Chinese Language Introduction
Chinese is the most widely spoken language in the world, with over 1 billion native speakers. There are more than 129 languages in China, not including dialects. China has more than 56 ethnic groups. Of these, the Han people are approximately 96 percent of the population. This is why the Chinese language is also called “han yu”, meaning “Han’s language”. Chinese characters are called “han zi”, meaning “Chinese words”. The most common language in China is; called Mandarin. It is the official language of China.
At BC we teach Mandarin Chinese character writing and pronunciation/speaking. We teach simplified Chinese characters and introduce traditional characters. We also use pinyin to introduce the pronunciation and writing of the language. Pinyin makes Chinese much easier to learn for students familiar with alphabet-based languages. We teach students pinyin/type Chinese characters during the first two weeks in the Chinese 121 class.
The BC Chinese program offers a variety of Chinese courses. we have a classroom, online, and hybrid classes. Students can choose the class that best fits their schedule. We have tutors at the tutor center and language lab to help students practice character writing and pronunciation. We can provide a personal tutor as well if needed.
Class Descriptions
CHIN& 121: Chinese I 5 cr.
Introduces basic functional ability in Chinese by acquiring vocabulary and skills in grammar, pronunciation, and the Pinyin (Romanized) writing system. Students practice sounds and tones, vocabulary, listening comprehension, grammatical constructions, and practice pronunciation as well as Chinese character reading and writing. The course includes elements of Chinese culture, art, and music. This course requires real-time interactive language practice. After successful completion, students are encouraged to continue with CHIN& 122. Recommended: This course is for students with no previous experience studying Chinese.
CHIN& 122: Chinese II 5 cr.
Continues CHIN 121 at the novice mid¿level. Format includes extensive practice with audio, digital tools, and online resources. Various aspects of Chinese-speaking cultures are presented. Students refine control of sounds and tones, expand vocabulary and grammatical structures, and develop skills in reading and writing Chinese characters while using Chinese in highly contextualized and authentic situations. This course requires real-time interactive language practice. After successful completion, students are encouraged to continue with CHIN 123. Recommend: CHIN& 121 or equivalent or instructor permission.
CHIN& 123: Chinese III 5 cr.
Continues CHIN& 122 at the novice high level. Students further expand functional ability in spoken and written Chinese through work with sounds and tones, vocabulary, grammatical constructions, and Chinese characters, and practice using Chinese in authentic situations. This course requires real-time interactive language practice. After successful completion, students are encouraged to continue with CHIN& 221. Recommended: CHIN& 122 or equivalent or instructor permission
CHIN& 221: Chinese IV 5 cr.
First quarter of second-year, college-level Chinese. Reviews, expands, and deepens first-year grammar, vocabulary, and character knowledge. Students practice integrating the four major language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) at the intermediate level while strengthening their command of Chinese grammar and character use. Students further develop their cultural competency by working with authentic materials from the Chinese-speaking world. Interaction in Chinese is emphasized. This course requires real-time interactive language practice. Recommended: CHIN& 123 or equivalent or instructor permission
CHIN& 222: Chinese V 5 cr.
Second quarter of second-year, college-level Chinese. Continues and builds on CHIN& 221. Interaction in Chinese is emphasized. This course requires real-time interactive language practice. Recommended: CHIN& 221 or equivalent or instructor permission
CHIN& 223: Chinese VI 5 cr.
Third quarter of second-year, college-level Chinese. Continues and builds on CHIN& 222. Interaction in Chinese is emphasized. This course requires real-time interactive language practice. Recommended: CHIN& 222 or equivalent or instructor permission
Last Updated July 11, 2023