Course Description
In this course students will continue to add characters to their vocabulary base while
expanding their knowledge of Chinese language and culture. They will also begin
formulating short paragraphs and reading simple texts on a variety of topics. At this level,
the focus of learning is to develop a deeper understanding of China. The topics are ranging
from geography, minority groups, to ancient dynasties. Through each unit of study, they
will acquire important learning skills to encode Chinese characters and apply their
orthographic knowledge to improve their literacy competence in Chinese.
Course Outline
Trimester 1
Unit 1: Clothing unit
In this unit, students will…
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Review color words and body parts
Learn clothing words, verbs, and some descriptive words
Identify and discuss appearance
Discuss and negotiate prices
Express choices, preferences, opinions , and advice
Ask and answer questions in a clothing store
Explore the use of some measure words
Develop the cultural understanding of the market place in China
Unit 2: House unit
In this unit, students will...
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Learn shape words, rooms in a house, furniture, and some common household items.
Learn verbs, adjectives, and some measure words.
Explore different residential houses in different parts of China
Compare houses in China and those in America
Discuss furniture arrangement
Describe houses
Compare houses in the past and the present
Develop an appreciation of the Chinese architecture
Develop a deeper understanding of Chinese living style that is influenced by the social structure
Trimester 2:
Unit 3: Chinese geography unit
In this unit, students will...
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Develop basic geographic knowledge about China.
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Tell some important geographic locations.
Name some minority groups and tell their locations in China.
Name some major landforms.
Describe the climate and tell the difference between the north and the south.
Tell the agricultural difference between the north and the south.
Describe some geographic features of the Yangtze River and Yellow River.
Learn about Beijing as an important political center in China.
Learn about Shanghai as the financial center in China.
Name some important cities, provinces, and special administrative regions.
Unit 4: Ethnic groups in China
In this unit, students will...
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Name some ethnic groups in Chinese;
Examine Han ethnicity in its lifestyle, culture, language, historical development, major inventions,
economy, and religion.
Investigate Han ethnic group's major contributions to the world and its influence.
Discuss some ancient Chinese dynasties.
Use sentences to describe characteristics of some ethnic groups in China.
Use sentences to compare and contrast different ethnic groups.
Identify and distinguish some cultural similarities and differences between various ethnic groups in
China.
Develop an appreciation for China’s ethnic diversity
Trimester 3:
Unit 5: From the picture of along the river to study the Song dynasty
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Develop basic understanding of the difference between cities and outskirts during Song dynasty.
Form brief understanding of the historical, cultural, and economic development of Song dynasty.
Familiarize self with famous artists, poets, and emperors during Song dynasty.
Compare major transportation during Song dynasty.
Tell Song people’s occupations based on their clothing style.
Tell different shops and its relevance to Song people’s lives.
Ask and give directions to a certain place.
Gain an insight towards the social structure and social life of Song dynasty.
Explain the importance of marine transit to ancient civilizations.
Explain the importance of environmental protection and transportation to the development of Song
cities.
Name some architectural features for the Song buildings and its relevance to people’s lives.
Compare the difference between the life of upper class people and lower class people during Song
dynasty.
Describe the customs and traditions of Qin Ming festival in Song dynasty.
Develop logical, visual, and critical thinking skills by observing, comparing, and analyzing pictures,
photos and/or artwork.
Express personal feelings and gain appreciation of ancient artwork.