Foundations of Chinese

Foundations of Chinese builds on students’ basic proficiency established in Chinese I. Students may enroll in this course having demonstrated proficiency equivalent to completion of a full-year high school course. This course will continue to develop students’ listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Grammar is studied incrementally through storytelling as functional chunks for meaningful communication. Vocabulary is practiced in a thematic and communicative way, and the topics that are discussed include: hobbies, weather, dining, celebrations, shopping and asking for directions. Students will continue to study the culture of the Chinese-speaking world in the form of language use, traditions and current events. Audio and video materials along with computer software, games, projects, and presentations will be used to foster student interaction and participation. 

Prerequisites: Demonstration of mastery of Chinese I skills and Departmental Recommendation Required.

Course topics are briefly outlined below.

Everyday Life: Students will get a chance to compare their life to that of teens in China and around the world today. By the end of the term, students should be comfortable describing their daily lives, from routines and schedules, to hobbies and habits.

Family and Home: Students will discuss the elements that comprise a home, as well as one’s circle of care.  Additionally, students will learn about Chinese familial structures and compare and contrast their lives to those of Chinese teens.

• Interests: None
• Grades: 10th, 11th, 12th, 9th
• Subjects: Modern Languages