Prerequisites
No previous Chinese learning
Textbook
Speak and Act: Beginning Chinese I, M Dietrich et al, Beijing Language University Press, 2021
Coordinator
Dr. Maiheng Dietrich (maiheng@sas.upenn.edu)
Course Description
This course is designed for those who have little or no prior exposure to Chinese. The course aims to help you build a solid foundation of the TWO skills critical for oral communication—listening and speaking. Critical components of such a function include mastery of basic grammatical structures, correct pronunciation and tones, sufficient vocabulary as well as relevant knowledge and understanding of Chinese culture. By the end of the semester, you will be able to handle a number of situations that have immediate concern to you, including requesting and providing simple personal and family information and information about time and location of events; making and accepting invitation in a culturally appropriate manner; expressing preferences and simple opinions; relating simple information about your own daily routine, academic studies and career choices; acting appropriately in social functions.
