Chinese Beginners Accelerated for finalists (LL3B1)
Summary
Level
Beginners and near beginners. As well as being open to students with no knowledge of oriental scripts in their prior language learning or mother tongues, the module is also open to students who may have some prior knowledge.
Main Objectives
To enable students to enhance their knowledge on basic sentence patterns and ways of expressions, developing competence in a range of predictable everyday tasks. This level allows the students to take fast pace to achieve almost all of the outcomes of Chinese 2 by the end of the study and achieve A2 of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference). Simplified Chinese characters will be taught and assessed.
Additionally, students will research, analyse and reflect on cultural contexts, enhancing their cultural knowledge, as well as intercultural and cross-cultural competencies.
Credits
30 CREDITS.
Teaching and Learning
- Two weekly blended session for 21 weeks consisting of two-hour online class and two-hour face-to-face class on campus
- Four online workshops, each lasting ninety minutes, spread across terms 1 and 2
- Some independent study will also be set
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: One listening test (15%)
- Term 3: One reading / writing test (20%+15%) + one speaking test (25%)
- Independent project (15%)
Main Tutor:
Zhiqiong CHEN
Course Texts (must be bought by student)
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New Practical Chinese Reader (2nd Edition), Textbook 1, Liu Xun. Beijing Language University Press, 2010. (ISBN: 7-5619-2623-5)
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New Practical Chinese Reader (2nd Edition), Textbook 2 (Units 15-20), Liu Xun. Beijing Language University Press, 2010. (ISBN: 7-5619-2895-5)
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New Practical Chinese Reader (2nd Edition), Workbook 1, Liu Xun. Beijing Language University Press, 2010.(ISBN: 7-5619-2622-7)
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New Practical Chinese Reader (2nd Edition), Workbook 2 (Units 15-20), Liu Xun. Beijing Language University Press, 2010. (ISBN: 7-5619-2893-6)
Course Description
The module will focus on acquiring essential listening and speaking skills, providing more exposure and practice of speech sounds and tones. Students will also develop and further practise their reading techniques and writing of characters. The stimulus material (aural, written and visual) not only provides an introduction to Chinese language but also gives the students an insight into a broad spectrum of everyday life in China. The text-book provides written text in both characters and pinyin tones. The workbook, however, gives greater prominence to characters. The online materials will reinforce students' classroom learning.
The independent project will also foster students' critical understanding of cultural contexts, enhance their analytical and reflective abilities in cross-cultural settings, and promote autonomous learning and effective resource management.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Exchange information orally on familiar topics and activities
- Write simple texts, messages and emails, using correct characters
- Understand spoken language in areas of immediate personal relevance
- Apply basic knowledge of grammar appropriate to the level
- Understand texts dealing with descriptions of events and feelings
- 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 course, students should be able to perform at Level A2 Basic user (waystage) of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference).
Syllabus
This module will allow students to develop strategies for self-directed and autonomous learning, as well as an understanding of diverse cultural contexts and the ability to engage with and communicate on them thoughtfully and respectfully. The syllabus will include the following:
Topics
Ordering drinks and food; getting personal information and talking about one's family; talking about one's university; making an appointment; celebrating one's birthday; shopping; talking about past activities and experience; renting a house; changing money at the bank; borrowing and returning books; describing and comparing; at the post office and talking about hobbies.
Grammar
Basic sentence structures; different forms of questions; attributives expressing possession; some commonly used adverbs; numbers from 1-999 and numeral-measure words as attributives; optative verbs; pivotal sentences; the particle 'le'; the 'ba' sentence; comparison.
Subject-specific and transferable skills
- Written and spoken communication
- Strategies for understanding gist and specific information
- Intercultural Awareness, Professionalism, Digital Literacy, Teamwork, Problem-solving
Can count towards the Warwick Award
