MANDARIN CHINESE

MANDARIN CHINESE I COLLEGE PREP

Full Year | 5 credits | Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite(s): None                                                                                       

Students will learn the basics of Mandarin Chinese pronunciation with an emphasis on developing the fundamental skills of speaking, reading, listening, and writing characters with a goal of applying it to familiar, everyday concepts such as introductions, family structures, school life, food, populations/demographics, and nature/climate. In addition, Chinese culture will be explored through authentic texts, including reading and videos.

MANDARIN CHINESE II COLLEGE PREP

Full Year | 5 credits | Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of Mandarin Chinese I CP 

Mandarin Chinese II is designed for students who have completed Mandarin Chinese I or have an equivalent proficiency in the target language of Mandarin Chinese. Students continue to develop the basic level skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in Mandarin Chinese. This course emphasizes vocabulary building and greater fluency in utilizing communication skills in everyday concepts such as self-image and technology, customs and values, health and nutrition, fashion and design, entertainment, and environmental issues. In addition, Chinese culture continues to be woven into the lessons and will be explored through authentic texts and activities. 

MANDARIN CHINESE II HONORS

Full Year | 5 credits | Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of Mandarin Chinese I CP with B or higher + Teacher Recommendation

Mandarin Chinese II Honors is for students who, having developed strong basic skills, are ready to increase proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills of Mandarin Chinese. Authentic texts and materials are utilized to enhance course content and understanding of Chinese culture. The pacing of the course is accelerated and emphasizes oral and written precision.

MANDARIN CHINESE III COLLEGE PREP

Full Year | 5 credits | Grade Level: 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of Mandarin Chinese II CP or Honors                            

Mandarin Chinese III is designed for students who have completed Mandarin Chinese II or have an equivalent proficiency in the target language of Mandarin Chinese. Students continue to develop skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in Mandarin Chinese. This course emphasizes vocabulary building and greater fluency in utilizing communication skills in everyday concepts such as travel and leisure, personal interests, innovations, human geography, economic issues, and architecture. In addition, Chinese culture continues to be woven into the lessons and will be explored through authentic texts and activities.  

MANDARIN CHINESE III HONORS                                                                      

Full Year | 5 credits | Grade Level: 10, 11, 12 

Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of Mandarin Chinese II CP w/ B or higher + Teacher Recommendation

Mandarin Chinese III Honors is for students who, having developed strong basic skills, are ready to increase proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills of Mandarin Chinese. Authentic texts and materials are utilized to enhance course content and understanding of Chinese culture. The pacing of the course is accelerated and emphasizes oral and written precision. 

MANDARIN CHINESE IV COLLEGE PREP 

Full Year | 5 credits | Grade Level: 11, 12 

Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of Mandarin Chinese III CP or Honors

Mandarin Chinese IV incorporates the same six AP themes that are emphasized at the higher levels of language study. Students will be expected to provide more distinctive arguments and descriptions of themselves and their viewpoints in both written and spoken forms. There will be particular emphasis on both compositional and speaking at this level.    

MANDARIN CHINESE IV HONORS 

Full Year | 5 credits | Grade Level: 11, 12 

Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of Mandarin Chinese III CP or Honors w/ a B or higher + Teacher Recommendation 

Mandarin Chinese IV Honors incorporates the same six AP themes that are emphasized at the higher levels of language study. Students will be expected to provide more distinctive arguments and descriptions of themselves and their viewpoints in both written and spoken forms. There will be particular emphasis on both compositional and speaking at the Honors level. Assessment at the Honors level will also be more challenging than those at the Mandarin Chinese IV level. 

MANDARIN CHINESE V HONORS 

Full Year | 5 credits | Grade Level: 11, 12

Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of Mandarin Chinese IV CP w/ B or higher or Honors + Teacher Recommendation

Students continue to develop listening and reading comprehension, and increased fluency in speaking and writing. This course reviews and reinforces basic grammar structures with a focus on improving accuracy while keeping an emphasis on communication. Students will demonstrate their level of proficiency across the three modes of communication: interpersonal, interpretive and presentational. A variety of materials are used including short stories, poetry, song lyrics, television episodes, videos, news and current events taken from various Internet resources. Cultural topics are explored within the thematic content. The class is conducted in Mandarin Chinese, with some grammar explanations in English. Students are expected to communicate in Mandarin Chinese.

AP CHINESE LANGUAGE & CULTURE

Full Year | 5 credits | Grade Level: 12 

Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of Mandarin Chinese IV H w/ a B or higher + Teacher Recommendation + Structured Reading Assignment

Requirement(s): Students are required to take the AP exam

Advanced Placement Chinese Language and Culture follow the prescribed objectives, offerings, and activities required by the College Entrance Examination Board. Advanced Placement serves the interest of the students who wish to pursue college-level studies while still in secondary school and possibly shorten and/or complete their college language requirements. AP Chinese Language and Culture are intended for students who wish to gain confidence and competence as they integrate their language skills. The course content reflects a wide variety of academic and cultural topics such as the arts, history, current events, literature, sports, etc. Students work exclusively with culturally authentic materials across the three modes of communication: Interpretive, Interpersonal, and Presentational. The course is conducted entirely in Chinese with students expected to communicate exclusively in Chinese in class. Students will be expected to independently complete intensive projects, in addition to regular assignments. Students will also write numerous essays, create presentations, and engage in meaningful conversations both prepared and impromptu. Students are required to take the AP Chinese Language and Culture exam. Many colleges will grant credit and/or appropriate advanced credits to students who score well on the exam.