Skip to main content

High School Center Programs ⟶ Program Themes ⟶ Critical Languages, Cultures, and Global Connections (Chinese)

Critical Languages, Cultures, and Global Connections (Chinese)

Level Up Your Future with Mandarin! Dive into the Mandarin Chinese language and vibrant cultural studies blended with the humanities! Develop strong communication skills, global awareness, and the cross-cultural confidence needed to stand out on college applications and launch high-impact global careers. Through authentic cultural experiences and interdisciplinary learning, students are prepared to connect across cultures and apply their skills in postsecondary study, careers, and their communities.

Core Experiences

  • Earn college credit and the Maryland Seal of Biliteracy
  • Participate in the National Chinese Honor Society
  • Connect with key professionals and organizations in the critical language (e.g., university faculty, NSA, JNCL/NCLIS, etc.)

 

Program Goals

  1. Develop Foundational Knowledge and Skills
    Build critical thinking, linguistic proficiency, and cultural competence through the study of a world language and the human experience.
  2. Provide Hands-On, Real-World Experience
    Engage in authentic learning that applies global perspectives and language study to real-world contexts, developing linguistic proficiency in a world language other than English.
  3. Foster College, Career, and/or Community Pathways
    Prepare to lead ethically and communicate meaningfully in a global, multilingual, and multicultural society.

 

Application & Locations

Selection Process: Interest-based (past language experience will be requested as part of the application and used to help determine the entry point of Chinese language instruction)

Schools:

  • Southern Region: Whitman
  • Eastern Region: Sherwood
  • Central South Region: Walter Johnson
  • Central Region: Churchill
  • Central North Region: Watkins Mill
  • Northern Region: Clarksburg

Course Progression

Below are two sample sequences of courses for students enrolled in the Critical Language Program. Cells in blue are related to the program pathway. These represent only two entry points to Chinese language instruction.  Based on prior language experience, students may enter the program at varying starting points for Chinese language instruction.  This is subject to change as the programs are developed.

 

Pathway 1: Critical Languages (Chinese):
No Chinese Language Experience - 4 Year Course Progression

Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12

Chinese 1 & 2, Double Period

Chinese 3 & 4
Double Period

Chinese 5

AP Chinese Language & Culture

Global Issues, China focus
(includes year-long, local cross-cultural experience Project-based service learning)

Global Connections Course, TBD
(includes year-long, local cross-cultural experience Project-based service learning)

Functional Fine Art & Craft, Chinese art and craft  focus

East Asian History

 Elective (Physical Education, Technology or Health) Elective
English English English English
Math Math Math Math
Social Studies Social Studies Social Studies Elective (Physical Education, Technology or Health)
Science Science Science Elective (Physical Education, Technology or Health)

Pathway 2: Critical Languages (Chinese):
Entering in Chinese Level 4 - 4 Year Course Progression

Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12

Chinese 4

Chinese 5 & 6
Double Period

AP Chinese Language & Culture

Chinese 7

Functional Fine Art & Craft, China focus

Global Issues, China focus
(includes year-long, local cross-cultural experience Project-based service learning)

Global Connections Course, TBD
(includes year-long, local cross-cultural experience Project-based service learning)
Elective (PE, Technology or Health)

East Asian History

 Elective (PE, Technology or Health) Elective (PE, Technology or Health)
English English English English
Math Math Math Math
Social Studies Social Studies Social Studies Elective
Science Science Science Elective

 

Program Requirements

In addition to the MCPS requirements for graduation, all students must take the following courses to remain enrolled in the Critical Language Program and earn the related certificate upon graduation.

  • Chinese Language Instruction for all four years, with completion of AP Chinese Language & Culture
  • Functional Fine Art & Craft (cohorted)
  • East Asian History (cohorted)
  • Global Issues (cohorted)
  • Global Connections (cohorted)
  • Completion of cross-cultural projects in grades 11 & 12