Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2021-2022 (archived)

Module CHNS3062: Chinese Language 4

Department: Modern Languages and Cultures (Chinese)

CHNS3062: Chinese Language 4

Type Open Level 3 Credits 40 Availability Available in 2021/22 Module Cap None. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • Chinese Language 2A (CHNS2041) or Chinese Language 2B (CHNS2012) or equivalent

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • 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

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Language Classes 63 3 per week 1 hour 63 ■
Language Laboratory Classes 21 1 per week 1 hour 21 ■
Oral 42 2 per week 1 hour 42 ■
Preparation 274
Total 400

Summative Assessment

Component: Written Assessment Component Weighting: 60%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Continuous assessment of written skills 25% No
Written Examination 3 hours 75% No
Component: Oral Assessment Component Weighting: 20%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Continuous assessment of oral skills 25% No
Oral Examination 15 minutes 75% No
Component: Aural Assessment Component Weighting: 20%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Continuous assessment of aural skills 25% No
Aural Examination 1 hour 75% No

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