As you learn how to speak and write Mandarin Chinese, you are also introduced to the culture and social customs important to conduct business in China.

Intensive Language Program (non-credit)

Module 1, 2 weeks (50 hours)
Prerequisite: none
This module is equivalent to the first half of CHINESE 4015.

This is an introductory course for beginning learners of Modern Standard Chinese. No prior knowledge is required. Students study language fundamentals such as pronunciation, vocabulary and grammar. The emphases are: a) establishing a solid foundation in pronunciation; b) building vocabulary and sentence patterns in communicative contexts; c) introducing the Chinese writing system. In addition, cultural and social information that goes along with language use is also included. The majority of class time aims to develop oral and aural skills.

Lessons address common topics such as greeting and farewell, introducing oneself and other people, talking about oneself and family, talking about hobbies and school life/work place, telling time and dates, extending invitations and making appointments and conducting simple telephone conversations.

The student's level of success is assessed through written exams and performance scenarios in which they speak the language.

Outcome: The students demonstrate speaking abilities at the level of novice low.

Module 2, 2 weeks (50 hours)
Prerequisite: novice low
This module is equivalent to the second half of CHINESE 4015.

This is a continuation of Module 1 at a higher level. While developing oral and aural skills remains the focus of instruction, teaching students to read texts in Chinese characters is also incorporated. Lessons address common topics about school life, shopping, exchanging information about the weather and transportation and dining in a Chinese restaurant.

The student's level of success is assessed through written exams and performance scenarios in which they speak the language.

Outcome: The students demonstrate speaking abilities at the level of novice mid.

Module 3, 2 weeks (50 hours)
Prerequisite: novice mid
This module is equivalent to the first half of CHINESE 4020.

This course is a continuation of Module 2. It aims to help students further develop communicative skills in listening and speaking with an additional emphasis on reading texts in Chinese characters. The emphases of this course are: a) building more vocabulary and grammatical structures for communication purposes; b) integrating the linguistic and cultural knowledge acquired in previous modules with the new knowledge; c) business topics and terminology are introduced and discussed.

Lessons address common topics such as asking/giving directions, seeing a doctor, renting an apartment, using the library and describing personal appearances.

The student's level of success is assessed through written exams and performance scenarios in which they speak the language.

Outcome: The students demonstrate speaking abilities at the level of novice high.

Module 4, 2 weeks (50 hours)
Prerequisite: novice high
This module is equivalent to the second half of CHINESE 4020.

Continuation of Module 3 at a higher level. Students continue to practice speaking, listening and reading for communication purposes. Lessons address common topics such as using the postal service, reserving flight tickets, talking about one's hometown and expressing personal feelings and opinions. Business topics and related terminology continue to be incorporated in the classroom instruction and activities.

The student's level of success is assessed through written exams and performance scenarios in which they speak the language.

Successful completion of this module fulfills the graduation requirement in languages for the degree.

Outcome: The students demonstrate speaking abilities at the level of intermediate low.