Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2024-2025

Module CHNS1032: Chinese Language 1A

Department: Modern Languages and Cultures (Chinese)

CHNS1032: Chinese Language 1A

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

Prerequisites

  • A Level in Chinese or equivalent level qualification.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • 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-life texts.
  • 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:
  • 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 or New HSK Level 4/, 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
  • The end-of-year written examination will take place in person, on campus

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Language Classes 84 4 per week 1 hour 84
LL Classes 21 1 per week 1 hour 21
Oral 21 1 per week 1 hour 21
Preparation 274
Total 400

Summative Assessment

Component: Continuous Assessment Component Weighting: 20%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Continuous Assessment of Written Skills 45 minutes 75%
Continuous Assessment of Aural Skills 45 minutes 25%
Component: Written Examination Component Weighting: 45%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Written Examination 3 hours 100% Yes
Component: Oral Examination Component Weighting: 20%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Oral Examination 10 minutes 100% Yes
Component: Aural Examination Component Weighting: 15%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Aural Examination 1 hour 100% Yes

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