Mandarin Chinese for the Advanced Level (40 Credits)

Code

MLAC3182

School

Modern Languages and Cultures

Level

3

Credits

40

Semesters

Full Year UK

Summary

This module consolidates and expands the language skills and knowledge about Mandarin Chinese language and cultures of the Chinese-speaking world you developed either during your year abroad or via previous study. Learning is based on the study of written, audio and audio-visual texts at an appropriate level of difficulty. These are analysed for meaning, structure, grammatical forms and lexis. The texts, on a range of topics including a year abroad, language learning, young people in different countries, leisure activities, cultural and social customs, love relations and family etc.… provide the basis for the development of Chinese comprehension (written and aural) and expression (written and oral) to a level commensurate with B1+/B2+ of the Common European Framework of Reference. 

A single exam will replace all failed assessment components at the reassessment stage.

Target Students

Available for students of BA History and Contemporary Chinese Studies, students of BA Modern Languages with Business (MLB), students of BA Modern Languages, students of BA Modern Languages with Translation (MLT) and students of BA Liberal Arts. Available for students who have studied Mandarin Chinese for the Intermediate Level (MLAC2193) OR Mandarin Chinese for the Intermediate Level (MLAC2088) OR who have acquired equivalent Mandarin language level in other institutions and universities.

Classes

• Two 2-hour workshops each week for 22 weeks
• One 2-hour practicum each week for 22 weeks

The School of Cultures, Languages and Area Studies operates an attendance policy. The details of this policy can be found in the student handbook on Workspace and in module handbooks.

Assessment

• 20% Coursework 1: Multi-skilled assignments or projects set in Autumn semester.
• 10% Participation: Preparation and engagement.
• 20% Oral Exam: Oral news summary and discussion in groups (Spring semester).
• 10% Coursework 4: Multi-skilled assignments or projects set in Spring semester.
• 40% Exam (2-hour): Exam to include reading comprehension, vocabulary and grammar, and a written piece of work in the target language (Spring semester). Students type their answers using Chinese simplified IME.

Assessed in both autumn & spring semest

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

A. Knowledge and understanding:

•Understand spoken and written Chinese language at a level commensurate with B1+/B2+ of the CEFR (A1)
•Demonstrate declarative and procedural knowledge of the key elements of Chinese grammar, lexis and discourse appropriate to effective performance of written and spoken tasks at B1+/B2+ Level of the CEFR (A1)
•Demonstrate awareness and understanding of the differences and similarities between the Chinese and the English language (A4)
•Demonstrate cultural awareness and understanding of the differences and similarities between Chinese and Western cultures

B. Intellectual skills:

•Gather, process and evaluate information from a variety of paper, audio-visual and electronic sources in English and Chinese (B1)
•The development of the ability to engage in exchanges of ideas with others, giving due weight to their opinions (B7)

C. Professional skills:

•Make effective use of grammar books and dictionaries (C5, C4)
•Present language work in an accurate and appropriate manner for specific tasks (C5, C6)
•Ability to translate texts derived from a variety of media into English 

D. Transferable skills:

•Organise and manage working time, schedule tasks and meet deadlines (D7)
•Write and think productively under pressure (in examination conditions) (D5)
•Demonstrate ability to work independently and in groups (D3, D4)
•Use IT effectively as an aid to learning (D8)

Conveners

• Ms Sujing Xu