This is an archived handbook for a previous year. The current undergraduate and postgraduate handbooks can be viewed using the links above.
Undergraduate Handbook 2025-2026 (archived)
Module CHNS1032: Chinese Language 1A
Department: Modern Languages and Cultures (Chinese)
CHNS1032: Chinese Language 1A
| Type | Level | Credits | Availability | Module Cap | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 1 | 40 | Available in 2025/2026 | None. | Durham |
Pre-requisites
- A Level in Chinese or equivalent level qualification.
Corequisites
- None.
Excluded Combinations
- 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 | Attendance Monitored |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Language Classes | 80 | 4 per week | 1 hour | 80 | Yes |
| LL Classes | 20 | 1 per week | 1 hour | 20 | Yes |
| Oral | 20 | 1 per week | 1 hour | 20 | Yes |
| Preparation and Reading | 280 | ||||
| Total | 400 | ||||
Summative Assessment
| Component | Component Weighting | Element | Length/Duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Continuous Assessment | 20% | Continuous Assessment of Written Skills | 75% | ||
| Continuous Assessment of Aural Skills | 25% | ||||
| Written Examination | 45% | Written Examination | 3 hours | 100% | |
| Oral Examination | 20% | Oral Examination | 10 minutes | 100% | |
| Aural Examination | 15% | Aural Examination | 1 hour | 100% |
Formative Assessment
Regular classroom tests and weekly at home exercises
Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods
and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative
assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress
procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be
required to leave the University.