The beginning level class is designed for total beginners of Mandarin. Students will study Bopomofo symbols, the Hanyu Pinyin system, and the five tones of Mandarin, as well as traditional character writing, and daily conversation. After two to three terms at the beginning level, students are expected to be able to recognize and utilize at least 700-900 vocabulary words, as well as how to use Chinese dictionary properly. Beginning level class paves an important foundation for students to enter into Intermediate level.