EPD 305 Basic Chinese for Professionals I

3 graduate credits

Instructor: James L. Davis
Phone: 608/262-4810
E-mail: jdavis@engr.wisc.edu

Course objective:
This course is designed for professionals who travel to China or communicate with suppliers, customers or colleagues in China. No previous Chinese language study is needed. A technical background is not required. Students will develop fundamental skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing Mandarin Chinese. They will also acquire a basic understanding of Chinese culture.

Course description:
Introduces phrases such as greetings, introductions, taking a bus, riding the subway, asking directions, eating at a restaurant, asking the date and time, going shopping, buying tickets, giving and receiving gifts. Instruction in the Chinese phonetic system, four tones and approximately 75 Chinese characters. Cultural topics: Chinese traditions/customs; life in China.

Prerequisite:
None.

Homework:
Weekly assignments that reinforce vocabulary and grammatical patterns. Assignments include short-answer and translation questions.

Exams:
Three two-hour exams.

Course notes:
Handouts will be provided by the instructor at no charge.

Required books:
New Practical Chinese Reader, Vol. 1 (textbook), Liu Xun et al., Beijing Language and Culture University Press, ISBN 7-5619-1040-1; New Practical Chinese Reader, Vol. 1 (workbook), Liu Xun et al., Beijing Language and Culture University Press, ISBN 7-5619-1042-8; New Practical Chinese Reader, Vol. 1 (textbook CDs), Liu Xun et al., Beijing Language and Culture University Press, ISBN 7-8870-3195-8; New Practical Chinese Reader, Vol. 1 (workbook CDs), Liu Xun et al., Beijing Language and Culture University Press, ISBN 7-8870-3196-6.

Recommended books:
Reading and Writing Chinese (Simplified Character Edition), William McNaughton and Li Ying, Tuttle, ISBN 0-8048-3509-8; Tuttle Learner's Chinese-English Dictionary, Li Dong, Tuttle, ISBN 0-8048-3552-7.