Mandarin Beginner 1

  • In-Person, Online
  • $435 - $445

This course can be applied to the UBC Award of Achievement in Chinese or taken as a standalone course.

If you have little or no previous knowledge of Mandarin, this is the right level for you. Learn phonetics and study the tonal system of Mandarin. You also learn to share information about yourself, discuss your family and ask basic questions of those around you allowing you to function in everyday settings. The use of Pin-Yin, the rendition of Chinese characters in the Latin alphabet, facilitates the learning process for students at the elementary level. Native-speaking instructors provide you with insight into the culture, traditions and etiquette of China.

Course format

This course may be offered online, in-person, or a combination of both. Please see Available Sessions for details on the course format.

Materials will be available in Canvas for three weeks after the course ends, after which time you will no longer be able to access the course.

Expected Effort

You can expect to spend about three hours per week attending live, virtual classes and completing course work on your own time. Expect double this amount during the intensive summer term.

Textbook

This course does not require the purchase of a textbook. Course materials are provided by the instructor.

Course Format

This course is offered online and/or in-person. See Available Sessions for details on the course format.

Our online conversational courses offer a virtual classroom experience where you can see and interact with your teacher and classmates over Zoom. Log in at a set time to participate in individual, pair and group work, ask questions and receive feedback from your instructor.

Outside of class time, access course materials online at your own pace for up to three weeks after the course ends.

In-person classes are offered at UBC Robson Square in downtown Vancouver. 

Learn more about online learning at Extended Learning.

How am I assessed?

This is a non-credit course without letter or numerical grades. You receive verbal feedback on your conversation and grammar skills from your instructor during class. Written homework is typically corrected in class. Some lesson modules may include quizzes.

Record of completion

A record of completion will be emailed to students who participate and satisfy the course requirements within two weeks of the course end date. Course completion means 80% attendance and/or 80% completion of mandatory assignments.

Technology requirements

For all languages classes, you’ll need access to the internet, a personal email account and an up-to-date web browser.

For online classes, you will also need a video camera and a microphone on your device.

The day before your course starts, you will receive an email with instructions on how to access the course.

Available sessions

Available course sessions
Dates Days Time Format Tuition Description
Sat 12:00 pm In-Person $435
Tues, Thurs 12:00 pm Online $435
Wed 5:30 pm Online $435
Sat 12:00 pm In-Person $445
Wed 05:30 pm Online $445

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How can we help?

We’re here to answer your questions, discuss learning options and provide insights, recommendations and referrals.  

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