Successful completion of a third-year course, though students entering with an advanced knowledge of a language must either take that language through the sophomore year or study another foreign language through the third year. The classes emphasize the acquisition of the basic skills required for effective communication, including grammatical principles, idiomatic expressions, accent, intonation, and pronunciation. Reading and listening comprehension are also stressed, as are writing skills. 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.