A. Basic Level
This class is for students with no background in Chinese. Introduction to the writing system, and emphasis on the fundamental vocabulary and structure of Chinese required for basic conversation. Students will learn to write approximately 200 Chinese characters, and be able to perform communicative tasks appropriate to this range of characters. Basic language skills in speaking, reading, and writing modern Chinese are taught in class. Fluency in speaking and reading is
strongly emphasized.
B. Elementary Level
It is a sequel to the Basic level. Increasing emphasis will be paid to cultivating reading and writing skills in Chinese, as related to basic personal needs. Reading and writing are substantially accelerated, and oral practice is based on reading materials. Students will be trained to read and write letters, short paragraphs and essays in Chinese characters. At the completion of this level, students will be able to write approximately 400 Chinese characters, and be able to perform communicative tasks appropriate to this range of characters. Reading tasks will also be geared towards this range of characters.
C. Intermediate Level
After the students complete Basic Chinese and Elementary Chinese at NKNU (with a minimum grade of "B") or their Mandarin proficiency is equivalent to the elementary level (based on a placement test). Emphasis is put on reading narrative texts, and on understanding authentic oral texts. Writing assignments stress skills necessary for basic personal needs and tasks necessary for writing social correspondence. In particular, readings and discussions (written and oral) of works
on contemporary cultural and social life in the vernacular are emphasized in class. At the
completion of this level, students will be able to write approximately 800 Chinese characters and
be able to perform communicative tasks appropriate to this range of characters.
D. Advanced Level
It is designed to familiarize students with the language of print and broadcast media, with a focus on news media. Students will learn strategies and tactics applicable to newspaper reading, both skimming Chinese texts for basic content and reading intensively for complete comprehension. Students will also learn essential skills for understanding television/internet and radio broadcasts. Contents for discussion include sociopolitical news, economic news, cultural news, and sports news. Regular writing assignments and task-based activities help reinforce reading and listening abilities.
