the exercises. Tale-2 Q-A.

For day 7 Home: Review 11.4 (Geography – esp. parts 5-8) and do Ex-3c, d. Finish Tale-2. Class: Geography Q-A; Tale-2 Q-A. . For day 8 Home: Review Unit 11 through 11.4; Conn-1 and 2; Tales 1 and 2. Class: Test-1. If there’s time after the test, break up into groups of 2 or 3 to go over Ex-3d.

Part 2: Days 9– 18

For day 9 Home: Find a partner and choose a topic for your cycle 1 presentation within the next 3 days. Conn-3 (Dates and Times). Listen as you read Tale-3 (鸟儿语). Class: Short presentations on US geography, rivers, weather, distance, travel, accents, etc. Tale-3 and Conn-3 difficulties.

For day 10 Home: Unit 11.5 (Recipe); Ex-4 (translation). Finish Tale-3. Class: Practicing giving cooking instructions. Ordering dishes from the Chinese menu (Part III of the supplementary lesson in Learning Chinese). If there’s time, practice the Peking Duck dialogue from Chinese III.

For day 11 Home: Unit 11.6 (Xuéxí Hànzì); Ex-5a,b,c,d. Class: Xuéxí Hànzì Q-A; talking about characters – piānpáng; in class reading in traditional characters – finish at home,

For day 12 Home: Review 11.6. Conn-4. Listen as you read Tale-4 (医生). Class: Reading difficulties; Conn-4 Q-A. Pinyin and pronunciation practice.

For day 13 Home: Unit 11.7 (Australia); Ex-6. Finish Tale-4. Class: Talking about Australia – geography and natural history; difficulties; Q-A. Tale-4 Q-A. Schedule presentations over day 16-17 – keep to the 5 min time-limit.

For day 14 Home: Unit 11.7, review with the goal of re-enacting the dialogue or a similar scenario in class; Ex-6b (1,2). Conn-5 (Visiting). Complete your prepar’n for class presentations. Class: Unit 11.7 scenarios; Conn-5 Q/A.

22

For day 15 Home: Conn-6 (Languages); Tale 5 (从前的事情). Class: Conn-6 and Tale-5 difficulties; oral presentations.

For day 16 Home: Conn-7 (Languages); finish Tale-5. Class: Conn-7 and Tale-5 difficulties and Q-A. Oral presentations.

For day 17 Home: Conn-8 (School); review for test 2. Class: Conn review and Q-A; loose ends. Review Unit material.

For day 18 Home: Review for Test-2: through Unit 11.7, Conn-8, Tale-5. Class: Test 2

Part 3: 19 – 30

For day 19 Home: Unit 11.8 (Yángzhōu and Zhènjiāng). Tale-6 (玩儿蛇的). Class Map of the Jiāngnán region; main towns, comparing size and population (bǐ and méiyou patterns). Tale-6 problems.

For day 20 Home: Unit 11.8 Q-A; Ex-7. Finish Tale-6. Class: Retelling 11.8 in the 3rd person. Tale-6 Q-A. Re-read a Tale – or part of one – in traditional characters.

For day 21 Home: Conn-9 (Shopping); Tale-7 (王六郎). Review the Zhenjiang narrative. Class: Conn-9 and Tale-7 difficulties. Recall your rhymes.

For day 22 Home: Conn-10 (weather); finish Tale-7. Study Unit 11.9 (Confrontation 1). Class: Unit 11.10 (Rhymes). Conn-10 Q-A; weather review. Tale-7 Q-A.

For day 23 Home: Tale-8 (新郎); Conn-11 (Transportation); Unit 11.9. Class: Conn- 11 Q-A; Tale-8 problems.

For day 24 Home: Unit 12.1 (Photos) and Ex-1; finish Tale-8. Class: Conversation about taking photographs. Ex-1 and similar scenarios. Tale-8 Q-A.

For day 25 Home: More practice with Unit 12.1. Conn-12 (Dining). Class: Taking photographs. Sites to see in Beijing and other Cities (review and elaboration). Conn-12 Q-A. Re-read a Tale – or part of one – in traditional characters.

For day 26 Home: Unit 12.2 (Méi Tàidé) – and recall the dialogue in Unit 4; Ex-2a (translation). Tale-9 (小偷儿). Class: Méi Tàidé Q-A. Talking about duration – how long have you been studying Chinese, lived in Boston, known your friend, etc. Tale-9 difficulties and character analysis.

