Mandarin
WELCOME TO THE MANDARIN CHINESE HOMEPAGE
Last updated 11/11/11
Kwantlen Polytechnic University offers six levels of university transferable Mandarin Chinese courses: MAND 1100, MAND 1101, MAND 2200, MAND 3310 in the fall and MAND 1100, MAND 1101, MAND 2201, or MAND 3311 in the spring (possibly Mand 1100/1101 in the summer as well). ALL courses are transferable to UBC, SFU, UVic and other major post-secondary institutions in BC. Please refer to the latest official Registration Guide for finalized course offerings and their timetables.
Why should I learn Mandarin?
Mandarin has more native speakers in the world than any other languages, including English. It is the official language of the People's Republic of China and Taiwan, one of the major languages used in SE Asia and one of the six official working languages at the United Nations. It is becoming the second largest language spoken in Metro Vancouver. Knowledge in Mandarin is not only a prerequisite for various kinds of educational programs and degrees, but also a definite asset for increased employment opportunities both at home and overseas.
Why should I take Mandarin at Kwantlen?
- Dedicated and highly qualified faculty members
- Small, lively and interactive classes plus weekly 40 minute conversation practice
- A variety of teaching methodologies including communicative approach and language games
- Up-to-date course websites and resources
- Closer to home and to the fastest growing Chinese community in Canada
- Count as elective credits towards various degrees and diplomas
- All university transferable (refer to transfer guide) to UBC, SFU, UVIC and other major post-secondary institutions in BC
- Opportunities to win scholarships for studying in China or Taiwan either by merit or by participating in the BC annual Mandarin speech and/or singing contests
What textbooks are used?
Liu, Yuehua et al Integrated Chinese (3rd ed.) (including Textbooks, Workbooks and Character Books) Boston: Cheng & Tsui Company, 2009
What is the course format and content?
- A variety of integrated listening, speaking, reading and writing with a native speaker
- Concise and focused lecture type descriptions of grammatical structures
- Weekly conversational practice with a conversational associate
- Oral and written exercises and hands-on games
- DVDs, videos and films of linguistic and cultural interest
- Online course resources as well as postings by fellow students
IMPORTANT: MANDARIN COURSE REGISTRATION GUIDELINES:
To help students register in the right course level, the Department institutes the following guidelines for Mandarin course admission based on consultations with the Chinese programs at other BC universities and colleges to which our courses are transferable. Please note that these guidelines are for general placement purposes only. If you are not sure of your language skills or if you have extenuating circumstances for special consideration, please contact the instructor of the course for assessment (see details below). Should your language level be found higher than the course level after classes start, you will be placed in a higher level course (if space is still available) at the discretion of the instructor, or you will be dropped from the class even after the tuition refund date. It is therefore to your advantage to read and follow these guidelines CAREFULLY. You are also advised to take a look at the textbooks at the bookstore to ascertain your level for course registration.
A gentle reminder: Mandarin courses are always popular and fill up quickly. So register early to avoid disappointment.
Mand 1100 "Beginner Mandarin I":
Prerequisite: None. This is a beginner course designed for those who have no or little background in Mandarin.
Registration tip for the FALL semester: For non-heritage students, you are encouraged to register for the twice-a-week R10 daytime section for optimal learning enjoyment and outcomes if your course timetable permits. If not, however, you are also most welcome to register for the once-a-week R50 evening section.
NOTE: You are overqualified for this course if you fall under ONE of the following categories:
2. You immigrated to Canada from a Chinese speaking country or region such as China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore after you finished Grade 1
3. You took Mand 12 regardless of where you were born and raised
4. You went to a weekend Chinese school in the last THREE years in Canada
You have, however, the right and option to take higher level Mandarin courses
Mand 1101 "Beginner Mandarin II":
Prerequisites: MAND 1100 or equivalent (such as knowing about 200 vocabulary), or MAND 11, or assessment by instructor.
