This course has a two-fold purpose: 1) To enable students to speak and understand Chinese, engage in conversations, provide and obtain information, expresses feelings and emotions, and exchange opinions. 2) To help students recognize and write the most common Chinese characters, make sentences and write simple letters and articles. In this course, students will also gain a basic knowledge of Chinese history, Confucius culture, Taoist culture, politics, and religion. Students are encouraged to explore their thoughts and feelings about these cultures through presentations, class discussions, and the internet. The goal is to consider the roots of Chinese culture.