AP Chinese Language and Culture

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About the Course

Have you ever wondered about the connection between China’s recent rise as a global economic power, their long history, and distinctive culture? In AP Chinese Language and Culture, you’ll read authentic texts, engage in discussions about culture, economic and social aspects of contemporary China, and find your own answers, all while strengthening your Chinese language skills.

Skills You'll Learn

Understanding Chinese when you hear it and read it
Holding conversations in real-life situations
Writing stories, letters, emails, essays, and other texts

Equivalency and Prerequisites

College Course Equivalent

A fourth-semester (or the equivalent) intermediate-level college course in Mandarin Chinese language

Recommended Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites, but students are typically in their fourth year of high-school-level study. In the case of native or heritage speakers, there may be a different pathway of study leading to this course.

Exam Date

Fri, May 9, 2025

12 PM Local

AP Chinese Language and Culture Exam

This is the regularly scheduled date for the AP Chinese Language and Culture Exam.

Details Add to Calendar

About the Units

The course content outlined below is organized into commonly taught units of study that provide one possible sequence for the course. Your teacher may choose to organize the course content differently based on local priorities and preferences.

Course Content

Unit 1: Families in Different Societies

You’ll learn Chinese language skills in the context of studying family life and values in Chinese-speaking communities and explore contemporary beliefs and challenges that families face.

While engaging in activities related to these topics, you’ll practice skills such as:

Understanding audio recordings (for example, a transportation announcement)
Reading posters, public signs, and other texts
Taking part in discussions
Writing emails and notes
Narrating stories based on a sequence of pictures
Creating a short written and oral presentation

Unit 2: The Influence of Language and Culture on Identity

You’ll build your vocabulary and learn about how language and culture shape and reflect evolving ideas about identity in Chinese-speaking communities.

While engaging in activities related to these topics, you’ll practice skills such as:

Understanding audio recordings (for example, a radio report)
Reading journalistic articles and other texts
Writing and responding to emails
Holding conversations, including starting and ending them appropriately
Narrating stories based on a sequence of pictures
Giving a short oral presentation to explain ideas and opinions

Unit 3: Influences of Beauty and Art

You’ll explore how ideas of beauty and art influence and reflect culture in Chinese-speaking communities.

While engaging in activities related to these topics, you’ll practice skills such as:

Understanding audio recordings (for example, a school conversation)
Reading emails, notes, and other texts
Engaging in conversations and narratives based on pictures
Understanding what a speaker or writer means and responding in a culturally appropriate manner
Exchanging information, ideas, and opinions in discussions and written exchanges
Identifying, comparing, and explaining how features of cultures in Chinese-speaking communities relate to ideas about beauty and aesthetics

Unit 4: How Science and Technology Affect Our Lives

You’ll examine how developments in science and technology affect and shape daily life in Chinese-speaking communities. You’ll use your growing language skills to help you interpret unfamiliar words and read and write more complicated texts.

While engaging in activities related to these topics, you’ll practice skills such as:

Understanding audio recordings (for example, a voice message)
Reading pen pal letters and other texts
Exchanging information in conversations and written exchanges
Writing emails, letters, and narratives using either simplified or traditional characters and with appropriate formality
Creating written presentations with an introduction, development of topic, and conclusion

Unit 5: Factors That Impact the Quality of Life

You’ll learn more about contemporary life in Chinese-speaking communities and how social status, cultural perspectives, and access to jobs and resources can make an impact on the quality of life.

While engaging in activities related to these topics, you’ll practice skills such as:

Understanding audio recordings (for example, responses and replies to a statement or question)
Reading short stories and other texts
Applying what you’ve learned from working with real-life Chinese-language materials as you prepare for speaking and writing tasks
Writing an email response using either simplified or traditional characters and with appropriate formality and format
Using strategies in conversation such as paraphrasing and asking for clarification
Discussing different cultural perspectives and using cultural information to prepare and deliver an organized cultural presentation

Unit 6: Environmental, Political, and Societal Challenges

You’ll explore how complex global issues affect people’s lives in Chinese-speaking communities and engage in deeper discussions to suggest possible solutions.

While engaging in activities related to these topics, you’ll practice skills such as:

Understanding audio recordings (for example, an advertisement)
Reading brochures, advertisements, and other texts
Carrying out conversations and interviews
Getting information from sources to prepare and deliver an organized cultural presentation
Giving and explaining your viewpoint with supporting details and elaboration
Writing an email response providing suggestions with justifications
Narrating stories based on a sequence of pictures

Course Resources

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AP Chinese Language and Culture Course and Exam Description

This is the core document for the course. It clearly lays out the course content and describes the exam and AP Program in general.

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Become a Global Citizen with AP World Language and Culture Courses

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Speak a Second Language? You’re a Step Ahead for AP

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Additional Information