A new series of classes is being added to this year’s offering of Chinese language programs from the Confucius Institute at MTSU.

For the second time, on Saturdays beginning Jan. 19, the institute will provide courses for children of Chinese heritage who speak Chinese as their first or second language. Other students with compatible levels of proficiency also are welcome.

Elementary Chinese for Children, Level A, will run from 10 a.m. to noon. The Level B elementary class will go from 10:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

In addition, three sections of Adult Beginning Chinese will be offered. Levels A and B-1 will be available Saturdays from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Level B-2 will be taught Tuesdays from 7 to 9 p.m.

The beginning level courses will focus on basic vocabulary, sentence structure and simple conversation. More advanced levels will help students build skills in reading, writing and communication using the language.

Adult Intermediate Chinese will be taught from 10:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., and Adult Advanced Chinese will be taught from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Saturdays.

The Confucius Institute also will guide an after-school program that introduces the Chinese language from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning Tuesday, Jan. 22.

Students ages 6-12 will develop communication skills through formal teaching and fun activities such as songs, crafts and games. The focus will be on basic conversation, entry-level vocabulary and writing.

Tuition for the after-school program is $300 for 30 two-hour sessions with a $15 materials fee for each student. Tuition for all Chinese language courses is $150 for 15 two-hour sessions.

A 50 percent tuition discount is available for MTSU faculty and staffers who take adult Chinese languages classes. Children and grandchildren of faculty and staffers may take advantage of a 25 percent tuition reduction. MTSU students may attend classes for no charge.

Tuition is nonrefundable after the first two sessions for all courses. For more information, contact the Confucius Institute at 615-494-8696 or cimtsu@mtsu.edu or visit www.mtsu.edu/cimtsu.

— Gina K. Logue (gina.logue@mtsu.edu)