Given the nature of the course, translation is encouraged at all times and in all senses of the term, from one person to another, from one language to another, from slangs to formal speech, on-line or off-line. This is because, although we read the same texts, they mean different things in our minds and evoke different mental images and trigger different associations of ideas. Unless we translate words into ideas, ideas into pictures, pictures into poetry, poetry into music, music into dance, dance into religion, and so forth, we don’t fully understand one another. So express yourselves in ways you are most expressive. When and if some text is available only in one language; you need to find its equivalent in another. Your course grade is determined by your performance in the following areas:
- Class attendance constitutes 25% of the course grade; you can make up your absence by an office visit to ask questions and be questioned about assignments.
- In-class and online tests in Moodle, 30%; these tests are ways to find out how well you are comprehending the assigned readings. The formats of the tests include: multiple choices, true or false choices, filling the blanks, and translation.
- Homework in the form of answering essay questions on reading and/or viewing assignments, 30%. Your answers should be no less than 500 words (we do word count) in Chinese or English that adequately address the issues being raised and elaborated in the texts you read. Plot-summaries are unnecessary; in these mini expository essays, you are expected to interpret and analyze the works we discuss in class. Remember to proofread your writing to eliminate typos and grammatical errors.
- Term paper or special project, about 10 pages in length, on a topic of your own choosing, to be presented at the end of the course, 15%. You can share your work in progress with the instructor in a Google Drive share-folder. Choose something that interests you and is well supported by the Chinese works you read. Thoughtful reflections and insightful reading marginalia can be a preliminary to this final project.