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 2021-2022 (archived)

Module CHNS1032: Chinese Language 1A

Department: Modern Languages and Cultures (Chinese)

CHNS1032: Chinese Language 1A

TypeLevelCreditsAvailabilityModule CapLocation
Open 1 40 Available in 2021/2022 None. Durham

Pre-requisites

  • A Level in Chinese or equivalent level qualification.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combinations

  • Chinese Langauge 1B (CHNS1012); any CFLS coded module apart from Korean or Japanese. Module not available for students on the BA Modern Languages and Cultures (with Year Abroad) (R002) programme

Aims

  • To consolidate and extend grammatical knowledge developed for A Level, to enhance communication skills in written and oral Chinese.

Content

  • The course will cover all the major grammar patterns of Modern Standard Chinese and include an additional vocabulary of approx 1,000 lexical items. Students will be introduced to more advanced written style including ‘real’ texts.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge
  • A sound knowledge of the essential grammar of Modern Standard Chinese and an active vocabulary of around 2,000 lexical items. Understanding of different text types and the use of appropriate language in culturally sensitive situations.
Subject-specific Skills
  • Linguistic competence in the four skills of Modern Standard Chinese equivalent to CEF A2/B1 or New HSK Level 4/5, including the ability to understand written and aural prompts and communicate with effective responses orally or in writing, the ability to read extended texts in straightforward language with the help of a dictionary and the ability to formulate culturally appropriate responses in social situations.
Key Skills
  • Enhanced linguistic awareness and expressive ability
  • Enhanced presentational and communicative skills
  • Enhanced cultural awareness
  • Use of hard copy and electronic language reference works

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, weekly formative tests and exercises, end of year oral, aural and written examinations

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotal HoursAttendance Monitored
Language Classes 84 4 per week 1 hour 84 Yes
LL Classes 21 1 per week 1 hour 21 Yes
Oral 21 1 per week 1 hour 21 Yes
Preparation 274
Total 400

Summative Assessment

ComponentComponent WeightingElementLength/DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Written Examination 1 60% Written Examination 3 hours 100% Yes
Oral Examination 20% Oral Examination 10 minutes 100% Yes
Aural Examination 20% Aural Examination 1 hour 100% Yes

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.