The best aspects of this course included the helpful professor and the supplementary materials like videos and slides to help practice Chinese. The worst aspects of the course included the rushed pace of the learning and the onslaught of assignments. The course could have been improved if the professor offered more quizzes that covered less material. The students also recommended that the professor slow down and try to teach at a more suitable pace. Prospective students should anticipate new information every week and make the effort to look at the extra study materials provided.

Students thought that the best aspects of this course included the cultural context in which the materials were taught and they liked having the chance to participate in conversations and discussions. However, several students felt that there was a large discrepancy between students’ prior experiences with the language, and that because there were so many differing levels of ability, conversations were often ineffective. Suggestions for improvement included adding in more grammatical support for struggling students as well as a slower pace of instruction. Prospective students should have a solid proficiency of the language going in as the class is taught almost entirely in Chinese. Students should also be prepared to spend a lot of time outside of the class studying and memorizing the materials.

This course is highlighted by the small class size, the inclusion of more current events, and the opportunities for class discussion. Some negative aspects of the course include the frequent tangents from the instructor, the odd choice of topics, and the high workload. More variety to the in class activities was suggested frequently as an area for improvement. Prospective students should know that much like other language classes, they will need to study regularly for class in order to keep up. Fluent speakers will not be challenged by the course.