Language Centre

Chinese (Mandarin) Intermediate Course

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Key information

Duration
1 term per sub-level; 10 weeks per term
Attendance mode
Part-time, online/blended learning

Course overview

Course aim

The course consists of three terms with 10 weeks each term. The course is designed to further develop to intermediate level the Chinese language competencies students have already acquired. Learners will deepen their understanding of Chinese grammar and vocabulary and become able to communicate with greater ease and fluency. Comprehension skills will be developed through reading Chinese newspapers and similar authentic materials from other media. The course also aims to further students’ understanding of different aspects of life in Chinese societies, both past and present, through various illustrative topics. This course is delivered by the Language Centre

Method

The course is taught in English and Chinese and includes coverage of the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing and a good balance between understanding the systems of Chinese grammar and vocabulary, developing the skills of comprehending and producing Chinese in speech and writing, guided practice in language usage and use and authentic communicative activities.

This will be achieved through 20 hours of blended learning: this is composed of 15 hours of online structured lessons with the teacher. This is supplemented by a minimum of 5 hours of guided independent learning supported by complementary material. The course objective will be achieved within the 10-week course.

Materials

  • Textbook: HSK Standard Course 3, Author: Jiang Liping
    - ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 7561938187
    - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-7561938188
  • Workbook: HSK Standard Course 3, Author: Jiang Liping
    - ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 7561938152
    - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-7561938157

Course materials, if not supplied, are not included in the fee but can be purchased from SOAS bookshop bookshop@soas.ac.uk.

We strongly recommend to wait until your course is confirmed before purchasing the textbook.

Entry requirements and progression route

To be able to join Chinese Intermediate you need to have completed a Pre-Intermediate level course in Mandarin Chinese at SOAS Language Centre or have an equivalent knowledge of guided learning hours (approximately 180 hours). The progression route from Chinese Intermediate 1 is to Chinese Intermediate 2; from Intermediate 2 to Intermediate 3. Upon successful completion of Chinese Intermediate 3 you will be able to progress to an Upper Intermediate level course in Chinese Mandarin.

Please note, that each term, courses are subject to quorum requirements.

For course dates and information, please see our timetables

Structure

Chinese Intermediate 1

We will keep working on HSK3 Standard Course (Unit 11-15)

  • practical application of the unique “把” structure Part I
    (1)make requests and commands
    (2) talk about your own to-do list, dreams and ambitions
  • mighty little words “ 才“ “ 就 “
  • practical application of the unique “把” structure Part II
    (3) location shift of a specific person or object caused by an action
    (4) talk about your preference for your belongings and decorations
  • using Compound Directional Complements to describe actions in detail
  • applying conjunctions to describe simultaneous actions and the sequence of a series of actions
  • reasons and rationales: your thoughts towards others
  • practical application of the unique “把” structure Part III
    (5) combined with Resultative/Directional
    Complement: what did you do to cause the change and result? (eg, moving furniture etc)
    (6) share your favourite recipe or learn to cook a Chinese dish by following a recipe
  • some Chinese common sayings and their applications
  • key festivals and customs

The above is an indication of content that may be covered over the duration of the course but it could vary depending on the level and progress of students in the class.

Contact us

  • chinese@soas.ac.uk

Disclaimer

Important notice regarding changes to programmes and modules

See the full list of Language Centre short courses in Chinese on the Chinese homepage

Related information

Back to the Language Centre.