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AP® Chinese Language and Culture

Syllabus

The course is divided into Thematic Units, which are further based on recommended contexts and guided by essential questions. Corresponding cultural elements are integrated into the study of the units, and activities are directed with those cultural connections in mind. The course framework includes eight core Skills, Modes of Communication and Task Models that students will encounter on the AP exam.

Essential Questions:

  • How has the role of families evolved in contemporary societies?
  • How have developments in science and technology impacted language and the ways we communicate and, ultimately, how we see ourselves?
  • How does art both challenge and reflect cultural perspectives?
  • What are the social consequences of scientific or technological advancements?
  • What influences one’s interpretation and perceptions of the quality of life?
  • How do environmental, political, and societal challenges positively and negatively impact communities?

Learning Objectives:

Per the College Board’s AP Chinese Language and Culture requirements, the Learning

Objectives for each skill are as follows:

Skill Category 1: Comprehend Text

  • 1.A Describe the literal meaning of the written, audio, audiovisual and/or visual text.

Skill Category 2: Make Connections

  • 2.A Make connections among cultural and interdisciplinary information provided in texts.

Skill Category 3: Interpret Text

  • 3.A Interpret the distinguishing features of a text.
  • 3.B Interpret the meaning of a text.

Skill Category 4: Make Meanings

  • 4.A Determine the meaning of familiar and unfamiliar words.
  • 4.B Use words appropriate for a given context.

Skill Category 5: Speak to Others

  • 5.A Understand and apply appropriate communication strategies in interpersonal speaking.
  • 5.B Understand and apply appropriate and varied syntactical expressions in interpersonal speaking.

Skill Category 6: Write to Others

  • 6.A Understand and apply appropriate communication strategies in interpersonal writing.
  • 6.B Understand and apply appropriate and varied syntactical expressions in interpersonal writing.
  • 6.C Understand and apply appropriate writing systems in interpersonal writing.

Skill Category 7: Present Orally

  • 7.A Plan and research an issue or topic for presentational speaking.
  • 7.B Use appropriate vocal and visual strategies to communicate an idea in
  • presentational speaking.
  • 7.C Use appropriate language and vocabulary for the intended audience in presentational speaking.
  • 7.D Express a perspective with details and examples to illustrate an opinion or idea in presentational speaking.

Skill Category 8: Present in Writing

  • 8.A Plan and research an issue or topic for presentational writing.
  • 8.B Use appropriate writing strategies to communicate an idea in presentational
  • writing.
  • 8.C Understand and apply appropriate and varied syntactical expressions in presentational writing.
  • 8.D Understand and apply appropriate writing systems in presentational writing.

Units and Essential Questions:

Week 1: Introduction to AP Chinese Language and Culture

Essential Questions:

  • What are the rules and policies of the course, and expectations of a contributing member of the class?
  • How do I contribute to building a classroom community with my teacher and classmates?
  • What course tools are available for navigating in and around the learning management system?

Unit 1: Families in Different Societies

Essential Questions:

  • What constitutes a family in Chinese speaking societies?
  • What are some important aspects of family values and family life in Chinese-speaking societies?
  • What challenges do families face in today’s world?

Unit 2: The Influence of Language and Culture on Identity

Essential Questions:

  • How does one’s identity evolve over time?
  • How does language shape our cultural identity?
  • How does technology influence the development of personal and public identity?
  • How does the art of a community reflect its public identify?

Unit 3: Influences of Beauty and Art

Essential Questions:

  • How do ideals of beauty and aesthetics influence daily life?
  • How does art both challenge and reflect cultural perspectives?
  • How do communities value beauty and art?
  • How is art used to record history?

Unit 4: How Science and Technology Affect Our Lives

Essential Questions:

  • What factors drive innovation and discovery in the fields of science and technology?
  • What role do ethics play in scientific advancement?
  • What are the social consequences of scientific or technological advancements?

Unit 5: Factors That Impact the Quality of Life

Essential Questions:

  • How do aspects of everyday life influence and relate to the quality of life?
  • How does where one lives impact the quality of life?
  • What influences one’s interpretation and perceptions of the quality of life?

Unit 6: Environmental, Political, and Societal Challenges

Essential Questions:

  • How do environmental, political, and societal challenges positively and negatively impact communities?
  • What are possible solutions to those challenges?
  • What role do individuals play in addressing complex societal issues?

Final Unit: AP Exam Practice, Review and Reflections