Open To: Grades 7 - 12
Prerequisites: Qualifying verbal or math score
Material Purchase Required: Visit our textbook web page
Recommended School Credit: 0.5 credit
Session Based

In this college-level course (formerly called Beginning Chinese, Part I), students are introduced to Chinese phonetics, the Chinese writing system, the pinyin system for writing Chinese using the Roman alphabet, and basic Chinese grammar.

The lively and interactive multimedia courseware is Chinese Odyssey, developed at Johns Hopkins University. It contains a wide range of activities that develop and solidify students' listening, speaking, reading, writing, and grammar skills. Conversation topics include basic greetings, informal conversations, doing homework, welcoming guests, and introducing friends. Students learn pronunciations with special emphasis on tones, and basic principles of Chinese character composition.

Students interact with the instructors and other students using Internet-based software. Course materials include a textbook and a workbook purchased separately by the student.

Biweekly interactive virtual online sessions are held in the evenings (both EST and PST). A school's need to hold daytime sessions for its students will be honored whenever possible.

Separate conversation sessions between each student and the instructor or teaching assistant are arranged individually.

Course Length: 12 weeks

Detailed Course Information

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System Requirements

All CTYOnline courses require a properly-maintained computer with Internet access and a recent-version web browser (such as Firefox, Safari, or Internet Explorer). Students are expected to be familiar with standard computer operations (e.g. login, cut & paste, email attachments, etc).

This course makes use of online audio communication. Broadband internet access, a microphone, and headphones are required.

Course Code: CH11