Week 1
Session 1: Course Introduction and Proficiency Assessment
- Overview of course objectives and expectations
- Initial assessment of speaking, reading, and writing skills
- Introduction to advanced grammar topics
Session 2: Review of Intermediate Grammar and Vocabulary
- Quick review of key grammar points and vocabulary
- Focus on identifying areas for improvement
- Speaking activity: Sharing personal experiences
Session 3: Advanced Pinyin and Tone Drills
- Mastering complex tone combinations
- Tone change rules and exceptions
- Pronunciation exercises for fluency
Week 2
Session 1: Complex Sentence Structures: Subordinate Clauses
- Using 因为…所以…, 虽然…但是…, 如果…就…
- Building complex sentences with conjunctions
- Practice: Crafting detailed responses
Session 2: Advanced Vocabulary: Social Issues and Current Events
- Vocabulary for discussing politics, environment, and global trends
- Analyzing news articles and group discussions
- Role-play: News anchor simulation
Session 3: Reading Comprehension: News Articles and Reports
- Strategies for reading and summarizing complex texts
- Identifying key information in journalistic writing
- Group discussion and text analysis
Week 3
Session 1: Mastering Passive Voice (被 Sentence Structure)
- Using 被 to express passive constructions
- Understanding nuances and common usage
- Practice: Writing passive sentences
Session 2: Formal Writing: Emails, Proposals, and Reports
- Structure and tone in formal Mandarin writing
- Writing business emails and proposals
- Peer review and feedback
Session 3: Advanced Listening Comprehension: Lectures and Interviews
- Listening to academic lectures and professional interviews
- Note-taking strategies for effective comprehension
- Group discussions based on listening exercises
Week 4
Session 1: Idiomatic Expressions and Chinese Proverbs (成语)
- Understanding and using common idiomatic expressions
- Cultural context behind famous Chinese proverbs
- Practice: Incorporating idioms in conversations
Session 2: Advanced Reading: Classical and Contemporary Literature
- Reading and analyzing literary texts
- Identifying literary devices and themes
- Group discussion: Comparing traditional and modern works
Session 3: Debate Skills: Structuring Arguments and Counterarguments
- Techniques for persuasive speaking and formal debates
- Organizing arguments logically and effectively
- Practice: Debating on social topics
Week 5
Session 1: Advanced Grammar: Resultative and Directional Complements
- Deep dive into resultative complements (学会, 看懂, 听清楚)
- Directional complements (上来, 下去, 进去) in action
- Practice exercises and sentence building
Session 2: Descriptive Writing: Narratives and Essays
- Techniques for descriptive writing and storytelling
- Crafting essays with clear structure and flow
- Writing assignment: Personal narrative with feedback
Session 3: Role-Playing Professional Scenarios
- Simulating workplace situations (meetings, negotiations)
- Focus on formal language and professional etiquette
- Feedback on speaking clarity and professionalism
Week 6
Session 1: Mastering Hypothetical and Conditional Sentences
- Using 要是…, 就…, 只要…, 就… for hypothetical situations
- Discussing possibilities and hypothetical scenarios
- Practice: Writing conditional sentences
Session 2: Vocabulary Expansion: Business, Economics, and Technology
- Vocabulary related to business negotiations, finance, and tech
- Role-play: Conducting business presentations in Mandarin
Session 3: Advanced Listening: Documentaries and Panel Discussions
- Understanding complex discussions and expert panels
- Identifying key points and summarizing content
- Group reflection and critical thinking activities
Week 7
Session 1: Cultural Insights: Chinese Festivals, History, and Traditions
- Exploring cultural norms, festivals, and their significance
- Comparing traditions across Mandarin-speaking regions
- Presentation on a cultural topic
Session 2: Public Speaking Workshop: Techniques for Effective Presentations
- Structuring persuasive presentations
- Using rhetorical devices effectively
- Practice: Delivering mini-presentations with feedback
Session 3: Interview Skills for Academic and Professional Settings
- Preparing for formal interviews in Mandarin
- Common interview questions and strategies
