Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Course Syllabus
Course Title:
Course Number:
Grade Level:
Semester Offered:
Course Description:
This AP Chinese course is designed for motivated students who have successfully finished
three years of Chinese and who are interested in taking a higher level Chinese course, i.e. a
level comparable to fourth semester (or equivalent) college/university courses in Mandarin
Chinese. It is designed to prepare students who are interested in taking the Advanced
Placement Chinese language and Culture examination. Special emphasis is placed on the use
of authentic source materials related to culture and current events and the integration of
language skills. Specific work includes: analysis of articles and literature, formal and informal
oral presentation, formal and informal writings, a variety of audios/videos related to
conversations, announcements, news reports, or academic or cultural topic related to the
Chinese-speaking world. The expectation is that all communication in the classroom (teacherstudent and/or student-student) takes place in the target language.
The global themes that are studied throughout the year include Personal and Public Identities,
Families and Communities, Contemporary Life, Beauty and Aesthetics, Science and
Technology, and Global Challenges.
Prerequisite:
Mandarin Chinese 3 Accelerated, and/or passing of placement test and recommendation of
instructor
Instructor:
Texts/Materials:
Textbooks will not be used in this class because world language instruction targets proficiency
building, which can be accomplished without textbooks as noted on the College Board AP
Central webpage. Curriculum outlines and instructor-created materials will be posted on Haiku
Learning - https://district125.haikulearning.com/. Students are expected to have their iPads
(fully-charged), pencils, and pens of varied colors. A folder just for Chinese is also required.
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Student Expectations:
Mandarin Only!
When you walk into this class, you will be entering a world where only Mandarin is spoken. This
not only will be a fun experience but also enable you to understand and speak more Mandarin in
a shorter period of time. For most of you, this is really the only time you can be immersed in
Mandarin after all. At the beginning you might find it frustrating, but you will be very proud of
yourselves and cant wait to show off you Mandarin sooner than you expect.
How to be successful in this class?
Stay in Mandarin (Keep your cheat-sheet of classroom survival expressions in your
Chinese folder)
Be in class daily, be punctual and to be prepared
Be willing to take risks and dont be afraid to make mistakes or be laughed at
Be kind and respectful to the teacher and others
Be sensitive to others culture
Participate actively and cooperatively in all activities
Review (e.g. 10 minutes on listening/speaking, 10 minutes in writing characters daily)
and reflect frequently
Practice with heritage/native Mandarin-speakers whenever possible
Start of the Class
You must be in your assigned seat and prepare to work as soon as you walk into the classroom.
Daily warm-up activity will either be placed at the desk near the door or displayed on the screen.
You will only have a few minutes to work on it. You will take one as you walk in and write your
name and date on the paper, which will be collected at the end of the week.
During Class
Eating is permitted in class as long as it does not interfere with class activities. Dont forget
to clean up afterwards.
Bathroom/locker/dorm passes are privileges and are not necessary. If you absolutely needs
to use one, you are expected to request politely in Chinese.
Selling for fundraisers needs to be pre-approved by the teacher and needs to be done
before the 2nd bell or after the class.
Dismissal at the end of class
You will be dismissed by the teacher at the end of the period, not by the bell. Do not pack your
backpack until your teacher indicates that it is time to do so.
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Total %
5-7
10
3-4
10
2-3
10
10
20
20
20
Type
Category
Formative
Summative
Meets Expectations
Intermediate High
Intermediate Mid
Intermediate Low
Grade
A/A-
B+/B/B-/C+/C
C-/D+/D/D-/F
The semester grade will be determined per schools grading policy: 25% for each of the 6-week
grading period and 25% for the final exam. Final exam consists of an interpersonal speaking, an
interpretive listening and reading comprehension, and a presentational writing test.
Sequence of Topics
Unit 1: Back to School
Global Theme: Contemporary Life
Essential question: How can a student be successful in the AP Chinese Language and Culture class?
Chinese cultural topics: The Mid-Autumn Festival
B. Community Service
B. Making Friends
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