23 For day 27 Home: Unit 12.2 Ex-2b,c. Finish Tale-9. Class: In groups of 2 or 3, revise your Ex-2c narratives, then present your best version to the class, speaking clearly and with good phrasing and pronunciation. Tale-9 Q-A.

For day 28 Home: Conn-13 (Library); Tale-10 (三大生). Class: Conn-13 Q-A; Tale- 10 difficulties and character analysis. Re-read a Tale – or part of one – in traditional characters.

For day 29 Home: Finish Tale-10. Unit 12.3 (Tian’anmen) – prepare to re-enact; Ex-3 Class: Tian’anmen – where were you? Re-enacting the dialogue. Kin – priming. Tale-10 Q-A.

For day 30 Home: Prepare for Test-3: Unit 11 and through 12.3; through Conn-13, through Tale-10. Class: Test-3.

Part 4: Days 31 – 40

For day 31 Home: Unit 12.4 (Kinship); Ex-4a,b. Tale-11 (阎王). Class: Talking about family. Tale-11 difficulties. Find a partner and choose a topic for your 2nd presentation within the next 3 days.

For day 32 Home: Review Unit 12-4; Ex-4c. Finish Tale-11. Class: More about kinship. Tale-11 Q-A.

For day 33 Home: Conn-14 (Directions); Tale-12 (卖布的). Class: Directions. Tale- 12 difficulties. Review earlier material – eg photos, menu items.

For day 34 Home: Unit 12.5 (Death), Ex-5. Finish Tale-12. Class: Births and deaths; Ex-5. Tale-12 Q-A. Finish preparing for 2nd presentation.

For day 35 Home: Unit 12.6 (Schools); Ex-6a. Class: Q-A about the Chinese school system. Catching up with reading and listening (if needed). Re-read a Tale – or part of one – in traditional characters.

For day 36 Home: Review Unit 12.6; Ex-6b. Tale-13 (老虎). Class: Tale-13; Schooling.

For day 37 Home: Finish Tale-13; Conn-15 (Birthdays). Class: Presentations; Conn- 15 and Tale-13 Q-A.

For day 38 Home: Conn-16 (Doctor); Tale-14 (封度县). Class: Presentations; Conn- 16 and Tale-14 Q-A.

For day 39 Home/Class: Catch up on Conn and Tales; time for Presentations, if needed.

24 For day 40 Home: Prepare for Test-4: Through Unit 12.6, Conn-16, Tale-14. Class: Test-4.

Part 5: Days 41 – END

For day 41 Home: Unit 12.7 (Tianjin); Ex-7a,b. Tale-15 (小苏). Class: Talking about Tianjin. Tale-15 problems. Find a partner and choose a topic for your 3rd presentation within the next 3 days.

For day 42 Home: Unit 12.7 review. Finish Tale-15. Class: Talking about Tianjin. Tale-15 Q-A. Menu items.

For day 43 Home: Conn-17 (Dating); Tale-16 (信佛) -- longer. Class: Dating and Tale-16 Q-A, difficulties. Re-read a Tale – or part of one – in traditional characters.

For day 44 Home: Conn-18 (Renting); Finish Tale-16. Class: Renting and Tale-16.

For day 45 Home: Review for Test-5. Class: Catch up with Conn and Tales. Review Unit 12 material.

For day 46 Home: Review for Test-5. Class: Test-5 through Conn-18, Tale-16 and Unit 12.7.

For day 47 Home: Unit 12.8 – 12.8.3 (Adverbials). Conn-19 (Post Office). Tale-17 (喝酒的朋友). Class: Adverbials; the 3 de’s. Conn-19 Q-A.

For day 48 Home: Unit 12.8.4 (dialogue). Conn-20 (Sports). Finish Tale-17. Class: Unit 12.8.4 dialogue. Sports and Tale –17 Q-A. Re-read a Tale – or part of one – in traditional characters.

For day 49. Home: Unit 12.9 (Confrontation 2). Conn-21 (Travel). Class: Expletives and such; discussion. Conn-21 Q and A.

For day 50 Home: Tale-18 (买面的). Conn-22 (Homewtown). Review Unit 12.9. Class: Presentations. Tale-18 Q-A.

For day 51 Home: Unit 12.10 (The Northwind and the Sun); Class: Presentations; Northwind and the Sun.

For day 52 Home: Conn-23 (Airport). Review the Northwind and the Sun for performance. Class: Complete presentations.

完

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