Course Overview

Toward Pre-Advanced Proficiency 迈入高级语言水平

This course is created for learners who have completed CHIN2020 at UVA or the equivalent. Following the World-Readiness Standards advocated by ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages), this course prepares students to develop competence in Chinese language and culture across three communicative modes (interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational) based on a standards-based (Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons, and Communities) curriculum. It aims to create a safe and interactive learning community while catering to individual needs.

In line with the ACTFL’s Proficiency Guidelines, this course aims for learners to achieve proficiency approaching the pre-advanced level across four key language skills by its conclusion. To reach this level, learners will enhance their confidence through regular practice of both formulaic and idiomatic expressions, as well as essential structures, within a range of meaningful, communicative, and authentic contexts. Emphasis on the appropriate use of language and strategic communication will enable learners to develop communicative competence in both “shumianyu” (written language) and “kouyu” (oral language), facilitated by continuous immersion experiences. Learners are encouraged to speak exclusively in Chinese within this total immersion environment, fostering significant language acquisition and cultural immersion.

Theme and Content 主题内容

This course is meticulously designed to prepare learners for a seamless transition into the US-China Virtual Exchange Program, hosted in Beijing, China, as part of CHIN3020. It encompasses five distinct themes that delve into the rich tapestry of China’s traditions and its modernity, fostering a comparative understanding with the latest developments in the U.S. These themes have been thoughtfully selected based on a comprehensive analysis of interests and needs for both heritage and non-heritage learners. The course unfolds over the following five themes, each explored through a dynamic and interactive learning approach:

Theme 1: Self and others: build an interactive learning community
我与他人：建立互动学习社群
Theme 2: My bedroom and Fengshui: explore Chinese Fengshui elements
卧室风水：了解中国风水元素
Theme 3: Smartphone and health: discuss Smartphone’s influence on our health
智能手机：讨论手机对健康的影响
Theme 4: College admission: compare the similarities and differences in China and the US
大学入学：比较中美入学考试的异同
Theme 5: Global warming: take actions for low carbon life
气候变暖：从低碳生活做起

Each theme is intricately designed to resonate with learners’ immediate life experiences, grounded in American norms. The course aims to develop a profound understanding of Chinese cultural norms, practices, and perspectives by drawing insightful comparisons and analyses of both cultures. This journey not only deepens cultural awareness but also encourages learners to propose meaningful changes, improvements, and resolutions to challenges at individual, societal, national, and global levels.

Learning Goals 学习目标

Upon the completion of the course, learners will accomplish learning goals for linguistic, cultural, and cognitive development in the following four domains.

1. Communicative Competence
   Develop communicative competence to describe, narrate, express, explain, persuade, compare, and contrast on a variety of themes (predetermined and collaboratively chosen) at the paragraph and discourse levels.
2. Spontaneous Language Performance
   Demonstrate ability to perform and participate in rehearsed and unrehearsed discussions with balanced use of informal and formal language in different genres, i.e., narrative, descriptive, expository, and argumentative.
3. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
   Present ideas and thoughts analytically, elaborately, and intellectually with a high level of higher-order critical thinking skills to solve problems and proposal recommendations and resolutions based on well-integrated factual information and supporting evidence.
4. Cultural Understanding and Global Connection
   Understand and critique cultural differences and values in the Chinese and US communities and appreciate heritage and legacy that are unique to Chinese cultures and subcultures. This contributes to the award ness and development of global perspectives and the ultimate recommendations and resolutions to challenges we face at the individual, societal, national, and international levels.

Community-Based Experiential Learning (CBEL) 社区体验学习

Aligned with UVA’s mission and its community engagement initiatives, this course incorporates a Community-Based Experiential Learning (CBEL) component, designed to enrich learning experiences and foster meaningful community service. Through CBEL, students apply their language skills and cultural understanding in real-world contexts, engaging in authentic tasks within the community. This approach offers mutual benefits, enhancing both UVA learners’ educational journey and the community members’ understanding of diverse perspectives.

Participants will interact with native Mandarin speakers, discussing a range of topics, completing varied communicative tasks, and reflecting on these enriching dialogues in a CBEL journal entry. This reflection, capturing insights and discussions with their Chinese counterparts, is to be completed after each engagement. Community members, in turn, gain a deeper insight into aspects of US culture and society, addressing both course-required topics and those identified as emergent needs by the community itself.

The CBEL component culminates on Day 6 at the end of Week 2 for each unit, providing a comprehensive wrap-up of the learning experience.