Mandarin 1 is a year-long college preparatory course in which students acquire the ability to converse, read and write in Mandarin. This course stresses the interpersonal, interpretive and presentational skills of communication. Students will demonstrate the ability to read, write, speak and comprehend Mandarin at a Novice Low-Mid level. Students will become proficient in the use of Pinyin, and learn how to read approximately 200 simplified Chinese characters. Students will acquire the skills needed to communicate both orally and in writing with others in Mandarin about themselves, their families, their hobbies, their plans and their academic lives. Students will also become familiar with Chinese culture and customs.