CHIN0001: Beginning Chinese 1 (HSK 1/2)

• Terms Taught: Michaelmas
• Also Available: 5
• US Credits: 5
• ECTS Credits: 10
• Pre-requisites: None

Course Description

This module takes students from beginners to HSK2. CHIN0001 provides students with the opportunity to develop their communicative skills, equips them with intercultural awareness whilst also enabling them to become independent learners.

CHIN0001 is part of a suite of language modules that can be studied as core or as an option within many UG programmes that the School of Global Affairs may develop in the future as well as existing programmes within FHASS and other faculties wishing to offer a language as part of their optional modules.

Educational Aims

Upon successful completion of this module students will be able to…

1. Speak, understand, read and write at HSK2 level. This includes: reading short basic texts, for example taken from the press, and understand, with the help of a dictionary, the information and arguments presented; produce written and spoken language about everyday life situations such as describing their environment (people, places, job or study experience), express preferences (likes/ dislikes) and discuss past events or future plans in basic terms; and understand and use vocabulary, phrases and structures for a range of practical everyday interactions, and therefore understand simple dialogues accurately.
2. Draw on basic techniques and strategies for learning languages.
3. Use basic language confidently in numerous contexts.
4. Understand and discuss basic dimensions of target language culture, history and society.
5. Start to develop an awareness of the global issues in the relevant-speaking countries.

Outline Syllabus

This module takes students from beginners to HSK2. This means that by the end of the module, students will be able to engage with basic everyday life situations such as describing their environment (people, places, job or study experience), express preferences (likes/ dislikes) and discuss past events or future plans in simple terms.

This module is seminar-led and will cover a range of oral, aural, written, and reading skills in an integrated way that embraces techniques of linguistic mediation and the plurilingual contexts, thus contributing to the decolonizing agenda. The study of the cultural, social and historical context is embedded in the language learning, under the following umbrella theme: Discovering Languages and Cultures, focusing in particular on linguistic discovery, invention and growth including historical Chinese classics covering different schools of thought.

Whether studied as a core or a discovery module, CHIN0001 constitutes an important step in enabling students to achieve their graduate attributes as it enhances their employability, intercultural competences, critical thinking and awareness of the role and value of languages in today’s world.

Assessment Proportions

The module is taught through a series of interactive seminars to provide students with ample opportunities to practice their language skills as they learn week by week.

Assessment:

• The oral/aural task takes place towards the end of term: students will listen to one or two short extracts (for a total of 2 minutes) and will answer questions in the target language (50%)
• The written exam consists of a short, written comprehension in the target language (50%), and a section on culture which will be written in English.

If the students' first language is not English, they are allowed to use a non-annotated dictionary of L1 - English in class tests and examinations.

CHIN0002: Beginning Chinese 2 (HSK 2/3)

• Terms Taught: Lent/Summer
• US Credits: 5
• ECTS Credits: 10
• Pre-requisites: HSK1/2. A conversation may be required to assess language level.

Course Description

This module takes students from HSK2 to HSK3 level. CHIN0002 provides students with the opportunity to develop their communicative skills, equips them with intercultural awareness and mediation skills whilst also enabling them to become independent learners.

CHIN0002 is part of a suite of language modules that can be studied as core or as an option within UG programmes programmes within FHASS and other faculties wishing to offer a language as part of their optional modules.

Educational Aims

Upon successful completion of this module students will be able to…

1. Speak, understand, read and write at HSK3 level in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. This includes: reading simple texts, for example taken from the press, and understanding, with the help of a dictionary, the information and arguments presented; producing written and spoken language about everyday life situations such as describing their environment (people, places, job or study experience), expressing preferences (likes/ dislikes) and discussing past events or future plans in simple terms; and understanding and using vocabulary, phrases and structures for a broad range of practical everyday interactions, and therefore understanding simple dialogues accurately, so that they can communicate effectively when in target language environments.
2. Draw on simple techniques and strategies for learning languages.
3. Use simple language confidently in numerous contexts.
4. Understand and discuss simple dimensions of target language culture, history and society.
5. Develop an awareness of the global issues in the relevant-speaking countries.

Outline Syllabus

This module takes students from HSK2 to HSK3 level. This means that by the end of the year students will be able to engage with basic everyday life situations such as describing their environment (people, places, job or study experience), express preferences (likes/ dislikes) and discuss past events or future plans in simple terms.

