Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook
This is an archived handbook for a previous year. The current undergraduate and postgraduate handbooks can be viewed using the links above.

Undergraduate Handbook 2016-2017 (archived)

Module CHNS3062: Chinese Language 4B

Department: Modern Languages and Cultures (Chinese)

CHNS3062: Chinese Language 4B

TypeLevelCreditsAvailabilityModule CapLocation
Open 3 40 Available in 2016/2017 None. Durham

Pre-requisites

  • Chinese Language 2B (CHNS2012) or equivalent

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combinations

  • Chinese Language 4B (with Year Abroad) (CHNS3012) or any MLAN or MLAS coded modules in Chinese.

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 Language Laboratory based classes, spoken language small groups, regular formative tests and exercises, end of year oral, aural and written examinations

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotal HoursAttendance Monitored
Language Classes 63 3 per week 1 hour 63
Language Laboratory Classes 21 Weekly 1 hour 21
Oral 42 2 per week 1 hour 42
Preparation 274
Total 400

Summative Assessment

ComponentComponent WeightingElementLength/DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Written Examination 60% Written Examination 3 hours 100% No
Oral Examination 20% Oral Examination 20 minutes 100% No
Aural Examination 20% Aural Examination 1 hour 100% No

Formative Assessment

Regular classroom tests and weekly at home exercises

Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University.