Chinese Beginners Evening "B" Course
An Introduction to Elementary Mandarin Chinese
Duration:
Two twelve-week terms
Mode of Attendance: Part Time Evening
Description
Part of the range of Chinese language learning courses and activities at SOAS Language Centre in London.
The course is designed as a reasonably fast-paced introduction over two terms (each term consists of 12 weeks) in basic Chinese with the emphasis on developing practical listening, speaking, reading and some writing skills. By the end of the course, participants should be able to communicate within a limited range of daily life situations. They will be introduced to 430 commonly used Chinese characters and over 700 words in the simplified form in 24 weeks. Compared with Course A, this course covers the same amount materials in a more intensive manner, so it's a fast-track course.
The course also includes instruction on the use of a Chinese dictionary and on basic wording processing in Chinese. The course covers roughly the same amount of materials as for lower Chinese GCSE or as required for the Breakthrough/Preliminary Levels of the Asset Languages scheme.
The course uses the first two volumes of "Chinese in Steps", a series of textbooks developed within SOAS Language Centre and is initially taught in English with a gradual increase in the use of Chinese as the language of instruction in class. The focus of the course is on listening and speaking, with a balance between communicative activities, structure practice, reading and some writing skills. Homework is set each week and there will be regular informal assessments and an end-of-term progress test.
Course participants are expected to spend a similar amount of class time outside the class on preparation, homework and revision. Class size is limited to 12 to allow close involvement.
Assessments for Course Placement
Not a total beginner? See our page on course assessments.
Fees for this Course
The fee for each twelve-week term is £535 payable in advance.
Terms and Conditions
See our terms and conditions of payment before enrolling on the course.
How to Apply for this Course
You can apply and pay online or by post.
Classes may fill up quickly. In some cases, additional classes are set up. It is best to apply early in order to avoid disappointment.
Materials
Our course materials page shows you what you need to buy for this course. Course materials are not included in the course fee and can be purchased from the SOAS bookshop bookshop@soas.ac.uk
Timetable
Classes will be held at the Bloomsbury or Kings Cross campuses of SOAS in London on two evenings a week from 6.30pm to 8.00pm for 24 weeks, divided into two 12-week terms. See our timetable pages for dates and times.
