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World Languages
At Taipei American School, the study of world languages is considered a core subject. Students are required to reach a 3rd year level proficiency. We offer beginning, intermediate, and advanced level courses in Mandarin, Spanish, and Japanese. Students are strongly encouraged to take four consecutive years of their selected world language. Students may choose to study more than one world language course per year. Students with no prior knowledge or experience in Mandarin, Spanish, or Japanese will be placed into a beginner’s level 1 course. Students wishing to enter a new language program with prior knowledge or experience in that language are required to take a placement test. Students will need to register for the placement test through the World Languages office prior to finalizing their course selections.
Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grades: 9-12 Prerequisites: Mandarin as a Foreign Language 1 + teacher recommendation Homework: Moderate
In this course for non-native learners, previously learned vocabulary and structures are reinforced, serving as a transition into new units of study. Students will develop and expand their understanding of how the language functions while continuing to make the Mandarin language relevant to their daily lives. Speaking, listening, reading, and computer-based writing activities are related to everyday needs and experiences. The continued emphasis of this course is on authentic communication and cultural awareness.
Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grades: 9-12 Prerequisites: None Homework: Moderate
This course is designed to help non-native learners develop a basic proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and computer-based writing and to prepare them for further study of the Mandarin language. The communicative approach is used to introduce vocabulary and grammar structures through the functions of language. Students will also learn the basic principles behind Chinese characters. Authentic materials and cultural information are interwoven throughout the course to provide a framework for language proficiency and an appreciation of Mandarin-speaking cultures.
Text: Integrated Chinese Text: Integrated Chinese
MANDARIN AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE 3 (UMAN03)
Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grades: 9-12 Prerequisites: Mandarin as a Foreign Language 2 + teacher recommendation Homework: Moderate
This course reviews and continues to develop language skills for nonnative learners of Mandarin through a communicative approach. Speaking, listening, reading, and computer-based writing activities relate to topics which reflect students’ daily lives. The materials and activities emphasize authentic situations and require thinking, recall, and creativity. Students are encouraged to express their own needs and interests in Mandarin, thus
To learn a new language is to open another window from which to see the world.
Chinese proverb
giving them the opportunity to become more confident communicators in the target language.
Text: Integrated Chinese
MANDARIN AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE 4 (UMAN04)
Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grades: 9-12 Prerequisites: Mandarin as a Foreign Language 3 + teacher recommendation Homework: Moderate
This course continues to develop language skills for non-native learners in Mandarin through a communicative approach. Speaking, listening, reading, and computer-based writing activities relate to topics which reflect community as well as daily lives. The materials and activities emphasize authentic situations and require thinking, recall, and creativity. Students continue to develop their ability to confidently communicate their own needs and interests in Mandarin. Supplementary materials help to further develop a continued cultural awareness of the Mandarin-speaking world.
Text: Integrated Chinese
AP CHINESE LANGUAGE & CULTURE (UMAN05)
Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grades: 11-12 Prerequisites: Mandarin as a Foreign Language 4 + teacher recommendation Homework: Heavy
This course for non-native learners provides students with opportunities to enhance language development across three modes: interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational. Students will increase their awareness of contemporary and historical Chinese culture through the study of authentic materials including public announcements, advertisements, articles, contemporary literature, and film. Students who enroll in this course are required to take the external AP Chinese Language & Culture exam near the end of the school year. Students who wish to continue their Mandarin studies after completing this course will be placed into the appropriate Heritage Mandarin class based upon their language proficiency.
Texts: Teacher-selected readings and authentic materials in accordance with AP curriculum guidelines
HERITAGE MANDARIN 2 (UMAN12)
Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grades: 9-12 Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation Homework: Moderate
This course is targeted at native or near-native Mandarin speakers who are developing their reading and writing abilities. Emphasis is placed on developing a solid grasp of common, high-frequency characters used in one’s daily life. Students will also learn how to communicate effectively in Mandarin through handwritten characters. Speaking activities will challenge students to expand their vocabulary to encompass more abstract topics, build more complex arguments, and develop a solid understanding of proper grammar.
