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 participate in activities which introduce basic Mandarin vocabulary, grammar, the writing of simplified Chinese characters, simple conversations and survival skills in Mandarin. Students will also become familiar with Chinese culture and customs. This class fulfills the district graduation requirement for foreign language / fine arts.

Students will:

1.0 Demonstrate the ability to read, write, speak and comprehend Mandarin at a Novice Low-Mid (Formulaic Low-Mid: Stage 1 level).

2.0 Acquire the skills needed to converse with others in Mandarin about their immediate surroundings/activities such as greetings, self-introduction, family, time and dates, making appointments, hobbies, visiting friends and school life.

3.0 Become proficient in the use of Pinyin.

4.0 Learn how to read / write approximately 250 simplified Chinese characters.

5.0 Develop a sensitivity to Chinese perspectives and attitudes and will become familiar with practical formalities.

6.0 Interact with authentic materials through the use of such media as internet websites, podcasts, newspaper ads, television commercials, videos, CDs and DVDs, pen pal exchanges,etc.

7.0 Begin to acquire an awareness of global, cross-cultural and historical issues related to the target culture.