Foreign Language 3: Intermediate Mandarin

Students are required to complete at least three foreign language proficiency levels, with the aim of achieving at least Limited Working Proficiency (based on FSI Absolute Language Proficiency Ratings) in Mandarin, French, or Spanish. As a follow-on to Foreign Language 2, this final, required module provides a degree of language skill sufficient for limited working proficiency, such that students who complete the course can (1) satisfy routine social demands and limited work requirements, (2) express opinions on abstract/cultural matters in a limited way or offer advice within a known area, and understand instructions or public announcements, (3) understand routine information and articles, and the general meaning of non-routine information within a familiar area. A student with advanced proficiency in any of the listed foreign language offerings can opt to take, as an elective, a fourth module in order to reach Minimum Professional Proficiency (based on FSI Absolute Language Proficiency Ratings), which allows him speak the language with sufficient structural accuracy and vocabulary to participate effectively in most formal and informal conversations on practical, social, and professional topics.