Text: 當代中文課程 (A Course in Contemporary Chinese)
HERITAGE MANDARIN 3 (UMAN13)
Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grades: 9-12 Prerequisites: Heritage Mandarin 2 + teacher recommendation Homework: Moderate
This course is targeted at native or near-native Mandarin speakers to further develop their reading and character-writing proficiency. Students will be expected to compose longer, more in-depth, and well-argued compositions, as well as begin to read and discuss original written Chinese language texts. Students will further develop their ability to utilize technology as a means for authentic communication. Speaking activities will target more formal rhetorical speech elements, such as presentations and topic-based panel discussions.
Text: 當代中文課程 (A Course in Contemporary Chinese)
HONORS HERITAGE MANDARIN 4 (UMAN14)
Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grades: 9-12 Prerequisites: Heritage Mandarin 3 + teacher recommendation Homework: Heavy
This course further prepares students to communicate using Mandarin in more formal language settings. Spoken activities emphasize presentations, oral reports, and debates. Students will develop further confidence and ability in written forms. Students will engage in creative writing activities, as well as conduct research and write reports in Mandarin. In this class, students transition from using prepared textbook materials to more real-life content and abridged articles. Students will build on their fluency in Mandarin to communicate through a variety of means and discourse models.
HONORS HERITAGE MANDARIN 5 (UMAN15)
Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grades: 9-12 Prerequisites: Honors Heritage Mandarin 4 + teacher recommendation Homework: Heavy
In this course, activities are based upon authentic materials and situations that require thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. Emphasis is placed on comprehending more complex authentic oral and written communication and responding appropriately and intelligently both orally and in writing. Students are encouraged to express not only their own needs and interests but also their opinions on a variety of contemporary and cultural issues. Supplementary materials further develop and integrate the students’ language skills as well as foster an awareness and appreciation of the Mandarin-speaking world.
IBSL CHINESE B (UMAN16)
Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grades: 11-12 Prerequisites: Honors Heritage Mandarin 5 + teacher recommendation Homework: Heavy
This course prepares students to communicate comfortably and effectively in Mandarin, both orally and in written form through the use of authentic language materials. Students will study how to handle and process information, write their own texts, understand and respond to oral and written communication, and enter intellectual discussions on a range of topics. Additionally, students will continue to develop an awareness and appreciation of Mandarin-speaking cultures. Students who enroll in this course are required to take the external IBSL Chinese B exam near the end of the school year.
Texts: Teacher-selected readings and materials in accordance with IB curriculum guidelines
HONORS SEMINAR: CURRENT MANDARIN TOPICS (UMAN17)
Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grade: 12 Prerequisites: IBSL Chinese B + teacher recommendation Homework: Heavy
This course further develops students’ confidence and skills to communicate effectively in Mandarin, both orally and in written form through the use of authentic language materials. Students will hone their ability to comprehend and participate in formal and informal conversations and to express their ideas with increased accuracy and fluency. They will acquire new vocabulary and build the necessary skills for in-depth reading of a variety of texts. Additionally, students will continue to develop an awareness and appreciation of the cultures and history related to the language studied.
Novice Proficiency
Mandarin Program Flow Chart
Intermediate Proficiency
Mandarin as a Foreign Language 1 Mandarin as a Foreign Language 2 Mandarin as a Foreign Language 3 Mandarin as a Foreign Language 4 Heritage Mandarin 2 Heritage Mandarin 3
Honors Heritage Mandarin 4
Honors Heritage Mandarin 5
AP Chinese Language & Culture
(1 year, grade 11 or grade 12)
• Students enter the Mandarin program based upon their language proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
Students who are not currently enrolled in a Mandarin course at TAS will need to take a placement test.
To complete the 3rd year proficiency requirement, students must complete one year of an Upper School course at the Mandarin as a Foreign Language 3 proficiency level or higher.
IBSL Chinese B
(1 year, grade 11 or grade 12)
Honors Seminar: Current Mandarin Topics
(1 year, grade 12)
*The offering of this course for 2022-2023 is dependent upon student interest and enrollment.
