University of Wisconsin-Madison

Department of African Cultural Studies

Beginning Zulu AFR 336
Spring 2017

Instructor: Nandipa Sipengane

Email: sipengane@wisc.edu
Office phone: (608) 890-2096
Office hours: Monday and Friday 12-1PM (308 Bradley Memorial Building)

Supervisor: Prof. Katrina Daly Thompson, Director of the African Languages Program
Office hours : By appointment (1402 Van Hise and/or via Skype: mwalimuzuhura)
Email : katrina.daly.thompson@wisc.edu

Class Time: 9:55-10:45AM

Room: Van Hise 223
Language Table: Union South (common area/ 1st floor near the fireplace)
Language Table Time: TBA

Course Description
This course takes an integrated approach to language learning, engaging students in
simple conversations, as well as listening, pronunciation, reading, writing and grammar
activities. It gradually introduces students to more complex grammatical structures and
deeper understanding of culture, while emphasizing fluency in all language learning
skills.

Course Objectives
By the end of the semester you will be able to:
communicate and exchange information about familiar topics using phrases and
simple sentences, sometimes supported by memorized language;
handle short social interactions in everyday situations by asking and answering
simple questions;
present basic information on familiar topics using language you have practiced
using phrases and simple sentences;
write short messages and notes on familiar topics related to everyday life;
understand words, phrases, and simple sentences related to everyday life;
recognize pieces of information when listening; and
understand familiar words, phrases, and sentences within short and simple texts
related to everyday life.

Grade scale:
A 93-100 / AB 88-92 / B 80-87 / BC 78-79 / C 70-77 / D 60-69 / F 59 or below

1
Grade breakdown:
Oral Performance 25%
Homework/Composition/Journals 15%
Weekly Tests/Quizzes 20%
Mid-Term 10%
Final Written Exam 20%
Language Table 5%
Festival participation 5%
--------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL 100%

Policies and Expectations

Attendance is mandatory and missing class will adversely affect your Oral Performance
grade. Regardless of your reason for missing class, you will earn a zero for that day
because I have no basis on which to evaluate your oral performance. However, if you
miss a large number of classes because of an emergency, and provide me with written
proof of the reason for your absence, you may meet with me to make arrangements to
make up what you missed. If you miss a day here or there you should simply find out
what you missed from a classmate as soon as possible.

You are expected to attend class every day and to have done the assignments due for that
day. In the assignment schedule, all homework is listed on the day you should begin
doing it, and due the following class period. You may have it handwritten.

You are expected to come to class prepared and actively engage in conversation with me,
your partner, and the rest of the class. You are encouraged to ask questions, participate in
conversations and discussions, and volunteer to speak. Please do not wait until I call on
you.

Your speaking performance will be evaluated based on oral participation in class every
day. Using English in class will negatively affect your oral performance grade. Each day
I will assign you an oral performance grade from 0-5 using the following criteria:

attend class, arrive on time, listen to others, volunteer to speak, engage with
5
conversation partner, avoid English, demonstrate preparation

attend class, arrive on time, listen to others, engage with conversation partner,
4
avoid English, demonstrate preparation but participate only when called on

3 attend class but participate minimally, or be late, or use English or be unprepared

attend class but participate minimally, use English, and demonstrate lack of
2
preparation

2
 1 attend class but do not participate

0 miss class

Late assignments: All late assignments will be marked down 10% for each day that they
are late unless you have previously arranged with me for an extension.

Extensions: Extensions will be determined on a case-by-case basis, but will generally

only be given in cases of illness or emergency.

Accommodations for students with disabilities

Students who are requesting any adjustments or accommodations on the basis of
disability must present their Faculty Letter from The McBurney Disability Resource
Center (http://www.mcburney.wisc.edu/) and speak with me within the first three weeks
of the semester, so that arrangements can be made in a timely manner. To maintain the
confidentiality of your request, please email me to make an appointment to discuss your
accommodation needs.

Required Texts: [available at the University Bookstore]

Sanibona 2 by Beverley Muller
English Zulu Zulu English Dictionary by Doke, Malcolm, Sikakana, Vilakazi,
Witwatersrand University Press.

Additional texts:
(available as PDFs on the course web site)
IsiZulu 210 Siyafunda short stories. Compiled by Linda Hall
IsiZulu practical course Volume 3. Compiled by Linda Hall
IsiZulu practical course Volume 4. Compiled by Linda Hall

Important Dates:
Midterm Exam: March 10
Festival of African Languages and Literature: Friday 5 May, 6-8 pm. Location TBA.
Final Exam: May 8, 2:45-4:45 PM