Develops Chinese language proficiency. Understands and applies the Chinese language in real-life situations at the beginning level, focusing on the three modes of communication, i.e., interpretive (listening and reading), interpersonal and presentational (speaking and writing). Also analyzes selected products, practices, and perspectives in Chinese cultures, and compares and contrasts them with those in ones own culture.

This course is designed for students who have little or no previous exposure to Mandarin Chinese and no experience in learning Mandarin Chinese. It aims at developing listening comprehension and basic language skills in speaking and writing using basic structures in contextual settings such as self, school, family, and hobbies. Students will also learn and master the Pinyin pronunciation system and write Chinese characters. The course will be taught in Mandarin Chinese. English will be used when necessary to provide direction and clarify instructional needs. The course is designed following the *ACTFL National Standards. *American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages