Chinese Language Skills
Seneca College Certificate
More Information
Overview
Learn to listen, speak, write, and read fluently in Chinese! Our comprehensive Chinese certificate program examines various aspects of verbal and written communication - including vocabulary, sentence structure, and pronunciation - thus building proficiency in both simplified and traditional Chinese, and refining conversational skills. Students will explore Chinese culture and participate in interactive, practical lessons designed to help advance their personal and professional development.
Note: Upon successful completion of five successive levels and a conversation class, students will be eligible for a Seneca College Certificate in Chinese Language Skills. Students assessed beyond beginner level must complete a minimum of 2 Chinese courses at Seneca in order to qualify. Students may not use Chinese as a course credit towards a diploma or certificate if Chinese is her/his first language. Seneca College reserves the right to remove students from courses if the student possesses Chinese language abilities above the level of enrolment.
Placement Assessment
Students with prior knowledge of Chinese must register in LGE001 for a placement assessment. The Program Assistant will contact the students via email to arrange a free assessment for accurate placement.
Due to COVID-19, all Part-time Studies courses are being offered online until further notice, in one of the following two formats: online virtual classroom and online self-directed. Click Availability below to see current offerings.
Curriculum
This introductory course is for students with minimal or no previous knowledge of Chinese. Interactive classroom participation enables students to acquire the basic skills of fluency (speaking, listening, reading, and writing) to communicate in the classroom and in real-life situations. Cultural awareness is expanded by investigating the unique characteristics of Chinese culture and customs.
Please note: Students with prior knowledge of Chinese must register in LGE001 for a placement assessment. The Program Assistant will contact students via email to arrange a free assessment for accurate placement.
A continuation of LGE800, this course solidifies and builds Chinese language acquisition in the four skills -- listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The introduction of more complex structures and interactive classroom activities enables students to communicate effectively in everyday situations using the Hanyu Pinyin system. The unique characteristics of Chinese culture are further explored.
Chinese Language Skills 2 develops and reinforces previously learned Chinese language acquisition through extensive role-play. Focus is on both oral fluency and the written language. Chinese cultural awareness is further expanded.
Chinese Language Skills 3 reinforces previously acquired language skills and introduces more complex structures through interactive activities and role-play. Students are able to express themselves more fluently using an enhanced knowledge of Chinese characters. The course focuses on oral fluency and writing for different contexts and purposes. Chinese culture and its impact around the world will continue to be explored.
Participants in Chinese Language Skills 4 continue to develop the four skills through role play based on everyday situations. The course introduces more complex structures while reinforcing previously learned content. Students demonstrate culturally appropriate behaviour and further explore Chinese culture.
In this course, students enhance their Chinese conversation skills through weekly discussions on current issues. Emphasis is placed on overall fluency, including vocabulary development, listening skills, and pronunciation.
Other Courses
Participants in Chinese Language Skills 5 explore various topics of mutual interest and lead or actively participate in spontaneous discussions. Topics may include the workplace, educational environment, and Chinese cuisine and dining etiquette. Advanced vocabulary and grammar structures will be applied in order to communicate successfully for both personal and professional purposes.
Chinese Language Skills 6 continues to stress language acquisition through extensive practice in the four skills. More complex structures are introduced and applied in discussions relating to shopping, education, and relationships.
Chinese Language Skills 7 provides students further opportunities to discuss topics of mutual interest and actively participate in spontaneous conversations. Topics include technology, income, and continuing education. Chinese culture will be explored through various media.
Chinese Language Skills 8 focuses on advanced language acquisition and content. Students practice both previously learned and new complex structures through discussions and role play activities on topics such as historical events, travel and tourism, and the Arts.
Program Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Analyze the pattern and structure of written material using the Chinese language;
- Describe the history and contributions of Chinese speaking cultures;
- Communicate meaningfully and effectively in Chinese in spontaneous conversations;
- Demonstrate the ability to converse in the Chinese language for business, travel and everyday contexts;
- Apply the Chinese language in the written form for a variety of purposes and in varied contexts.
Graduation/Convocation
When you meet all program requirements and become eligible for a certificate, diploma, or degree, you must inform the Registrar by completing a Graduation Application form and paying the graduation and alumni fee. Certificates, diplomas, and applied degrees are issued twice a year in the Fall (October) and Spring (June).
For further information including deadlines and fees, please visit the Convocation website or contact the Convocation Office at 416-491-5050 ext. 77461.
Program Contacts
Jamara Romero
Program Assistant
Jamara.Romero@senecacollege.ca
416-491-5050 ext.22513
Iole Millescamps
Part-time Program Coordinator
Iole.Millescamps@senecacollege.ca
416-491-5050 ext.24109
Sara Potkonjak
Academic Program Manager
Sara.Potkonjak@senecacollege.ca
416-491-5050 ext.22682
For more information about this program, fill out the following form.