Mandarin Chinese
WELCOME to the Chinese Department at Highland Park Senior High School!
The Chinese Language and Culture program offers a seven-year sequence in modern Chinese (Mandarin) from the middle through senior high. In a rapidly shrinking world, understanding more than one world language assumes a greater significance; this outstanding Highland Park program offers a unique opportunity for students to prepare for changing world conditions and increased language requirements in colleges. Chinese culture is an integral part of the program.
The curriculum and teaching materials are specially designed to meet the needs of secondary school students. Student interest is encouraged by a variety of activities including field trips, visiting speakers, and cultural presentations. Juniors and seniors in the Chinese program may take advantage of the “College in the Schools” program and earn up to ten college credits. Chinese is also part of the IB program. Chinese level 4 and higher students have the option of taking the IB exam.
Chinese Immersion 9, Chinese Immersion 10, Chinese Immersion 11, and Chinese Immersion 12 are offered this year. The first cohort of Chinese Immersion 12 graduated in the 2019-2020 school year. Chinese Immersion language classes continue for grades 11 and 12 where students prepare for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) assessments in Mandarin Chinese. These courses will build on the unique language abilities of immersion students at this level, challenging and increasing their language proficiency and exposing them to more and more of the 5,000 years of rich Chinese literature, art, traditions, and culture of our neighbors of the world.
Chinese Courses Offered
W403111 Chinese 1 Grades 9 – 12 4 Quarters
Prerequisite: None
This is an introduction to Modern Standard Chinese (Mandarin) and to the cultures of China. All four skills areas-listening, speaking, reading, and writing will be taught with a major emphasis on speaking and listening. Students will learn the Pinyin spelling system as well as be introduced to Chinese characters. Students will learn to talk about themselves and their families. Students will learn about and celebrate the holidays, arts and crafts of China. Activities will include calligraphy, games and cooking.
W403121 Chinese 2 Grades 9 – 12 4 Quarters
Prerequisite: Chinese 1 (W403111) or Junior High 1 & 2
This is a continuation course for students who have completed Chinese I or two years of Junior High Chinese courses. The emphasis will continue to be on the spoken language. The study of Chinese characters will include both traditional and simplified forms. Topics include shopping, talking about past and future events, daily and leisure activities, home and school.
W473131 Chinese 3 IB Prep Grades 10 – 12 4 Quarters
Prerequisite: Chinese 2 (W403121)
Vocabulary and structures from Chinese I and II will be expanded on. Topics include home and school, going to the doctor, ordering at a restaurant and getting around town. Students will be reading short stories and advertisements. This course will offer more practice in extended writing.
W473141 Chinese 4 IB (College in the Schools Chinese 1011) Grades 10 – 12 4 Quarters
Prerequisite: Chinese 3 (W473131)
This class is primarily conducted in Chinese. Students will be working with textbook and authentic Chinese texts. Student’s practice narrating a sequence of events, and dealing with difficulties. Students will write longer essays. Students may begin to prepare and/or test for the IB Mandarin Language B Standard Level Exam at this level. Students may also earn college credit at the U of M through the College in the Schools program.
W473151 Chinese 5 IB (College in the Schools Chinese 1012) Grades 10 – 12 4 Quarters
Prerequisite: Chinese 4 (W473141)
This class is primarily conducted in Chinese. Students will be given more experience with authentic written materials. Students will practice writing longer essays. Students will practice offering and defending their opinions. Students should test for the IB Mandarin Language B Standard Level Exam at this level. Students may also earn college credit at the U of M through the College in the Schools program.
W473161 Chinese 6 IB (College in the Schools Chinese 1012) Grades 10 – 12 4 Quarters
Prerequisite: Chinese 5 (W473151)
This class is primarily conducted in Chinese. Students will be given more experience with authentic written materials. Students will practice writing longer essays. Students will practice offering and defending their opinions. Students should test for the IB Mandarin Language B Standard Level or Higher Level Exam at this level. Students may also earn college credit at the U of M through the College in the Schools program.
