Reddit reviews Character Book for Chinese Link: Beginning Chinese, Traditional & Simplified Character Versions, Level 1/Part 1

I took it. The book you will use for first semester is this and I didn't spend too much time on it.

I had no prior knowledge and got an A on all but 2 exams throughout my two semesters.

Homework everyday and once you learn a bit they tack on a journal/essay type assignment once a week. The homework can take 5mins-30mins+ (depends on how well you understand the sentence structures and words). The journal can fit that 5-30 range or take longer as you have to write almost 300 characters and you need to make a comprehensive entry or get docked hard on points.

When it comes to studying the new vocab every week, I spent 3 hours every Sunday and I knew all the words (Pinyin, definition, and how to write the character) for several weeks without review. Other students would study them everyday and still have trouble. So if your memory is good, you won't spend too much time. Also keep in mind that you see the words in your book so you're constantly getting them in your face to remember.

Besides the typical learning in class, Monday and Tuesday both have a vocab quiz. Wednesday has a translation quiz (English to Chinese. One sentence) and Friday has a test on everything you learned that week.

If you have anymore questions just ask. I personally loved the class and I'll be going for the full four years because of it.