Intensive Elementary Chinese (PG)

The module is designed for taught postgraduate students who have no or limited knowledge of the Chinese language. It is an integrated beginners module aimed at introducing modern Chinese to students who require intensive language training and aims at developing basic speaking, listening, reading, writing, and translation skills.

Objectives and learning outcomes of the module

On successful completion of this module a student will be able to:

1. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of elementary Chinese grammar
2. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of over 850 Chinese characters
3. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a good range of Chinese grammar structures and expressions in a given context
4. demonstrate the ability to understand and produce short written texts in Chinese about everyday situations
5. demonstrate the ability to understand spoken Chinese and to engage in basic spoken conversation on everyday situations
6. demonstrate the ability to translate short texts about everyday situations from and into Chinese using appropriate language

Workload

Total 22 weeks of teaching with 8 hours of class contact per week made up of 4 hours of lectures and 4 hours tutorials per week.

Scope and syllabus

There are grammar introductory classes, tutorials, drill and conversation classes. The written language is first studied in the traditional full form characters, simplified forms being phased in during the second term.

Method of assessment

One three-hour written examination in May/June (50%); two listening and speaking tests - 10% each (20%); home and language learning diary/log  (10%); 4 x 1 hour in class tests - 5% each (20%).

Disclaimer

Important notice regarding changes to programmes and modules