St. Clair County Community College will expand its offerings of Mandarin Chinese language classes for its winter 2008 semester.

Mandarin Chinese II will be available in addition to Mandarin Chinese I. Both online classes are being presented in partnership with the Michigan Virtual University and the Confucius Institute at Michigan State University.

The online courses begin the week of Jan. 14.

Mandarin Chinese I teaches the essentials of Chinese language and culture. Students will begin the basics of speaking, understanding, reading and writing the language, as well as getting insight into Chinese life and customs.

Mandarin Chinese II will give students a deeper understanding of Chinese language and culture.

Students in both classes will have opportunities to interact with native Chinese language speakers in voice and text chat. Students also will receive personal tutoring with a native Chinese speaking tutor through the Confucius Institute’s online tutoring system.

The classes are recommended for high school students, college students, working adults and lifelong learners.

To register for the courses, visit www.sc4.edu/wave or call (810) 989-5500.

For more information, or to get details about technology requirements for the course, contact Linda Davis, dean of eLearning, instructional technology and assessment, at ldavis@sc4.edu or (810) 989-5765.