Fall 2026 - CHIN 100 B100
Mandarin Chinese I (3)
Class Number: 6140
Delivery Method: Blended
Overview
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
Introduction to Mandarin Chinese for students with no prior background or instruction in that language. CHIN 100 is a beginners’ course in basic oral and written skills. Students will be assessed through a placement process at the beginning of the term. Students enrolled/placed into other Chinese courses may not take this course for credit. Breadth-Humanities.
COURSE DETAILS:
Begin your Mandarin journey with CHIN 100!
Designed for students with little to no prior experience in Chinese, CHIN 100 provides an engaging introduction to the language and the cultures of the Chinese-speaking world. You will build a strong foundation in speaking, listening, reading, and writing through the study of Mandarin pronunciation, essential vocabulary, and core sentence patterns.
From introducing yourself and talking about family to navigating everyday situations in a Canadian context, you will learn to communicate about practical, real-world topics from the very start. As you develop your language skills, you will also gain insight into Chinese values, traditions, and cultural perspectives, helping you build meaningful intercultural understanding.
The course introduces the fundamentals of the Chinese writing system and guides you toward mastery of approximately 150 high-frequency Chinese characters. Through interactive learning activities and authentic communication, you will gain the confidence and skills to begin using Mandarin in everyday life.
Grading
- Assignments 35%
- E-Book Project 10%
- Class Work 5%
- Quizzes 10%
- Tests 25%
- Oral Test 15%
NOTES:
GRADING SCALE
A+ 96-100 B+ 83-86 C+ 70-74 D 50-58
A 91 - 95 B 79-82 C 65-69 F 0-49
A- 87 - 90 B- 75-78 C- 59-64
CHIN 100 may be applied towards the Chinese Certificate and the Global Asia Minor.
REQUIREMENTS:
PREREQUISITE
None. CHIN 100 is designed for learners with no background or prior experience in Mandarin Chinese. It introduces students to Mandarin Chinese as a foreign language. Students who have acquired Chinese language skills from their background or have taken other Chinese courses will not be allowed to take CHIN100.
NOTE
It is the students' responsibility to notify the instructor immediately if they find the course level not appropriate for them. To avoid financial penalties, students should take action in a timely fashion. The Department of World Languages & Literature reserves the right to transfer students to more proficiency-appropriate courses or to deregister students when there is no appropriate course for them.
Credits earned in CHIN 100 may be applied toward the Chinese Studies Certificate.
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
Ng, B. Learn Chinese, Book I (Cultural Horizons Education Inc., 2022).
Registrar Notes:
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS
At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.
To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit:
- SFU’s Academic Integrity Policy: S10-01 Policy
- SFU’s Academic Integrity website, which includes helpful videos and tips in plain language: Academic Integrity at SFU
RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION
Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.