The daily course schedule is in the following format:
The primary teacher explains the grammar and vocabulary lesson of the day's lesson. Approximately 10 students per class.
Students engage in further practice in a class of no more than five students.
Conversation, debate and discussion of the topics assigned for that day in a class of two students and one instructor.
Students have the chance to improve their linguistic competence by interacting individually with a trained teacher.
The curriculum, designed and supervised by experienced American college professors, focuses on studying the Chinese language through individualized instruction with a high level of participation and interaction. The curriculum is designed so that the material taught in the classroom can be used outside of the classroom. Students are encouraged to interact with local Chinese citizens in order to increase their understanding of Chinese culture and society and to practice the language skills learned in the classroom.
Language classes normally meet four hours daily, five days a week, including one hour of lecture, one hour of drill, a one-hour conversation session (two-on-one), and a one-hour, individual session (one-on-one). In addition, office hours are scheduled in the evening, and there are a language practicum and a language table every Friday. Students should be aware that the ACC program is very demanding. In addition to the four daily hours of class, students should expect to spend at least another four to five hours in class preparation and self-study daily.
The courses listed below indicate the variety of levels and classes offered. At ACC, students do not select courses themselves, but rather are assigned courses at the appropriate level based on a placement examination administered at the beginning of the term.
Students learn basic grammatical and communicative skills by studying a variety of topics involving the lives and culture of Chinese people.\
Focus on oral and written communication, formal presentation and argument in Chinese through selected readings, class discussion and oral written reports.
Focus on study and analysis of cultural readings in Chinese as a basis for advanced grammar in context and vocabulary building.
Students study Chinese language and culture from television reports and interviews and discuss current social and cultural issues in China. For students enrolled in the courses 300 and above, there is special emphasis on helping them produce paragraph-level language that deals with various kinds of content and helps them express abstract ideas and develop strategies for independent learning.
Continuation of Advanced Chinese I through readings and discussions of selected texts.
Students study journalistic structures and styles from Chinese newspaper articles and television reports.
Students study Chinese essays, journal articles and films produced in the PRC. Through readings and discussions, students are encouraged to enhance their communicative skills by exploring, questioning and developing an awareness of contemporary China.
Students study various topics dealing with China through readings and discussion.
Students study various topics dealing with China through readings and discussion.
Through selected articles from Chinese journals and magazines, students examine aspects of the changing face of China.
Students study movies, television plays and short readings in modern Chinese literature. Student discussion focuses on the cultural and literary content of the readings.
Students are introduced to the basic structure and usage of classical Chinese by reading short selections in classical Chinese literature.
Students read modern newspaper and magazine articles and discuss current affairs.
Students study current issues in China through readings and discussion based on newspapers, magazines and television reports.
Continuation of Chinese 420. Further study of Chinese literature and culture through modern short stories, novels, films, and plays.
Students continue their study of ancient China through selected readings in classical Chinese literature, history and philosophy.
Under the guidance of individual tutors, students study various topics independently, according to individual needs and interests. Students interested in taking this course should see the Field Director as early as possible to discuss possible topics and make necessary arrangements.
