Chinese 5 for finalists (LL345)
Summary
Level: Advanced
Prerequisite: prior knowledge of Chinese:
- Successful completion of Language Centre Chinese 4 equivalent module
- A B1+level of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference)
- One year or more of intensive study or work in the native speaking countries
- A good A level or equivalent
Main Objectives:
- To further develop linguistic and cultural competence in using Chinese in different social situations
- To enable students to live and work more effectively in the relevant countries.
- To achieve B2 of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference)
- To research, analyse and reflect on cultural contexts
- To enhance their cultural knowledge and intercultural and cross-cultural competencies
Credits:
This 30 CREDITs.
Teaching and learning:
One weekly session for 21 weeks, organised as:
- One weekly two-hour face-to-face class delivered on campus
- Some independent study will also be set
- Four online workshops, each lasting ninety minutes, spread across terms 1 and 2
Students will take part in an online exchange with a university in China.
If health & safety restrictions are required, teaching may move online.
Students are reminded that 1 credit = 10 hours of study, therefore for a 30 credit module, the minimum expected amount of study is 300 hours, which averages over 10 hours per week. A substantial amount of independent study is therefore required. Students can make use of Moodle to facilitate this.
Assessment:
- Term 1: one interim test (10%)
- Term 2: listening/culture component assessment (15%)
- Term 3: one reading/writing test (35%) + one speaking test (25%)
- Independent project (15%)
Tutors:
Yinghong Shang
Course books
- Reading Into a New China: Deciphering a Changing Society. Volume 1 (2nd Ed.) Duanduan Li and Irene Liu. Cheng & Tsui. 2017 (978-1622911257) (core)
- The Advanced Chinese Multimedia Course. Kunshan Carolyn Lee, Routledge, 2010 (9780415-77407-9)
- New Practical Chinese Reader Textbook 4. Xun Liu, Beijing Language and Culture University Press (978-7561913192)
Course Description:
The module will focus on improving the following:
- further developing communicative competence of Chinese to a higher level
- improving fluency and accuracy in both oral and written performances
- communicating effectively in situations ranging from informal conversation to more formal presentation
- using more advanced reading and writing techniques (simplified Chinese characters will be taught and assessed)
- gaining more insights into contemporary life in the Chinese-speaking communities.
Successful completion of Chinese 5 qualifies students to progress to Chinese 6.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
- develop competence in a broad range of complex and non-routine language tasks across a wide variety of contexts
- gather accurate information from authentic texts of a variety of registers with an appreciation of literary and non-literary styles
- become more proficient in using a wider range of register and style in speaking
- produce longer essays on contemporary social issues as well as write formal letters in an appropriate manner, using correct characters
- demonstrate further awareness and appreciation of Chinese culture
- Critically analyse and reflect on cultural contexts, demonstrating enhanced intercultural and cross-cultural competencies
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Conduct and present independent research into Chinese culture and society
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Self-monitor and self-regulate their own learning and manage resources
By the end of the module, students should be able to achieve B2 standard of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference).
Syllabus:
Topics
- education and employment
- economics and geography
- popular culture
- social changes
- cultural traditions
Grammar/syntax/lexis
- detached phrases
- complex sentences
- synonyms and antonyms
- slang and colloquial expressions
- set phrases and collocations
Subject-specific and transferable skills
- Written and spoken communication
- Strategies for understanding gist and specific information
- Intercultural Awareness, Professionalism, Digital Literacy, Teamwork, Problem-solving, Critical thinking
Can count towards the Warwick Award
