Syllabus for AP Chinese Language and
Culture
2012-2013
Sharon Meng (孟老师)
Room 366
Planning periods: 6th, 7th and 8th
Course Description:
The
course is structured around the Chinese AP exam which focuses on accuracy in
speaking, listening, reading and writing at a high level. Instructional content
will reflect interests shared by the students and teacher. In addition to the
textbook, the course uses a variety of audio and visual materials, including
newspapers, magazines and videos on current events. During the course, the
students will develop a strong command of vocabulary and structure and be able
to understand spoken Chinese in various conversational situations. The students
are expected to maintain accurate grammar in writing and speaking. This course
will prepare students for the AP Examination, the College Board Achievement
Test, and college level Chinese courses.
Textbook(s):
Integrated
Chinese, Textbook, (Traditional and Simplified Character Edition), Level
2, Boston: Cheng & Tsui, 2006.
Major Themes:
1. Personal Decisions and Individual Responsibilities
2. Social Issues
3. World Issues
4. Literature and Fine Arts
Assessment/Evaluation Procedures:
Students will be evaluated on
homework, class participation, quizzes, tests and a portfolio. The portfolio is
a means of expanding the student’s reading and writing skills as well as a tool
to show self-improvement in speaking and listening skills. The completed portfolio
is due in May.
Late work policy:
- Students are responsible for making up all work missed during an excused absence.
- Following an excused absence, students should complete any missing
homework assignments and/or class work within a week after returning to class. Students will
receive a zero for any
incomplete work.
- It is very important for students to keep up with their daily
learning, and homework assignments are due on their due dates. Late
assignments can be turned in one class late for 50% of total grades.
Assignment turned in the next class will receive 25% of total grades. No
work will be accepted after that.
- Students with special circumstances that prevent them from
completing a homework assignment should speak to Meng Laoshi before class.
Classroom Expectations:
- Students should respect the teacher and one another
- Students should be punctual and come prepared to class with
textbook, binder and other necessary supplies.
- Students should actively participate in all classroom activities
- Students should not eat, drink or chew gum during instruction
(water bottles are okay)
Materials Needed:
1.
One 1” three ring
binder
2.
Blue/black pen
3.
Index cards
A word on extra credits:
No extra credits will be given in this class. There
are plenty of quizzes and other assignments for you to recover your grade. Do
not forget you can receive additional help. I am usually available during lunch
on even days. Just ask!
(Fill
out the form below and return to your teacher)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“I
have read and understood this syllabus.”
Student Pledge:
___________________________________________________________
Parent Pledge:
____________________________________________________________
Parent Contact Number:
____________________________________________________
Parent email:
______________________________________________________________
I
have easy access to computer and Internet at home Yes ________ No
________
(If
no, Meng Laoshi will speak with you and we will work something out)
A few words on the National
Chinese Honor Society…
This letter will provide you information
about NCHS member eligibility at Maggie Walker Governor’s School.
The Maggie Walker Chapter of the NCHS
requires that students applying for the NCHS demonstrate excellence in Chinese
and commitment to the language by taking Chinese longer than the minimum school
requirement of 2 years. Due to our school’s status as a magnet school for
gifted students, the Maggie Walker Chapter of the NCHS has received permission
from the national chapter to make the following eligibility guidelines:
The applicant must be a regularly
enrolled student at Maggie Walker who has:
·
Taken at least four
semesters of Chinese at the high school level, and is currently in the fifth
semester of Chinese
·
Maintained an overall
B grade or better in Chinese and other academic subjects
·
In addition to high
academic achievements, has displayed good characters, leadership and service
·
Has no Maggie Walker
Honor Code violations
Exception
to this rule:
·
Students who have taken two years of
Chinese, but their second year of Chinese is AP Chinese language and culture.
Because AP Chinese is the highest level of Chinese offered at Maggie Walker,
students who take this class have demonstrated excellence in the language even
if they do not satisfy the duration requirement. Students whose second year of
Chinese is AP Chinese will be invited to apply for NCHS the following fall
semester after they have completed the AP course.
Thank you for reading.
