HU Credits: 6

Degree/Cycle: 1st degree (Bachelor)

Responsible Department: Language Center

Semester: 1st Semester

Teaching Languages: Chinese

Campus: Mt. Scopus

Course/Module Coordinator: Language Center

Coordinator Email: languagehu@savion.huji.ac.il

Coordinator Office Hours: By appointment

Teaching Staff:
Ms. Yage Shen,
Mr. Gad Eimerl

Course/Module description:
The course is designed for complete beginners, in accordance with A1.1 CEFR outcomes (corresponds to HSK level 1 and above).
Classes are conducted in the target language from day one and simultaneously develop oral and written reception, production and interaction skills. The learning process is systematic and gradual, placing emphasis on linguistic and cultural awareness, on mediation and intercultural communication competence, and on developing effective learning strategies, fostering autonomous learning. Learning outcomes are formulated in CAN DO terms, what learners can actually do in the language, in keeping with the CEFR.

Course/Module aims:
- developing a rich communicative repertoire in the target language
- internalizing the language through first-hand experience
- developing nuanced cultural awareness
- developing effective and appropriate intercultural communication skills
- forming a positive and supportive learning environment
- boosting learner confidence
- building the foundations for advanced academic skills in the target language
- developing autonomous learning tools and an awareness to learning processes
- maximizing learning in and outside of the classroom

Learning outcomes - On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
- comprehend simple texts without relying on a dictionary.
- identify tangible information from oral and written input (e.g., navigate a website, follow a public announcement, follow text and voice messages).
- introduce themselves at length, orally and in writing.
- provide information in familiar contexts, orally and in writing.
- conduct simple conversations and exchanges in common situations.
- correspond in writing in simplified language.
- identify cultural nuance and act appropriately and effectively in a given situation.
- manage their own learning processes autonomously.
- continue to effectively acquire the language outside of the classroom.
- integrate into the consecutive course at the Hebrew University or in CEFR-aligned frameworks abroad.

Detailed learning outcomes are available at https://languages.huji.ac.il/cefr

Attendance requirements(%):
100%
Students must attend all classes.
In every class there are quizzes, presentations and other activities. All these test the students' abilities to use the language in action.

Teaching arrangement and method of instruction: Active and intensive learning, facilitated by the teachers, via exclusive use of the target language. The course takes an action-oriented approach; therefore, all students must be active and work to co-construct meaning, employing oral and written reception, production, interaction and mediation skills. Students are responsible for their own learning processes, inside and outside of classroom. Outcomes depend entirely on preparation (flipped classroom) and on active participation in all sessions. The learning process relies on continuous assessment and learner awareness throughout, centered around oral and written CAN DO tasks which assess fluency, accuracy and cultural appropriateness, and various forms of quizzes.

Course/Module Content:
Weeks 1-2: introduction, Pinyin, basics of Chinese characters, first-time encounters.
Weeks 3-4: greetings at first encounters and while meeting friends, self-introduction.
Weeks 5-6: introducing others, talking about nationality, saying goodbye, talking about likes and dislikes.
Weeks 7-8: family members, professions, entertaining guests.
Weeks 9-10: talking about studies, making a date, days of the week, times of the day.
Weeks 11-12: dates, birthdays, expressing regret or congratulating someone.
Weeks 13-14: asking for directions, describing locations, expressing communication problems, asking for approval or opinion.

Required Reading:
The Language Center courses rely on top-tier learning materials, imported from abroad. Towards the opening of the academic year, students registered for the course will receive detailed guidelines re purchasing the book(s) at reduced cost for HUJI students and manner of distribution. Students must bring the course-book(s) to every class.

Liu Xun, New Practical Chinese Reader (3rd Edition) Vol 1 - Textbook (Beijing: Beijing Language and Culture University Press, 2015).
Liu Xun, New Practical Chinese Reader (3rd Edition) Vol 1 - Workbook (Beijing: Beijing Language and Culture University Press, 2015).
Liu Xun, New Practical Chinese Reader (3rd Edition) Vol 1 - Companion Reader (Beijing: Beijing Language and Culture University Press, 2015).
Liu Xun, New Practical Chinese Reader (3rd Edition) Vol 1 - Chinese Characters Workbook (Beijing: Beijing Language and Culture University Press, 2015).

Additional Reading Material:
See course site on Moodle.

Grading Scheme :
Other 100 %

Additional information:
Grade components:
20% Ongoing tasks, including preparation
20% Class participation
30% "Can do" projects， including revision and reflection
20% Class and moodle Quizzes
10% oral exam (during class time, towards the end of the semester)

Please note: According to the regulations of the Asian Studies Dept., a minimum of 70% is required in order to advance to the next Chinese level course.

Please carefully review the guidelines below:
1. According to HUJI regulations (6.2) participation in all classes is mandatory. Lack of participation, including due to conflicts in scheduling, may result in not being eligible for a course grade.
2. Participation in Language Center classes is 100% mandatory. Since language classes, much like workshops or labs, rely entirely on learning by doing, they cannot be made up after the fact. When absence is justified due to illness, students must make a special effort to catch up and come prepared to the next session. Arriving in class more than 15 minutes late will be marked as an absence. In the event of participation in less than 80% of the sessions, the student will not receive a grade for the entire course.
3. All quizzes are conducted at the designated time only and cannot be completed later.
4. All course assignments must be submitted on time to ensure the coherence of the learning process. Submitting a language task from early on in the course at the end of the course defeats the purpose and cannot be accepted.
5. In the event of planned absence, recognized by university regulations, including army reserve duty, hospitalization, childbirth or a mandatory study trip for another course, the teacher will provide guidelines for completing course work, including alternative submission and quiz dates. Such arrangements must be coordinated with the teacher in advance and not after the fact.


* The Language Center has partnered with several CEFR-aligned international examination bodies to provide our students with the option of standardized language certification. In Chinese we offer the HSK and HSKK exams from time to time. These exams are external to course requirements; students will receive notice of such options and of the participation fees.