China, in turn, occupies a unique status in the 21st century as the center of an ancient civilization that is also an increasingly dominant power in global economics and politics.
Mandarin instruction at Wheaton offers students the chance to explore this fascinating culture and language under the guidance of a native speaker instructor who is intimately familiar with the needs of North American foreign language learners.
Students gain a first exposure to Chinese society, and are able to advance to a basic proficiency level (and meet the general education foreign language competency requirement) in listening, speaking, reading and writing.
Involvement in ministry and service in the Chinese community in the Chicago area and participation in other on—and off—campus academic programs provides students with the opportunity to further develop their linguistic and intercultural skills.
Wheaton College currently offers the following courses:
- CHIN 101. Elementary Mandarin Chinese. Beginning Chinese with emphasis on understanding, speaking, reading, and writing. Laboratory practice.
- CHIN 102. Elementary Mandarin Chinese. Beginning Chinese with emphasis on understanding, speaking, reading, and writing. Laboratory practice.
- CHIN 130 Accelerated Elementary Mandarin Chinese. Intensive study of beginning Mandarin Chinese with emphasis on understanding and speaking and a particular focus on reading and writing: covers material of CHIN 101 and 102 in one semester. Recommended for heritage speakers of Chinese (students with native-like speaking and listening skills who lack reading and writing ability); also open to students who have completed up to two years of prior study and have strong listening and speaking skills and to students who place into second semester Chinese (CHIN 102). Final enrollment may be subject to placement test score and/or instructor recommendation. Laboratory work.
- CHIN 201. Intermediate Mandarin Chinese. Reading, composition, and conversation with emphasis on the culture of China. Laboratory practice. The general education foreign language competency requirement is met by passing the final exam of this course.
- CHIN 330 Chinese Conversation. Intensive practice in oral communication and listening comprehension with emphasis on natural spoken expression based on audio materials, videos, and reading of authentic texts on topics of Chinese culture, contemporary Chinese life, and social issues. Dual emphasis on language learning and building of cultural awareness. Students will also develop reading and writing skills through learning additional Chinese characters. Prerequisite: CHIN 201, competency equivalent or permission of the instructor.