CHIN-101 - CHNESE 101 ELEMENTARY CHINESE I - MANDARIN - Ningli Song

Introduction

My name is Ms. Song. Welcome to CHNESE 101 Elementary Chinese I (Mandarin) at College of the Canyons!

This course introduces the basics of Mandarin Chinese with a focus on speaking, listening, reading, and writing Chinese characters. You will also learn about Chinese geography, customs, and culture. No prior experience is required, and the class is designed for beginners.

This is a 5-unit hybrid course (ONLINE + in-person). We will meet in person every Monday and Wednesday from 2:30 PM to 4:50 PM in BONH-301, from June 15, 2026 to August 8, 2026.

I look forward to working with you this summer!

Course Description

This introductory course in Mandarin Chinese is designed for students with little or no prior experience in the language. The class emphasizes developing fundamental skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, with a focus on practical communication in everyday situations.

Students will:

• Practice daily conversations, learning useful vocabulary and expressions for greetings, introductions, shopping, ordering food, talking about family, hobbies, schedules, and more.
• Master the Pinyin pronunciation system, which is essential for accurate speaking and understanding of Mandarin tones.
• Learn the basics of the Chinese writing system, including how to recognize, read, and write commonly used characters.
• Explore aspects of Chinese culture, such as food, festivals, customs, and social practices, to better understand how language and culture are closely connected.

By the end of the course, students will be able to carry out simple conversations, read and write a basic set of characters, and demonstrate cultural awareness in language use

What to Expect in this Course

To participate fully in this course, students will need access to:

• Canvas account
• Webcam: For recording video assignments to practice speaking and oral skills.
• Microphone (built-in or external): For audio recording assignments to practice pronunciation and speaking.
• If you do not have access to any of these tools, please contact the instructor as early as possible. We are committed to ensuring all students can participate successfully and can provide guidance or alternatives to support your learning.

Types of Assessments

Students’ performance in this course will be evaluated through a combination of quizzes, exams, assignments, and cultural engagement activities, designed to develop skills in listening, speaking, reading, writing, and cultural understanding.

1. Assignments

Written Assignments

• Character Practice Sheets: Practice writing assigned Chinese characters multiple times with correct stroke order.
• Sentence Composition: Create sentences using learned vocabulary and grammar structures to reinforce writing and comprehension skills.

Oral Assignments

• Pronunciation Practice: Record and submit audio files to practice tones, pronunciation, and key phrases.
• Speaking Tests: Engage in brief conversations with the instructor or peers to demonstrate practical communication skills.

Listening Assignments

• Audio Comprehension Exercises: Listen to short dialogues or stories and answer comprehension questions.
• Dictation: Listen to words, phrases, or sentences and write them accurately in Chinese characters or Pinyin.

Reading Assignments

• Short Stories/Passages: Read simple texts and respond to comprehension questions.
• Character Recognition: Identify and interpret characters in provided texts, demonstrating understanding of meaning and context.

2. Quizzes and Exams

• Weekly Quizzes and Chapter Exams: Short assessments to test comprehension and retention of vocabulary, grammar, and cultural topics.
• Final Exam (Oral & Written): A comprehensive evaluation covering all course content, assessing overall language proficiency and cultural understanding.

Additional Resources

Canvas

This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:

• CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
• CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password

Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.

Online Education

Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.

The Learning Center (TLC)

The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!

Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)

College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.

Online Counseling

The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.

Management of Stress and Mental Health

Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.

Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.

You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.

Veterans Resource Center

The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.

Library

The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!

Last updated: 06/13/2026 Sub#: 2056 Sub ID: 216540