NOTE: You are overqualified for this course if you immigrated to Canada from a Chinese speaking country or region such as China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore after you finished the First Semester of Grade 2. You are also overqualified for Mand 1101 if your Mand 12 grade is B or above even though you were born and educated in an English-speaking country. You have, however, the right and option to take higher level Mandarin courses.
Mand 2200 "Intermediate Mandarin I":
Prerequisites: MAND 1101 or equivalent (such as knowing about 500 vocabulary), or Mandarin 11 with B, or Mandarin 12 with C, or assessment by instructor.
NOTE: You are overqualified for this course if you immigrated to Canada from a Chinese speaking country or region such as China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore after you finished the Second Semester of Grade 2. You have, however, the right and option to take higher level Mandarin courses.
Mand 2201 "Intermediate Mandarin II":Prerequisites: MAND 2200 or equivalent (such as knowing about 750 vocabulary), or Mandarin 12 with a B or higher, or assessment by instructor.
NOTE: You are NOT eligible to take this course if you immigrated to Canada from a Chinese speaking country or region such as China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore after you finished Grade 3. You have, however, the right and option to take higher level Mandarin courses.
Mand 3310 "Upper Intermediate Mandarin: Reading and Writing I":
Prerequisites: MAND 2201 or Mandarin 12 with A or equivalent (such as knowing about 1200 vocabulary), or assessment by instructor.
NOTE: You are NOT eligible to take this course if you immigrated to Canada from a Chinese speaking country or region such as China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore after you finished Grade 4. You have, however, the right and option to take higher level Mandarin courses.
Mand 3311 "Upper Intermediate Mandarin: Reading and Writing II":
Prerequisites: MAND 3310 or equivalent (such as knowing about 1600 vocabulary), or assessment by instructor.
NOTE: You are NOT eligible to take this course if you immigrated to Canada from a Chinese speaking country or region such as China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore after you finished Grade 4. You have, however, the right and option to take higher level Mandarin courses.
Mand 3300 "Mandarin Conversation for Speakers of Other Chinese Dialects I":
Prerequisites: None. However, students must NOT speak Mandarin as their first language AND need to have intermediate reading and writing skills (such as knowing about 1500 vocabulary) in the Chinese language.
NOTES:
(1) According to the latest internal arrangement, Mand 3300 transfers to UBC's Chinese 220.
(2) The priority of this course is given to those students who immigrated from Hong Kong or who were born and educated in Canada in an Cantonese-speaking environment. Please consult the instructor if you are not sure of your level or situation.
Mand 3301 "Mandarin Conversation for Speakers of Other Chinese Dialects II":
Prerequisites: Mand 2201 or 3300 or assessment by instructor. Students must NOT speak Mandarin as their first language AND need to have intermediate reading and writing skills in the Chinese language.
NOTES:
(1) According to the latest internal arrangement, Mand 3301 transfers to UBC's Chinese 221.
(2) The priority of this course is given to those students who immigrated from Hong Kong or who were born and educated in Canada in an Cantonese-speaking environment. Please consult the instructor if you are not sure of your level or situation.
(Note: For all students, placement tests may be administered and official documents may be requested for verification purposes at the discretion of the Department.)
In Case You Need to Contact the Instructor for Assessment:
For placement assessments, please email the following information to yanfeng.qu@kwantlen.ca OR the instructor of the course:
1. Your full name, student number and phone number
2. Your birth place and languages you speak (including various Chinese dialects)
3. Your age when you immigrated to Canada (if you were born overseas)
4. Your grade(s) for high school Mandarin (e.g. Mandarin 11 and/or Mandarin 12) AND the year when you took it
5. Did you learn Chinese at weekend Chinese schools? If yes, for how many years?
6. Your extenuating circumstances that are not covered by the guidelines presented above and that deserve special consideration.
Thank you for your interest in our Mandarin courses and we are looking forward to seeing you in class!
Mandarin Courses
Questions? E-mail: yanfeng.qu@kwantlen.ca
Tel: 604.599.2544 Voicemail: 9345
Office: Room 2445 (Richmond Campus)
Instructor's Biography and Student Testimonials
Recommended links on Chinese language learning and Chinese culture
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