These year courses continue to develop the basic language skills introduced in Level I, with considerable focus on grammar. Besides continued refinement of speaking and listening skills, these courses emphasize the development of concise, well-organized compositions. Students also begin to read literature, in preparation for the third-year courses. These are intermediate year courses in which students are able to refine and apply the skills acquired in the first two years. While learning more advanced rules of pronunciation and grammar, students read Chinese folk stories, classical and modern literature, and strengthen their appreciation for Chinese culture.
Students use computers to produce more effective writing.
The course requires vigorous study of grammar, composition, conversation, and culture. In addition, knowledge of kanji is expanded further to cope with the greater focus on literature and the development of writing skills. Students in this course may choose to read the novel Botchan. Students will be expected to take the Advanced Placement examination in the spring. French students study representative plays, novels, and poetry spanning five centuries.