My first review after taking 1A is still accurate, in my humble opinion. The most outstanding thing is that Lu really cares about his students learning and will do whatever he can to help you out. That still doesn't make the class easy. Above all, practice/repition will be the keys to success in this course. Utilize the TA sections, and put in the time this class needs. If you follow those guidelines, you should do fine (assuming you are placed at the right level of Chinese knowledge).

The TA is extremely helpful with this course; take Song if you can! She's the best!

Professor Yao is a really nice teacher. She keeps lectures intersting with her sense of humor and energetic presence. She is more than willing to help you through her office hours and is very helpful. The only thing i have to say is a word of caution about the A series. I believe that the description of the 1A class does not fit the students that take the class and the grueling rate at which it is taught. I personally struggled a great great deal and felt that i was nowhere near the level. Many students i was in the clas with had even lived in China for years or had been in Chinese school for 8 years...be careful when selecting the advanced versus regular course.