Course Descriptions
CHNESE 1, Elementary Chinese 1, 5 units
Transfer: UC, CSU • IGETC Foreign Language (required for UC only) • Prerequisite: None.
Using an audio-lingual approach, this course teaches pro-enunciation, vocabulary, and grammar fundamentals as essential elements in reading, writing, and understanding elementary Chinese. The course also covers necessary culture, customs, philosophy, and history which serve as keys to studying the Chinese language. Language lab is required.
CHNESE 2, Elementary Chinese 2, 5 units
Transfer: UC, CSU • IGETC AREA 3B (Humanities), Foreign Language (required for UC only• Prerequisite: Chinese 1*.
This course is a continuation of Chinese 1, which covers elementary grammar. It provides students with further basic oral and writing skills while acquainting them with the language. It also includes the reading of simplified texts with emphasis on oral expression and further study of Chinese history and culture. Language lab is required. This course is taught in Chinese except in cases of linguistic difficulty as determined by the professor.
*The prerequisite for this course is comparable to two years of high school Chinese.
CHNESE 3, Intermediate Chinese 1, 5 units
Transfer: UC, CSU • IGETC AREA 3 (Humanities) • Prerequisite: Chinese 2* • Advisory: Skill levels equivalent to those taught in Chinese 2.
This course builds on language skills developed in Chinese1 and 2. The course will complete and review basic grammar and key sentence patterns of Chinese, provide practice in the appropriate use of idiomatic expressions, and further develop skill in reading and writing Hanzi (Chinese characters). It will also build vocabulary, expand reading comprehension, and encourage more extensive conversation in Chinese. It will cover additional aspects about Chinese culture and history. This course is taught in Chinese except in cases of linguistic difficulty as determined by the professor.
*The prerequisite for this course is comparable to three years of high school Chinese.
CHNESE 4, Intermediate Chinese 2, 5 units
Transfer: UC, CSU • IGETC AREA 3B (Humanities), Foreign Language UC only • Prerequisite: Chinese 3 or equivalent.
This course builds on language skills developed in Chinese 3. The course will review and expand on elementary Chinese grammar, provide practice in the appropriate use of set phrases and idioms, and further develop skills in reading and writing. It will enrich vocabulary, further develop reading comprehension, improve conversation and basic writing skills; and it will encompass aspects of Chinese culture and history. This course is taught in Chinese except in cases of linguistic difficulty as determined by the professor.
CHNESE 8, Conversational Chinese, 2 units
Transfer: UC, CSU • Prerequisite: Chinese 2 or equivalent skills.
This course provides an opportunity to acquire better speaking skills in Chinese with the emphasis on natural, colloquial usage. New vocabulary and idiomatic phrases will be emphasized and the student will hold conversations in Chinese during each class meeting. The course is taught in Chinese except in cases of linguistic difficulty as determined by the professor.
CHNESE 9, Chinese Culture and Tradition, 3 units
Transfer: UC, CSU • IGETC AREA 3B (Arts and Humanities) • Prerequisite: None.
This course encompasses the accomplishments of Chinese civilization. From pre-historical beginnings to the early twentieth century, the fundamentals of Chinese philosophy, religion, art, literature, and language are covered and provide an understanding and appreciation of the world’s oldest continuing culture. The course is taught in English.
Transfer Preparation
Many colleges and universities offer baccalaureate degrees in this field. Students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university need to know which courses completed at Santa Monica College will be accepted at the specific college/university. Please consult a Counselor. SMC has transfer articulation agreements with the many UC and CSU campuses, as well as many private and out-of-state institutions.
Degrees and Certificates
Currently, there are no degrees or certificates offered in this discipline at Santa Monica College. Most students should plan to transfer to a four-year institution to continue their education toward a degree in this discipline. Transferring students who wish to qualify for an Associate degree before leaving Santa Monica College should discuss their plans with a Counselor before selecting classes.