The introductory concentration responds to the need of promoting and expanding the knowledge of Mandarin Chinese language and the cultures of Chinese-speaking regions in the United States. It is designed to move the students with no or basic knowledge of Mandarin Chinese toward an intermediate-low proficiency, allowing them to

• develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in Mandarin Chinese. 
• discuss cultural readings from the Mandarin-speaking world.
• successfully handle a limited number of uncomplicated communicative tasks by using the language in straightforward social situations. 
• successfully handle conversation restricted to some of the concrete exchanges and predictable topics necessary for survival in the target-language culture. 
• be generally understood by sympathetic interlocutors, particularly by those accustomed to dealing with non-natives.
• demonstrate cultural awareness and respect toward the Mandarin-speaking communities.

All students are strongly encouraged to take a language proficiency test at the end of the program.

Introductory Chinese Language and Cultures Concentration

The concentration requires 12-14 cr. hrs., depending on the student's proficiency in Mandarin Chinese. Students without prior knowledge of the language or who were placed at the elementary level via a placement exam should complete CHNS 1001 Elementary Chinese 1 and CHNS 1002 Elementary Chinese 2 (8 cr. hrs.). Students with some prior knowledge of the language or who were placed at the intermediate level via a placement exam should complete CHNS 2001 Intermediate Chinese 1 and CHNS 2002 Intermediate Chinese 2 (6 cr. hrs.). All students are required to complete two elective courses on topics in Chinese culture (6 cr. hrs.).

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Language Courses - Choose one of the following sequences:		6-8
CHNS 1001	Elementary Chinese 1
or CHNS 1002	Elementary Chinese 2
CHNS 2001	Intermediate Chinese 1
or CHNS 2002	Intermediate Chinese 2
Elective Courses - Choose two of the following:		6
CHNS 3200	Chinese Culture and Civilization
CHNS 3210	Chinese Literature in English Translation
CHNS 3215	Chinese Cuisine and Culture
CHNS 3230	Chinawood: Chinese Film and Culture
CHNS 3300	Chinese Society: Speaking and Reading Skills
CHNS 3700	Chinese Business Culture
CHNS 4931	Topics in Chinese Language, Literature and Civilization 1
Total Credit Hours:		12-14

1

Students may ask the program director for permission to apply LLAC 4931 Topics in Foreign Language, Culture and Literature to the requirement if its topic relates to the study of Chinese culture. Students are advised to take CHNS 4931 rather than LLAC 4931 when the two courses are offered concurrently.

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