Texts: Teacher-selected readings and authentic materials
HONORS ADVANCED HERITAGE MANDARIN 1 (UMAN21)
Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grades: 9-12 Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation Homework: Heavy This course prepares students to communicate comfortably and effectively both orally and in written form. Students study a variety of texts (including novels, short stories, and selected articles) to explore themes such as traditional Chinese values and their impact on modern life, personal growth, communication, and technology. An emphasis is placed on acquisition of vocabulary and practice of sentence patterns as students work to refine their composition skills. Oral expression will be reinforced through regular class discussions and presentations.
HONORS ADVANCED HERITAGE MANDARIN 2 (UMAN22)
Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grades: 9-12 Prerequisites: Honors Advanced Heritage Mandarin 1 + teacher recommendation Homework: Heavy
This course explores modern-day themes through the study of a variety of texts (including novels, short stories, and selected articles). Continued emphasis is placed upon effective communication both orally and in written form. Vocabulary acquisition remains of primary importance as does the development of polished writing skills in a variety of styles. Oral expression will be reinforced through regular class discussions and presentations.
Mandarin Program Flow Chart (Continued)
Advanced Proficiency Superior Proficiency
Honors Advanced Heritage Mandarin 1
Honors Advanced Heritage Mandarin 2
Honors Advanced Heritage Mandarin 3
Honors Advanced Literature in Mandarin 1
Honors Advanced Literature in Mandarin 2
Honors Advanced Literature in Mandarin 3
Honors Advanced Literature in Mandarin 4
IBHL Chinese B
(1 year, grade 12)
IBSL Chinese A
(2 years, grade 11 and grade 12)
IBHL Chinese A
(2 years, grade 11 and grade 12)
• Students move along the program in a forward direction as indicated by the flowchart arrows. All levels starting at Heritage Mandarin 4 are indicated as honors courses. These honors courses are not interchangeable and build upon increasing language proficiency levels.
• AP Chinese, IBSL/IBHL Chinese B, and IBSL/IBHL Chinese A are optional courses and may be selected when students meet the grade level and course prerequisite requirements. The IBSL ab initio exam (IB Diploma students) may be taken in senior year only; the maximum level of study is Honors Heritage Mandarin 4.
HONORS ADVANCED HERITAGE MANDARIN 3 (UMAN23)
Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grades: 9-12 Prerequisites: Honors Advanced Heritage Mandarin 2 + teacher recommendation Homework: Heavy
This course enables students to develop their language skills by exploring contemporary issues through the study of a variety of texts (including novels, short stories, and selected articles). Students will continue to refine their ability to write in a more sophisticated manner through essays and research projects. Oral expression will be reinforced through regular class presentations and discussions.
IBHL CHINESE B (UMAN24)
Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grade: 12 Prerequisites: Honors Advanced Heritage Mandarin 3 + teacher recommendation Homework: Heavy
This course continues to emphasize the use of language for active communication through the use of authentic materials. Students will work on comprehending and participating in formal and informal conversations as well as expressing their ideas with increased accuracy and fluency. They will acquire the new vocabulary and skills necessary for in-depth reading of a variety of texts and refine their ability to write in a more sophisticated manner. Students who enroll in this course are required to take the external IBHL Chinese B exam near the end of the school year.
Texts: Teacher-selected readings and materials in accordance with IB curriculum guidelines
HONORS ADVANCED LITERATURE IN MANDARIN 1 (UMAN31)
Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grades: 9-12 Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation Homework: Heavy
In this course, students will practice critical reading, thinking, and written analysis in Mandarin. Various texts, including novels and Chinese poems, will be analyzed. Students are expected to demonstrate independent initiative when interpreting these texts and will articulate ideas with sophistication. This course has a significant reading and writing homework component.
HONORS ADVANCED LITERATURE IN MANDARIN 2 (UMAN32)
Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grades: 10-12 Prerequisites: Honors Advanced Literature in Mandarin 1 + teacher recommendation Homework: Heavy
Building on the literary analysis work established the previous year, this course further strengthens students’ abilities to read critically and discuss literature through various interpretive lenses. There are rigorous expectations for in-depth written analysis and critical interpretations of various genres of literature. Moreover, oral presentations and class discussions require students to express nuanced ideas when speaking. This course has a significant reading and writing homework component.