- Mock interviews with feedback
Week 8
Session 1: Reading Comprehension: Academic and Research Texts
- Strategies for reading academic papers and research articles
- Extracting key arguments and summarizing findings
- Practice: Reading comprehension exercises
Session 2: Advanced Writing: Academic Essays and Research Papers
- Writing academic essays with strong arguments and references
- Structuring research papers with clarity and coherence
- Writing assignment: Short academic essay
Session 3: Panel Discussions: Engaging in Group Conversations
- Participating in formal panel discussions
- Expressing agreement, disagreement, and elaborating on points
- Group panel discussion on current affairs
Week 9
Session 1: Critical Thinking and Analysis in Mandarin
- Developing analytical skills through text analysis
- Evaluating arguments and identifying biases
- Practice: Writing critical response essays
Session 2: Vocabulary for Science, Medicine, and Environment
- Specialized vocabulary related to science and environmental issues
- Discussing global challenges in Mandarin
- Group discussion: Climate change and sustainability
Session 3: Advanced Listening: Speeches and Public Announcements
- Listening to formal speeches and government announcements
- Analyzing tone, style, and content
- Practice: Delivering a formal speech
Week 10
Session 1: Advanced Grammar Review: Polishing Key Concepts
- Comprehensive review of advanced grammar points
- Exercises to reinforce accuracy and fluency
- Q&A for addressing individual language challenges
Session 2: Writing a Comprehensive Research Report
- Combining vocabulary, grammar, and research skills
- Drafting a comprehensive report with clear sections
- Peer review and feedback
Session 3: Advanced Presentation Skills: Storytelling Techniques
- Using storytelling techniques for engaging presentations
- Incorporating personal anecdotes effectively
- Practice: Storytelling in professional contexts
Week 11
Session 1: Mock Debate: Real-World Scenarios
- Preparing for a formal debate
- Presenting arguments, counter arguments, and rebuttals
- Debate on contemporary issues
Session 2: Reading Advanced Literary Texts
- Analyzing complex literary works and historical texts
- Identifying metaphors, symbolism, and literary devices
- Group reflection and discussion
Session 3: Writing a Persuasive Argument Essay
- Structuring persuasive essays with strong arguments
- Crafting introductions, body paragraphs, and conclusions
- Peer feedback and improvement suggestions
Week 12
Session 1: Professional Communication: Business Negotiation Role-Play
- Simulating professional negotiations and agreements
- Strategies for persuasive business communication
- Feedback on negotiation techniques
Session 2: Listening and Speaking Assessment
- Listening comprehension assessment (lectures, interviews)
- Speaking fluency and clarity evaluation
- Feedback for improvement
Session 3: Review and Final Project Preparation
- Review of key concepts from the course
- Preparing final presentations and written projects
- Instructor support for project refinement
Week 13
Session 1: Final Presentations (Part 1)
- Delivering formal presentations on selected topics
- Peer evaluation and constructive feedback
Session 2: Final Presentations (Part 2)
- Continuation of final presentations
- Group discussion and reflection on learning outcomes
Session 3: Course Review and Self-Assessment
- Reflecting on language progress and achievements
- Self-assessment activities for identifying strengths and areas for improvement
- Course feedback session
Week 14
Session 1: Real-Life Application Workshop: Professional Scenarios
- Applying advanced Mandarin in real-world professional contexts
- Simulating workplace scenarios (meetings, presentations, negotiations)
- Group activities with real-time feedback
Session 2: Comprehensive Assessment: Speaking, Reading, and Writing
- Final assessment covering speaking, reading comprehension, and writing skills
- Evaluation of language proficiency and progress
Session 3: Graduation, Feedback, and Future Learning Pathways
- Presentation of certificates (if applicable)
- Personalized feedback for continued Mandarin learning
- Discussion on resources for advanced Mandarin proficiency