Chinese

CHI 111 Chinese I

Credit:

One credit.

Prerequisite:

None.

This is a beginning course in modern Mandarin Chinese, designed for students with no significant background in the language.
The goal of this course is to help students develop functional communication in spoken and written Mandarin Chinese. The curriculum is designed to assist students to gain linguistic, social, and cultural background knowledge of the Chinese language, and develop various strategies and study habits to strengthen oral and written skills. The study of Chinese culture is also introduced. Pinyin (Mandarin Romanization) and Chinese characters are taught. Students learn to communicate about daily life and other topics of interest.

CHI 211 Chinese II

Credit:

One credit.

Prerequisite:

CHI 111. Placement based on screening process.

This course builds upon the foundation of Chinese I. The goal is to help students increase their vocabulary, broaden their knowledge of grammar, and be better able to use their Chinese in everyday situations. The curriculum is designed to enhance the accuracy of students’ pronunciation, to develop understanding of the etymology and basic structures of Chinese characters, to foster effective study habits for developing oral and written skills, and to build independence in the use of conversational Chinese. Besides developing functional language (such as that used for shopping, giving directions, etc.), students will increase their vocabulary by learning to use Chinese dictionaries.

CHI 311 Chinese III

Credit:

One credit.

Prerequisite:

CHI 211. Placement based on screening process.

Building upon the foundation of Chinese II, the goal of the course is to enhance the use of Mandarin in more complex situations. Students’ listening and speaking opportunities will be increased through the use of a broader range of materials beyond that of the textbook. Student interests in Chinese culture will be fostered through work on a project. Students review and practice written composition and Chinese dictionary skills through creative writing. The class will be conducted mostly in Chinese, with Chinese films and written cultural material increasingly incorporated into the curriculum.

CHI 411 Chinese IV

Credit:

One credit.

Prerequisite:

CHI 311. Placement based on screening process.

This advanced course is conducted in Chinese. The objective of the course is to move students from controlled speaking situations to more independent, free speaking on a variety of topics including social events and issues. More complex sentence structures will be introduced, allowing students to discourse on broader topics. Students are given opportunities to explore their interests in Chinese culture and language and give presentations on their research. Projects such as skits and short plays will be incorporated into the class.

CHI 511 Chinese V: Advanced Placement Chinese Language

Credit:

One credit.

Prerequisite:

CHI 411. Placement based on screening process.

This course is designed for students who want to study Chinese language and culture after Chinese IV. It is also for students who want to study for the AP Chinese test. Materials will cover various areas to allow students to develop a deeper understanding of Chinese culture, history, and society, as well as more training on the four language skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking).

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