Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2023-2024 (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 2023/24	Module Cap		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 â€˜realâ€™ texts, newspapers, TV reports, internet material, in a topic based approach designed to maximise studentsâ€™ ability to absorb information in Chinese and formulate arguments in the language in discussions on contemporary real-life issues.
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

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 (in person)	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 (in person)	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 (in person)	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