CHIN 1A
Elementary Modern Chinese for Advanced Beginners
Description: Lecture, two hours; discussion, three hours. Recommended preparation: ability to speak and understand Mandarin or other Chinese dialects at elementary levels. Not open to students who have learned, from whatever source, enough Chinese to qualify for more advanced courses. Designed for students who already have certain listening and speaking skills in Mandarin or other Chinese dialects at elementary levels. Training in all four basic language skills (speaking, listening, reading, and writing). P/NP or letter grading.
Units: 5.0
Units: 5.0
Most Helpful Review
My first review after taking 1A is still accurate, in my humble opinion. The most outstanding thing is that Lu really cares about his students learning and will do whatever he can to help you out. That still doesn't make the class easy. Above all, practice/repition will be the keys to success in this course. Utilize the TA sections, and put in the time this class needs. If you follow those guidelines, you should do fine (assuming you are placed at the right level of Chinese knowledge).
My first review after taking 1A is still accurate, in my humble opinion. The most outstanding thing is that Lu really cares about his students learning and will do whatever he can to help you out. That still doesn't make the class easy. Above all, practice/repition will be the keys to success in this course. Utilize the TA sections, and put in the time this class needs. If you follow those guidelines, you should do fine (assuming you are placed at the right level of Chinese knowledge).
Most Helpful Review
Sun Lao Shi is a wonderful teacher, despite her eyes beaming at you when you grammatically say something wrong at her. Overall my experience with her was wonderful. We had quizzes that were twice per week, every week and it correlates with the lesson every time. Each week is one lesson, so it's very structurally stable and efficient. She is always available for office hours and he lectures are quite entertaining for me. She teachers you a elementary understanding of Chinese culture and it is a efficient way to learn more into the Chinese language. However it is highly suggested that you have a strong background in Chinese languages. Either if you speak with your parents in Chinese almost every day or if you have Chinese classes in a younger age. The homework are easy and the essays are quite difficult, but are manageable. My advice is to constantly practice Chinese characters and prepare for the quizzes and tests. These are what makes up your overall grade in the class. I ended up with an A-. Furthermore, this class keeps you on track as long as you are willing to do the work. Let me tell you, I believed this was going to be an easy A for me, but I ended up doing work each day practicing Chinese about 30 minutes per day. Honestly, I did not worry too much in this class, but I worried enough to keep my A afloat. You just have to realize how to balance your major core classes with this foreign language requirement and remember, this course is offered on a time table. Fall is only Chinese 1...Winter is only Chinese 2....Winter is only Chinese 3. So plan ahead and make sure it doesn't interfere with your core classes...or hope hahaha
Sun Lao Shi is a wonderful teacher, despite her eyes beaming at you when you grammatically say something wrong at her. Overall my experience with her was wonderful. We had quizzes that were twice per week, every week and it correlates with the lesson every time. Each week is one lesson, so it's very structurally stable and efficient. She is always available for office hours and he lectures are quite entertaining for me. She teachers you a elementary understanding of Chinese culture and it is a efficient way to learn more into the Chinese language. However it is highly suggested that you have a strong background in Chinese languages. Either if you speak with your parents in Chinese almost every day or if you have Chinese classes in a younger age. The homework are easy and the essays are quite difficult, but are manageable. My advice is to constantly practice Chinese characters and prepare for the quizzes and tests. These are what makes up your overall grade in the class. I ended up with an A-. Furthermore, this class keeps you on track as long as you are willing to do the work. Let me tell you, I believed this was going to be an easy A for me, but I ended up doing work each day practicing Chinese about 30 minutes per day. Honestly, I did not worry too much in this class, but I worried enough to keep my A afloat. You just have to realize how to balance your major core classes with this foreign language requirement and remember, this course is offered on a time table. Fall is only Chinese 1...Winter is only Chinese 2....Winter is only Chinese 3. So plan ahead and make sure it doesn't interfere with your core classes...or hope hahaha
AD
Most Helpful Review
Professor Yao is a really nice teacher. She keeps lectures intersting with her sense of humor and energetic presence. She is more than willing to help you through her office hours and is very helpful. The only thing i have to say is a word of caution about the A series. I believe that the description of the 1A class does not fit the students that take the class and the grueling rate at which it is taught. I personally struggled a great great deal and felt that i was nowhere near the level. Many students i was in the clas with had even lived in China for years or had been in Chinese school for 8 years...be careful when selecting the advanced versus regular course.
Professor Yao is a really nice teacher. She keeps lectures intersting with her sense of humor and energetic presence. She is more than willing to help you through her office hours and is very helpful. The only thing i have to say is a word of caution about the A series. I believe that the description of the 1A class does not fit the students that take the class and the grueling rate at which it is taught. I personally struggled a great great deal and felt that i was nowhere near the level. Many students i was in the clas with had even lived in China for years or had been in Chinese school for 8 years...be careful when selecting the advanced versus regular course.