Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2014-2015 (archived)
Module CHNS3012: Chinese Language 4B Following Year Abroad
Department: Modern Languages and Cultures (Chinese)
CHNS3012: Chinese Language 4B Following Year Abroad
| Type | Open | Level | 3 | Credits | 40 | Availability | Available in 2014/15 | Module Cap | None. | Location | Durham |
|---|
Prerequisites
- Chinese Language 2B (MELA2012) or equivalent
Corequisites
- None.
Excluded Combination of Modules
- None.
Aims
- To build on the Chinese language skills developed in the year abroad to the point where graduates are capable of using Chinese as a working language for employment or further study / research, and are aware of the cultural imperatives for operating in such an environment.
Content
- The course will primarily employ ‘real’ texts, newspapers, TV reports, internet material, in a topic based approach designed to maximise students’ ability to absorb information in Chinese and formulate arguments in the language in discussions on contemporary real-life issues.
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge:
- Detailed practical and analytical knowledge and effective understanding of the lexis, structures, registers, and varieties of Modern Standard Chinese (Mandarin) including an active vocabulary of around 4,000 lexical items. Awareness of the functions of different text types and the need to formulate language appropriate to the cultural and social situation.
Subject-specific Skills:
- Linguistic competence in the four skills of Modern Standard Chinese equivalent to CEF B2/C1 or New HSK Level 5/6. The ability to communicate fluently and appropriately, maintaining a high degree of grammatical accuracy, in writing and in speech, with competent or native speakers of Modern Standard Chinese. The ability to translate / interpret between Chinese and English in both directions, and to read a wide variety of text types in Chinese. The ability to use Chinese language software, both for reception and production.
Key Skills:
- The ability to identify, describe, and analyse problems of language use in general, and work out strategies for interpretation.
- Advanced presentational and communicative skills
- High level cultural awareness
- Use of a wide variety of language reference works and software programs
Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module
- Language classes, aural LL based classes, spoken language small groups, regular formative tests and exercises, end of year oral, aural and written examinations
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total/Hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Language Classes | 63 | 3 per week | 1 hour | 63 | |
| LL Classes | 21 | Weekly | 1 hour | 21 | |
| Oral | 42 | Weekly | 1 hour | 42 | |
| Preparation | 274 | ||||
| Total | 400 |
Summative Assessment
| Component: Written Examination 1 | Component Weighting: 50% | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Written Examination | 3 hours | 100% | |
| Component: Oral Examination | Component Weighting: 15% | ||
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Oral Examination | 15 minutes | 100% | |
| Component: Aural Examination | Component Weighting: 15% | ||
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Aural Examination | 1 hour | 100% | |
| Component: Year Abroad Oral Examination | Component Weighting: 20% | ||
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Year Abroad Oral Examination | 20 minutes | 100% | |
Formative Assessment:
Regular classroom tests and weekly at home exercises
■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University