Duration: 2 years Credit: 1 per year Grades: 11 (year 1) – 12 (year 2) Prerequisites: Honors Advanced Literature in Mandarin 2 + teacher recommendation Homework: Heavy
This course is a concentrated two-year program focused on the study of Chinese language and literature. Students will further their command of written and spoken Mandarin by writing literary analysis essays and participating in oral activities including presentations, class discussions, dramatizations, and debates. Students will engage in the study of topics that relate to language in cultural context. Students who enroll in this course are required to take the external IBSL Chinese A exam near the end of the second year.
Texts: Teacher-selected readings and materials in accordance with IB curriculum guidelines
Duration: 2 years Credit: 1 per year Grades: 11 (year 1) – 12 (year 2) Prerequisites: Honors Advanced Literature in Mandarin 2 + teacher recommendation Homework: Heavy
This course is a concentrated two-year program focused on the study of Chinese language and literature. Students will further their command of written and spoken Mandarin through the study of a wide range of genres and rigorous literary analysis. Requirements of the course include both oral and written critiques, comparative commentaries, essays, and creative writing assignments. Students who enroll in this course are required to take the external IBHL Chinese A exam near the end of the second year.
Texts: Teacher-selected readings and materials in accordance with IB curriculum guidelines
Duration: 1 or 2 years Credit: 1 per year Grades: 11-12 Prerequisites: Honors Advanced Literature in Mandarin 2 + teacher recommendation Homework: Heavy
These courses will continue to strengthen students’ abilities to read critically and discuss literature through various interpretive lenses. Students will develop the language skills necessary to become highly proficient readers and writers of Mandarin. Students will engage in the study of well-known literary works. This course has a significant reading and writing homework component.
Texts: Teacher-selected readings and authentic materials
Spanish 1 Spanish 2
Spanish Program Flow Chart
Spanish 3
Honors Spanish 3 Spanish 4
Honors Spanish 4
IBSL Spanish B
Honors Spanish 5
AP Spanish Language & Culture
IBHL Spanish B 1 AP Spanish Literature & Culture
IBHL Spanish B 2
• Solid lines indicate the standard path; dashed lines indicate alternative path options available with teacher permission.
• Students enter the Spanish program based upon their language proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students with previous knowledge or language experience who are not currently enrolled in a Spanish course at TAS will need to take a placement test.
• To complete the 3rd year proficiency requirement, students must complete one year of an Upper School course at the Spanish 3 proficiency level or higher.
• The IBSL Spanish B exam may be taken in junior or senior year; students may take the course over a period of 1 or 2 years. The IBHL exam may be taken in senior year only; this is a two-year course. The IBSL ab initio exam (IB Diploma students) may be taken in senior year only; the maximum level of study is Honors Spanish 4.
SPANISH 1 (UWLD11)
Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grades: 9-12 Prerequisites: None Homework: Moderate
This course is designed to help students develop a basic proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing and to prepare them for further study of the Spanish language. The communicative approach is used to introduce vocabulary and structures through the functions of the language. Authentic materials and cultural information are interwoven throughout the course to provide a framework for proficiency in the language and an appreciation of the cultures of the countries where Spanish is spoken.
Text: VISTAS Introducción a la lengua española
SPANISH 2 (UWLD12)
Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grades: 9-12 Prerequisites: Spanish 1 + teacher recommendation Homework: Moderate
In this course, previously learned vocabulary and structures are reinforced, serving as a transition into new units of study. The students’ understanding of how the language functions is expanded while continuing to make the Spanish language relevant to their daily lives. Emphasis is placed upon continued authentic communication, cultural awareness, and relying on Spanish for comprehension.
Text: VISTAS Introducción a la lengua española
SPANISH 3 (UWLD13)
Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grades: 9-12 Prerequisites: Spanish 2 + teacher recommendation Homework: Moderate
This course reviews and continues to develop language skills in Spanish through a communicative approach. Materials and activities emphasize authentic situations of daily life and require thinking, recall, and creativity. Students are encouraged to express their own needs and interests in the Spanish language, thus giving them the opportunity to become more confident in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
Text: ENFOQUES Curso intermedio de lengua española
HONORS SPANISH 3 (UWLD13H)
Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grades: 9-12 Prerequisites: Spanish 2 + teacher recommendation Homework: Heavy
This course reviews and continues to develop language skills in Spanish through a communicative approach. Speaking, listening, reading, and writing activities relate to topics which reflect daily life. Oral comprehension and proficiency will be stressed, and students will be expected to demonstrate greater independent initiative when completing practice activities. Homework expectations and standards for sophisticated and accurate language usage are significantly higher in Honors Spanish 3.
