Introduction to Mandarin

This course is an introduction to the Mandarin language and Chinese culture for Middle School students. In this course, students will focus on the basics of the Mandarin language, as well as an understanding of Chinese culture. By the end of the year, students will be prepared to excel in the standard Upper School Mandarin sequence. Middle School students who complete Introduction to Mandarin may advance to Mandarin 1.

Completion of this course requires regular access to a laptop or desktop computer with working microphone and webcam, as well as a reliable internet connection.

This Fixed-Paced course incorporates a blend of synchronous and asynchronous elements. Students and teacher meet live via zoom on a regular weekly schedule. In addition, students complete coursework including guided readings, interactive videos, text and video-based discussion threads, problem sets, individual and collaborative projects, and so on. While these activities are time-flexible, teachers sequence them with weekly deadlines to help students keep on track and encourage and support the development of productive time management skills.