This course introduces students to the standard Chinese language and is designed for students with little or no background in spoken or written Mandarin. Students in this course focus on learning essential vocabulary, practicing pronunciation, and understand simple grammatical structures. This knowledge prepares students to communicate effectively in Mandarin on a limited range of everyday topics situations. Students practice listening and speaking in real situations, learn to read and write Chinese characters, and examine how culture and language interact in China. Classroom activities and course work are intended to assist students in their oral development skill and confidence to initiate simple conversations