Text: ENFOQUES Curso intermedio de lengua española
SPANISH 4 (UWLD14)
Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grades: 9-12 Prerequisites: Spanish 3 (or Honors Spanish 3) + teacher recommendation Homework: Moderate
This course continues to develop Spanish language skills through a communicative approach. Speaking, listening, reading, and writing activities relate to topics which reflect community as well as daily life. Students are encouraged to express their own needs and interests in the Spanish language, thus enabling them to become more confident language learners. Supplementary materials help to further develop the students’ reading and writing skills as well as a continued cultural awareness of the Spanish-speaking world.
Text: ENFOQUES Curso intermedio de lengua española
HONORS SPANISH 4 (UWLD14H)
Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grades: 9-12 Prerequisites: Honors Spanish 3 (or Spanish 3) + teacher recommendation Homework: Heavy
This course will stress proficiency in all language skills with a strong emphasis on grammar. Speaking, listening, reading, and writing activities relate to topics which reflect community as well as daily life. Students are encouraged to express their own needs and interests in the Spanish language. Supplementary materials help to further develop the students’ reading and writing skills as well as a continued cultural awareness of the Spanish-speaking world. Homework expectations and standards for sophisticated and accurate language usage are significantly higher in Honors Spanish 4.
Text: ENFOQUES Curso intermedio de lengua española
HONORS SPANISH 5 (UWLD15H)
Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grades: 10-12 Prerequisites: Spanish 4 (or Honors Spanish 4) + teacher recommendation Homework: Heavy
This course prepares students to communicate comfortably and effectively in Spanish, both orally and in written form. Students will practice and be assessed on their ability to handle and process information, write their own text, understand and respond to oral and written communication, and participate in intellectual discussions on a range of topics. Authentic materials will be used throughout to integrate the language skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students are expected to demonstrate indepth cultural awareness and appreciation of the Spanish-speaking world.
Texts: TEMAS para Español B; teacher-selected readings and materials
IBSL SPANISH B (UWLD15)
Duration: 1 or 2 years Credit: 1 per year Grades: 11-12 Prerequisites: Spanish 4 / Honors Spanish 5 (or Honors Spanish 4) + teacher recommendation Homework: Heavy
AP SPANISH LANGUAGE & CULTURE (UWLD181)
Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grades: 11-12 Prerequisites: Honors Spanish 4 (or Honors Spanish 5) + teacher recommendation Homework: Heavy
This course prepares students to communicate comfortably and effectively in Spanish, both orally and in written form. Students will practice and be assessed on their ability to handle and process information, write their own text, understand and respond to oral and written communication, and participate in intellectual discussions on a range of topics. Authentic materials will be used throughout to integrate the language skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students who enroll in this course are required to take the external IBSL Spanish B exam near the end of their one-year or two-year course (junior or senior year).
Texts: TEMAS para Español B; teacher selected-readings and materials in accordance with IB curriculum guidelines
IBHL SPANISH B (UWLD161)
Duration: 2 years Credit: 1 per year Grades: 11 (year 1) – 12 (year 2) Prerequisites: Honors Spanish 4 + teacher recommendation Homework: Heavy
This course continues to emphasize the use of language for active communication. Authentic materials are used throughout to integrate the language skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students will hone their ability to comprehend and participate in formal and informal conversations, and to express their ideas with increased accuracy and fluency. They will acquire the vocabulary and structures necessary for indepth reading of a variety of authentic texts and refine their ability to write in a sophisticated manner. Students who enroll in this course are required to take the external IBHL Spanish B exam at the end of their two-year course (senior year).
Texts: TEMAS para Español B; teacher selected-readings and materials in accordance with IB curriculum guidelines This course continues to emphasize the use of language for active communication. Authentic materials are used throughout to integrate the language skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students will hone their ability to comprehend and participate in formal and informal conversations, and to express their ideas with increased accuracy and fluency. They will acquire the vocabulary and structures necessary for in-depth reading of a variety of texts and refine their ability to write in a sophisticated manner. Students who enroll in this course are required to take the external AP Spanish Language and Culture exam near the end of the school year.
