Chinese Language and Culture

This course sequence will enable you to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that you need to communicate in Chinese in a variety of school, travel, leisure, and job-related contexts. Chinese is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, with over a billion speakers and significant communities in many countries. 

Chinese 10-3Y  

Prerequisite: None  

This is a beginner course for students who have no Chinese background. The main focus of this course is to develop basic listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in Mandarin Chinese which is spoken in China, Taiwan, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Students will develop an increased awareness of and sensitivity to cultural and linguistic diversity through a basic survey of some ancient Chinese historical events. 

Chinese 20-3Y   

Prerequisite: Chinese L&C 10-3Y or equivalent  

This is an intermediate course that extends the learning of Chinese Language & Culture 10-3Y. Students will continue to develop basic listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in Mandarin Chinese. Students will be able to use words and expressions in a range of lexical fields including: weather, clothing, daily life, entertainment, leisure activities and Chinese cultural practices.  

Chinese 30-3Y  

Prerequisite: Chinese L&C 20-3Y or equivalent  

This course completes the three-year cycle of Beginner Chinese. It is designed for students whose abilities in Chinese are at a pre-intermediate stage and wish to take their four language skills to the next level. At the end of this intermediate level, students should be able to plan for their travels, discuss arts and literature, media and technology, identify current events and issues, health and safety, political situations, curricular activities, among other topics.  

Chinese 10-6Y AP Cohort  

Prerequisite: Completion of grade 9 Chinese Bilingual or Chinese at home with high level of fluency    

In this course students will be instructed almost exclusively in Mandarin. Students will explore Chinese language and culture through the study of historical and contemporary events and cultural values. Students will interpret and produce written and visual texts, and extend their proficiency in listening and speaking.  

Chinese 20-6Y AP Cohort  

Prerequisite: Chinese L&C 10-6Y or equivalent  

In this course students will be instructed almost exclusively in Mandarin. Students will explore Chinese language and culture through the study of historical and contemporary events and cultural values. Students will be able to use words and expressions in a range of lexical fields including: travel, customs and traditions, arts and literature, Canada and its resources, and Chinese cultural practices.  

Chinese 30-6Y AP  

Prerequisite: Chinese L&C 20-6Y or equivalent  

This is an Advanced Placement course. Students will be given the opportunity to write the Chinese and Culture Advanced test in this school year. The AP Chinese Language and Culture course engages students in an exploration of culture in both contemporary and historical contexts. The course develops students’ awareness and appreciation of cultural products (e.g., tools, books, music, laws, conventions, institutions); practices (patterns of social interactions within a culture); and perspectives (values, attitudes, and assumptions).