Given the nature of the course, translation is required at all times and in all senses of the term, from one person to another, from one language to another, from one form of speech to another, and from one mode of thought to another. 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 say in our own words what we think others are saying, no understanding really takes place. Lets’ express ourselves to communicate in following four areas in which your performance is graded:
- Class attendance constitutes, 42 times, 21% 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, 12 times in total, 24%; 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.
- Answering essay questions on reading and/or viewing assignments, 11 times in total, 33%. Your answers should be no less than 500 words (we do word count) either in Chinese or English that adequately address the issues being raised 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, no fewer than 10 pages in length, on a topic of your own choosing, to be presented at the end of the course, 22%. You can share your work in progress with the instructor in a Google Drive share-folder. Choose something that interests you and is elaborated in the works you read. Thoughtful reflections and insightful reading marginalia can be preliminary stages to this final project.