Chinese (Mandarin) Pre-Advanced Course

Course aim

The course consists of three terms with 10 weeks each term. The course is designed to help intermediate level Chinese language learners to move towards advanced levels. 

Learners will deepen their understanding of Chinese grammar and vocabulary and will be able to communicate with greater ease and fluency. Comprehension and communication skills are developed through customized HSK 4 standard short dialogues and articles (for Pre-advanced level term1) which are very practical and relevant to current Chinese society. Then, for terms 2 and 3 we will be working with HSK 5A, where we will further discuss some hot topics, both current and historical. There will be aspects deeply rooted in the rich ancient culture for learners to explore, discuss and compare. 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. Class size is limited to fifteen to allow intensive interactive practice with individual feedback and advice on progress.

The course is delivered through a blended learning model: comprised of 15 hours of live, online, structured lessons with the teacher, plus approximately 5 hours of guided independent learning supported by complementary materials (a total of 20 hours of blended learning). The course is designed so that, over the 10‑week period, you should have the opportunity to achieve the stated objectives, depending on your engagement and progress. 

Materials 

Pre-Advanced 1 
Textbook: HSK Standard Course 4B, Author Jiang LiPing
- ISBN-10: 978-7561939307
- ISBN-13: 978-7561939307

Pre-Advanced 2 & 3 
Textbook: HSK Standard Course 5A, Author Jiang LiPing 
- ISBN-10: 978-7561940335
- ISBN-13: 978-7561940334 

Course materials are not included in the fee. 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 Pre-Advanced Courses, you need to have completed the Upper-Intermediate level course in Mandarin Chinese at SOAS Language Centre or have an equivalent knowledge of guided learning hours (approximately 355 hours). You should have mastered around 1,000 Chinese characters and have an equivalent of HSK4 standard level. The progression route from Chinese Pre-Advanced 1 is to Chinese Pre-advanced 2; from Pre-Advanced 2 to Pre-Advanced 3. Upon successful completion of Chinese Pre-Advanced 3 you will be able to progress to Advanced level courses in Mandarin Chinese. Students may request a Certificate of Attendance upon completion of a course, provided they have at least 70% attendance. 

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

For course dates and information, please see our timetables.