Curriculum
The curriculum used by Mandarin Experts to teach the basics and more advanced structure of the Mandarin language is one which has been praised for its accessibility and ease as well as its ability to meet the student where they are at and quickly take them to their desired level of expertise.
Our curriculum includes working with some of the best textbooks in language instruction. Textbooks are not provided by Mandarin Experts, but resources to purchase them are given to each student before the course starts.
Mandarin Chinese Level 1
In this beginning class, students acquire a basic practical knowledge of Chinese. The phonetic nature of the Chinese language makes for rapid mastery of pronunciation and correct tones. As far as possible, instructors conduct class in Chinese, using English to clarify difficult points. The basic Chinese grammar and sentence patterns are introduced step-by-step, along with approximately forty Chinese characters per lesson. Traditional and modern Chinese cultures are explained and discussed throughout the ten-week quarter. By the end of the class, students will know how to introduce themselves and greet others, count numbers from zero to a million, tell times and dates, discuss hobbies and daily routines, and write brief dialogues.
Required Text: Integrated Chinese, Level 1: Part 1, Lessons 1-6.
Mandarin Chinese Level 2
This lower-intermediate class is appropriate for those who are familiar with the four Chinese tones and who know approximately two hundred Chinese characters and the basic rudiments of Chinese sentence structure. Students learn how to make appointments, talk about school life, the weather and means of transportation and master a variety of useful phrases for shopping in Chinese-speaking societies. About 320 new Chinese characters and more complicated grammatical structures and syntax are covered in this level. Supplementary reading is also provided for each lesson. Students will be encouraged to keep a simple journal in Chinese.
Required Text: Integrated Chinese, Level 1: Part 1, Lessons 6-11.
Mandarin Chinese Level 3
In this lower-intermediate class, students learn how to order food, talk about time and time-duration, describe a party, give compliments, make a date and talk about social life. They also learn about public rules of decorum and begin to master terminology related to health and medicine. About 300 new Chinese characters are introduced at this level, and previously learned characters and idioms are reinforced and expanded through oral and written exercises.
Required Text: Integrated Chinese, Level 1: Part 2, Lessons 12-17.
Mandarin Chinese Level 4
In this intermediate class, students learn how to describe a living environment and one’s hometown, talk about sports, arrange a trip, and use correct terms of address for members of the family. Other items covered include renting a house or apartment, sending mail, dealing with Chinese currency and purchasing money orders and traveler’s checks. There are about 350 new characters to be learned in this level. Supplementary materials are provided with each new lesson. By the end of Chinese 104, students are expected to reach a level of intermediate proficiency in reading, speaking and writing Chinese in a variety of non-technical contexts.
Required Text: Integrated Chinese, Level 1: Part 2, Lessons 18-23.
NOTE: Mandarin Chinese 1-4 students have a choice between using either the Simplified character edition or the Traditional character edition. Classes can be taught using both editions.
Mandarin Chinese 201-204
The second-year series is suitable for those who have a basic command of Chinese grammar and syntax (Chinese 101-104 at Mandarin Experts or one year of college Chinese or equivalent) and can demonstrate intermediate proficiency in reading, writing and speaking Chinese. Designed to expand and refine students’ basic repertoire of language skills, the 200 series combines systematic reviews of first-year grammar and vocabulary with conversation practice organized around themes of general cultural interest. Discussions highlight important aspects of contemporary life in Chinese speaking cultures. Through in-class activities ranging from presentations to film viewings, oral and written exercises and interactive role-playing, students enhance their speaking abilities, improve their reading and writing skills and deepen their knowledge of Chinese culture.
Required Text: Integrated Chinese, Level 2 (combined Traditional and Simplified character).
Mandarin Chinese 300
Chinese 300 (Advanced Conversation) is a continuing class for students who possess advanced proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking Chinese and wish to maintain and improve their language skills in a structured setting.
Schedule
We know that lives are often busy, so we have several options to learn Mandarin Chinese, all at your own pace.
Evening Classes
Mon & Wed, 6pm-8:50pm
Tue & Thu, 6pm-8:50pm
Mandarin Experts evening courses meet twice weekly. Each class meeting is for three hours. Students are immersed in the target language from the first day to the last. The small class size allows for a high level of interaction with the instructor, and class time is focused primarily on speaking and listening activities. Reading and writing are covered more thoroughly in homework assignments and are integrated into the program as you progress. Evening classes are small, maximum 12 students in one class.
Intensive Summer Classes
Weekdays (M-F), 10am-1pm
Introducing this language for business and travel purpose. This is a fast-paced and covers the equivalent of ten weeks of instruction in three weeks through a compressed format.
Each session includes 60 hours of instruction.
Session 1: levels I and II
Session 2: levels III and IV