Mandarin

The AP Chinese Language & Culture class is conducted entirely in Mandarin, focusing on developing a greater range of conventional social usage and transition to language that is stylistically more formal at times. Units include: Families in Different Societies, The Influence of Beauty & Art, The Influence of Culture & Language, How Science and Technology Affect People’s Lives, Factors that Impact Quality of Life, and Environmental, Political, and Societal Changes. Chinese culture is an integral aspect of this course, embedded in each topic, including practice, products, values, and beliefs. The texts, teaching materials, and activities introduced in this course are designed to develop students’ advanced communication skills through various language activities and authentic materials.

Note: If AP Chinese is the next logical sequence in a student's language study, a student may receive special permission to take an additional AP credit in grades 10 or 11. Students must apply for this additional AP credit with their counselor, and final approval is given by the Associate Principal for Academics.

Advanced Chinese Literature and History aim to develop students’ advanced literary fluency and extensive reading and writing skills to an Advanced High standard. Students will learn and research the development history of Song Dynasty Poetry (Song Ci) and study the works of different authors. Students will also study different genres of modern and contemporary Chinese literature, including poetry, novels, plays, and dramas. They will compare different genres and techniques of literary creation as well as create their own literature work by applying literature terms, advanced rhetorical devices, and extensive research skills. Through this process, students will gain a deepened and broader understanding of the beauty of Chinese literature and how literature has evolved through various stages of development, and how it intertwined with political and social-economic status.

Advanced Chinese Literature and Society aims to develop students’ advanced literary fluency and extensive reading and writing skills to an Advanced High standard. Chinese society in the 20th century is an important part of the course content. Students will study different genres of modern and contemporary Chinese literature, including poetry, novels, plays, and dramas. They will compare different genres and techniques of literary creation as well as create their own literature work by applying literature terms, advanced rhetorical devices, and extensive research skills. Through this process, students will gain a deeper and broader understanding of the social and historical realities as reflected in the works studied.

In MNN Chinese Language & Culture 1/2 course, students will explore how to make the most of their high school life experience through the following units of study: School Life, Beyond School Field, Getting to Know China, and Contemporary Issues. Students enrolling in this course usually have a Chinese background or a strong foundation in Chinese language and culture. Through carefully selected materials and well-developed learning activities, they will enhance their interest in Chinese, become more appreciative of their heritage, and gain further understanding of their own identities. The students have an opportunity to fully develop their communication skills to the targeted proficiency level in a period of two years if needed. 1 credit will be awarded for the successful completion of a one-year study.

In the Chinese Language & Culture 3/4 course, students will explore the enriched Chinese language and advanced knowledge of Chinese culture through the following units of study: From History to Modern, Story Appreciation, Impact of Technology, Education, Childhood, and the Beauty of Tradition. While continuing to develop oral skills, the emphasis will be on strengthening students’ reading and writing communication skills to meet the challenges of potential employment and increased engagement in Chinese-speaking communities. Through relevant and purposeful exploration of what is happening around them, students apply productive skills in carefully designed settings, which resemble or simulate practical and authentic language use. The students have an opportunity to fully develop their communication skills to the targeted proficiency level in a period of two years, if needed. 1 credit will be awarded for the successful completion of a one-year study.

In the Chinese Language & Culture 5 course, students will have the opportunity to explore, recognize, and celebrate their identities. Units of study include: Chinese Geography and Seeking Roots, the Chinese Language When East Meets West, and Global Issues in the 21st century. Students will be exposed to a wide variety of authentic materials to further develop skills such as analyzing and synthesizing, comparing and contrasting, and presenting information through learning activities that simulate real-life situations. The use of formal language is another important part of this course. Students will acquire increasingly sophisticated vocabulary to express themselves in oral and written communication.

In the Chinese Literature and Society course, students will explore Chinese literature and society through the units of Chinese Ethnic Groups, Family Relationships, Influential Chinese Celebrities, Education, and Professions. Contemporary literature by renowned writers will form an important part of the course content with the purpose of developing student’s appreciation of the beauty of the Chinese language. Through introducing contemporary literature, students will gain a deepened understanding of Chinese society and its culture, and they will be exposed to a wider vocabulary and more sophisticated sentence structures which they are expected to integrate into their own writing.

In Advanced 1 course, students will explore Chinese culture and history and make deeper connections to Chinese cities and Chinese people’s life. Texts, teaching materials, and activities introduced in this course are intended to develop students’ advanced communication skills through various language activities and authentic materials. Units include: Changes in China, Life & Environment, Families in different Societies, and the Wellness and Health. Chinese culture is an important aspect of this course which is embedded in each topic including practice, products, values and beliefs.

In Chinese Advanced 2 course, the students will gain a more in-depth understanding of school education and the social, economic changes in China and Hong Kong. Among the topics of study are teenager education and aspects of China’s social development such as the economic reform, population control and the changing nature of family settings, relationships, and environmental quality. Students will continue to transit to language that is stylistically more formal.

Intermediate 1 and Intermediate 2 continue to stress the development of effective communication skills to meet daily needs and interests. The major themes include school community, home compound, surroundings, leisure life, and relationships. Students will react to authentic materials such as menus, maps, and street signs. Different from Novice courses, Intermediate 1 and Intermediate 2 provides students an opportunity to fully develop their communication skills to the level of Intermediate Low according to ACTFL standards in a period of two years if needed. They will be awarded 1 credit for the successful completion of a one-year study.

In Chinese Intermediate 3 and Intermediate 4, students will explore the common daily life at school and in the community. The major themes in this course include school life, health life, shopping and eating, and summer plans. Strong emphasis is placed on the application of the language in real-world situations. Intermediate 3 and Intermediate 4 provide students an opportunity to fully develop their communication skills to the level of Intermediate Mid according to ACTFL standards in a period of two years if needed. They will be awarded 1 credit for the successful completion of a one-year study.

In Intermediate 5, a functional approach is used to emphasize communication skills in daily life and beyond. Instruction focuses on various situations, including relationships, education, part-time jobs, and the impact of the Internet. Chinese culture forms another major part of this course, with a focus on the traditional Chinese festivals and Chinese Geography. Students are engaged in motivating activities that develop their ability to use Chinese in authentic contexts. The course focuses on self-expression through creative thinking, speaking, and writing. A variety of exercises and activities are based on common situations, helping students build proficiency in interpretation, interaction, and presentation.

In Novice 1, students will explore elements of identity and personal interests to make connections to the Chinese language and culture. The emphasis in this course will be on developing the competency to meet basic communication needs (e.g., extending greetings, giving biographical information, extending invitations, and making introductions). Novice 1 provides students an opportunity to fully develop their communication skills to the level of Novice Mid according to ACTFL standards in a year. They will be awarded 1 credit for the successful completion of a one-year study.

In Novice 2, students will explore their own lives and the relationship between individuals and the communities they live in. Novice 2 continues to stress the development of effective communication skills to meet daily needs and interests. The major themes include school life, shopping, weather and transportation, and dining out. Students learn to read and decode information from authentic materials such as menus, maps, and street signs.