Course Descriptions

CHI 101 - Elementary Chinese I
Designed for students with little or no previous experience in the language. Focuses on communicative skills of listening comprehension and speaking, and in developing mastery of the Chinese writing system for basic reading and writing of simple sentences and short paragraphs. Pin yin and Chinese characters are taught so that students will be able to communicate both orally and in written form in the most essential everyday life situations. Students will also learn Chinese customs, traditions, and culture. 3 Credits.

CHI 102 - Elementary Chinese II
A continuation of CHI 101 with emphasis on basic language skills for communication and on cultural aspects to promote understanding and appreciation of the Chinese culture. 3 Credits.

Prerequisite: CHI 101, the equivalent or permission of the instructor. Memory and length of time since last studied are factors in successful placement.

CHI 203 - Intermediate Chinese I
Continued study in Chinese for those with a firm foundation in elementary Chinese communication, written and oral. Grammar and vocabulary are continued at a higher level so that the student develops strong reading and writing skills in order to create complex sentences and short paragraphs. In this class, the student will attain oral and listening skills to successfully function in a variety of daily situations. Cultural topics are included in the study of grammar and structure. Memory and length of time since last studied are factors in successful placement. 3 Credits.

Prerequisite(s): CHI 102, or successful completion of equivalent, or permission of the instructor.

CHI 221 - Chinese Culture on Location
This course is designed to provide the opportunity to see and experience the richness of China through the unique experience of travel. The core part of this course will be a stay in the country, with visits to the main cities and cultural centers. Class meetings prior to the trip will focus on topics that will help the student to prepare for the experience, and meetings after the trip will provide a time for debriefing, reporting, evaluation and assimilation. The student is expected to complete ten tasks during his/her stay, make an oral presentation, and prepare a portfolio of the trip. This portfolio can be a personal journal, photo display, video recording, or a combination thereof. 3 Credits.