Module CHNS2041: Chinese Language 2A

Department: Modern Languages and Cultures (Chinese)

CHNS2041: Chinese Language 2A

Prerequisites

• Chinese Language 2B (CHNS2012) or equivalent

Corequisites

• At least one additional level 2 module in Chinese Studies

Excluded Combination of Modules

• Any MLAN-coded or MLAS-coded Chinese Language modules

Aims

• To consolidate and widen further the knowledge of the Chinese language, including grammar and lexis;
• To further enhance communicative proficiency in Chinese, in both writing and oral (presentation and interaction);
• To develop further listening and reading skills;
• To broaden knowledge of traditional and contemporary China;
• To develop intercultural awareness

Content

• The development of the students' language skills (reading, writing, listening, spoken production and interaction) will be integrated into a framework focusing on various aspects of contemporary China (culture, politics, everyday life, social issues, etc.);
• Course book materials will be supplemented with multimedia resources available online;
• There will be 2 one-hour language classes and 1 one-hour language lab class a week, which will be used to consolidate and develop grammatical and lexical knowledge as well as to practice oral, aural and writing skills.
• The teaching and resources in this module reflect a commitment to linguistic and cultural diversity. It positions the richness of the Chinese-speaking world at the core of its syllabus.

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of this module, students will be able to demonstrate:
• the ability to carry out basic research in the target language and present an oral and written summary;
• a sound, broad knowledge of some aspects of traditional and contemporary China;
• a good knowledge and understanding of the cultures and societies in China gained through the study of cultural products;
• a sound, broad knowledge and understanding of Chinese linguistic principles, structures and registers used in various types of documents (essays, newspaper articles, songs, adverts, websites, etc.).

• By the end of this module, students will be able to:
• write on a wide range of different contemporary Chinese issues, expressing and discussing views;
• enter unprepared into conversation on issues related both to familiar and unfamiliar topics;
• understand and report on the main points of clear standard speech and authentic aural passages on various topics;
• apply a range of grammatical principles;
• make effective use of reference material such as grammars and dictionaries;
• use a range of language learning techniques and skills effectively by independently developing strategies to extend their lexis and knowledge of grammar.

• By the end of this module, students will be able to:
• give an oral presentation in Chinese;
• write an essay demonstrating the ability to organise ideas in a logical and coherent sequence in sustained prose and critically analyse arguments;
• communicate information, ideas and arguments both orally and in writing;
• independently gather, process and reference information from a variety of paper, audio-visual and electronic resources;
• use IT effectively both as a means of communication and as an aid to learning.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• This module is delivered through language classes and multimedia lab sessions.
• Contact time will be used to introduce new material and provide the students with high quality target language input from the module tutor and multimedia sources.
• Small group teaching (up to 15 students) will allow for the development of oral/aural skills as it offers all students the chance to participate in various communicative activities in pairs and groups.
• Language classes will use visual presentation facilities to support communicative activities stimulating the students and encouraging them to fully participate in the class material; this material will also be placed on DUO for post-class self-study.
• In preparation for each session students will be expected to revise new material and complete formative language exercises.
• The assessment scheme for this module is designed to test students' level of attainment in language production (speaking and writing) and reception (listening and reading). In order to reflect the continuous nature of the language learning process the module will be assessed by a combination of formative and summative in-course assessment and by formal written examination.
• The end-of-year written examination will take place in person, on campus.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Regular homework/assignments will be given to the students to practise and consolidate what they have done in class and to prepare the following session, some of which will be submitted and marked as formative assignments and regular feedback will be given to the students accordingly.

■ 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