Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2024-2025

Module CHNS1012: Chinese Language 1B

Department: Modern Languages and Cultures (Chinese)

CHNS1012: Chinese Language 1B

Type Open Level 1 Credits 40 Availability Available in 2024/2025 Module Cap None. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • Module not available for students on the BA Modern Languages and Cultures (with Year Abroad) (R002) programme

Aims

  • To develop elementary level skills in Chinese speaking, listening, reading & writing

Content

  • No prior knowledge of Chinese is assumed The course will cover the basic grammar of Modern Standard Chinese and include a vocabulary of around 900 high frequency lexical items
  • 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:
  • Ability to recognise and use the basic grammatical structures of Modern Standard Chinese Active knowledge of around 900 lexical items written in Chinese characters
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Linguistic competence in the four skills of Modern Standard Chinese equivalent to CEF A1/A2; New HSK Level 1/2
Key Skills:
  • Development of language learning and usage skills in a non-alphabetic script language Use of language learning tools and Chinese dictionaries in a variety of formats both hard-copy and electronic

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

  • Summative assessment of reading/writing and aural comprehension skills and of grammatical knowledge will take the form of end-of-year examination.
  • Oral skills will be summatively assessed by means of activities carried out in class during the year, including group work.
  • Formative assessment for this module will include a combination of self-assessed, peer-assessed and tutor-assessed exercises during the year.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Grammar Lectures 21 1 per week 1 hour 21
Voc/Texts 21 1 per week 1 hour 21
Reading 21 1 per week 1 hour 21
Writing 21 1 per week 1 hour 21
Oral 21 1 per week 1 hour 21
Aural 21 1 per week 1 hour 21
Preparation 274
Total 400

Summative Assessment

Component: Written Examination Component Weighting: 60%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Written Examination 3 hours 100%
Component: Oral Assesment Component Weighting: 20%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
In-class continuous assessment of oral skills 100% 10-minute oral examination
Component: Aural Examination Component Weighting: 20%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Aural Examination 1 hour 100%

Formative Assessment:

Weekly written tests plus mock examinations


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