Texts: TEMAS Spanish Language and Culture; AP SPANISH Language and Culture Exam Preparation
AP SPANISH LITERATURE & CULTURE (UWLD191)
Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grade: 12 Prerequisites: AP Spanish Language & Culture + teacher recommendation Homework: Heavy
This intensive course is designed for students with advanced language proficiency and interest in Spanish. Students will practice critical reading, thinking, and written analysis in Spanish through the study of various types of texts including novels, short stories, poetry, and essays based on the AP Spanish curriculum reading list. Students are expected to demonstrate independent initiative when analyzing and interpreting these texts and will articulate ideas with sophistication. This course has a significant reading and writing homework component. Students who enroll in this course are required to take the external AP Spanish Literature and Culture exam near the end of the school year.
Texts: ABRIENDO PUERTAS; teacher-selected readings and materials in accordance with AP curriculum guidelines
Japanese 1
Japanese Program Flow Chart
Japanese 2 Japanese 3 IBSL Japanese B
AP Japanese Language and Culture
• Students enter the Japanese program based upon their language proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students with previous knowledge or language experience who are not currently enrolled in a Japanese course at TAS will need to take a placement test.
• To complete the 3rd year proficiency requirement, students must complete one year of an Upper School course at the Japanese 3 proficiency level or higher.
• The IBSL Japanese B exam may be taken in junior or senior year; this is a one-year course. The IBSL ab initio exam (IB Diploma students) may be taken in senior year only; the maximum level of study is Japanese 3.
JAPANESE 1 (UWLD21)
Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grades: 9-12 Prerequisites: None Homework: Moderate
This course is designed to help students develop a basic proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing and to prepare them for further study of the Japanese language. The communicative approach is used to introduce vocabulary and structures through the functions of the language. Students learn the Japanese sound system. The HIRAGANA and KATAKANA writing notations are introduced from the outset. The 72 basic characters of KANJI symbols related to the unit topics are introduced.
Texts: Genki 1; additional teacher-selected materials
JAPANESE 2 (UWLD22)
Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grades: 9-12 Prerequisites: Japanese 1 + teacher recommendation Homework: Moderate
In this course, previously learned vocabulary and structures are reinforced, serving as a transition into new units of study. The students’ understanding of how the language functions is expanded while continuing to make the Japanese language relevant to their daily lives. Emphasis is placed upon continued authentic communication, cultural awareness, and relying on Japanese for comprehension. An additional 73 KANJI symbols related to the unit topics are introduced.
Texts: Genki 1; additional teacher-selected materials
JAPANESE 3 (UWLD23)
Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grades: 10-12 Prerequisites: Japanese 2 + teacher recommendation Homework: Moderate In this course, previously learned vocabulary and structures are reinforced. Students learn to express their opinions and exchange information in a more sophisticated manner and make the Japanese language relevant to their daily lives. Students’ understanding of how the language functions is expanded thus providing the opportunity to become more confident in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The stress is on continued authentic communication, cultural awareness, and relying on Japanese for comprehension. An additional 79 KANJI symbols related to the unit topics are introduced.
Texts: Genki 2; additional teacher-selected materials
AP JAPANESE LANGUAGE & CULTURE (UWLD241) IBSL JAPANESE B (UWLD261)
Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grades: 11-12 Prerequisites: Japanese 3 + teacher recommendation Homework: Heavy
This course continues to develop language skills in Japanese through a communicative approach. Speaking, listening, reading, and writing activities relate to a broad range of topics. The activities are based upon authentic materials and situations that require thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. Emphasis is placed on comprehending more complex authentic oral and written communication and responding appropriately and intelligently both orally and in writing. An additional 93 KANJI symbols related to the unit topics are introduced. Students who enroll in this course are required to take the according external AP Japanese Language and Culture exam or IBSL Japanese B exam near the end of the school year.
Texts: Genki 2; teacher-selected readings and materials in accordance with AP / IB curriculum guidelines