This module is seminar-led and will cover a range of oral, aural, written, and reading skills in an integrated way that embraces techniques of linguistic mediation and the plurilingual contexts, thus contributing to the decolonizing agenda. The study of the cultural, social and historical context is embedded in the language learning, under the umbrella theme: Discovering and locating. Topics typically include Chinese textual and visual cultures in regional contexts.

Whether studied as a core or a discovery module, CHIN0002 constitutes an important step in enabling students to achieve their graduate attributes as it enhances their employability, intercultural competences, critical thinking and awareness of the role and value of languages in today’s world.

Assessment Proportions

The module is taught through a series of interactive seminars to provide students with ample opportunities to practice their language skills as they learn week by week.

Assessment:

• Coursework?(50%) - The oral/aural task takes place towards the end of the module and consists of the following: students will choose from a list of 5 topics and will be expected to answer questions in the target language.

• Examination (50%) - The written examination at the end of the course consists of two sections which include a guided writing task.

If students' first language is not English, they are allowed to use a non-annotated dictionary of L1 - English in class tests and examinations.

CHIN0003: Becoming Independent in Chinese 1 (HSK 3/4)

• Terms Taught: Michaelmas
• US Credits: 5
• ECTS Credits: 10
• Pre-requisites: HSK 2/3. A conversation may be required to assess language level.

Course Description

This module has been designed to enable students to progress from HSK3 to HSK3+. CHIN0003 is part of a suite of language modules that can be studied as core or as an option within UG programmes within FHASS and other faculties wishing to offer a language as part of their optional modules.

Educational Aims

Upon successful completion of this module, students will be able to…

1. Demonstrate vocabulary, knowledge and critical understanding of the language studied appropriate to HSK3+.
2. Demonstrate skills in speaking, listening, reading, writing on a variety of topics appropriate to level HSK3+.
3. Apply their knowledge and understanding of the language studied in new and varied contexts including translation and mediation.
4. Start to demonstrate the ability to be clear, concise and focused (both within verbal and written communication), and to tailor their message for the audience.?
5. Start to demonstrate an ability to analyse and imagine alternatives across different cultures and histories.

Outline Syllabus

This module has been designed to enable students to progress from HSK3 to HSK3+.

By the end of the module students will be able to understand some of the main ideas of fairly complex texts on both concrete and abstract topics. They will be able to interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers.

Throughout this module students will be exposed to a wide range of authentic materials in the target language, varying in terms of content, format and register, aimed at broadening and deepening students' knowledge and understanding of different aspects of modern society, politics and culture, global issues and institutions. The umbrella theme of this module is people, power and places.

By encouraging students to question given narratives and power structures, this module contributes to the decolonizing agenda. Topics will include (but will not be limited to) key political and cultural movements in the colonial and post-colonial eras.

Whether studied as a core or a discovery module, CHIN0003 constitutes an important step in enabling students to achieve their graduate attributes as it enhances their employability, intercultural competences, critical thinking and imaginative skills.

Assessment Proportions

This module is seminar led and will cover a range of oral, aural, written, and reading skills in an integrated way that embraces techniques of linguistic mediation and the plurilingual contexts.

The assessment tasks test all 4 skills and are designed to minimize the impact of AI on grades by taking place in supervised conditions.?

Assessment:

• Oral/Aural Task (50%) - Students listen to two audio files or watch 2 videos which are then discussed during the test.
• Exam (50%) - Written exam consisting of two parts: 1) a piece in the TL (25%); written task on culture in English (25%).

CHIN0004: Becoming Independent in Chinese 2 (HSK 4/5)

• Terms Taught: Lent/Summer
• US Credits: 5
• ECTS Credits: 10
• Pre-requisites: HSK 3/4. A conversation may be required to assess language level.

Course Description

This module has been designed to enable students to progress from HSK3+ to HSK4.

CHIN0004 is part of a suite of language modules that can be studied as core or as an option within UG programmes within FHASS and other faculties wishing to offer a language as part of their optional modules.

Educational Aims

Upon successful completion of this module, students will be able to…

1. Demonstrate vocabulary, knowledge and critical understanding of the language studied appropriate to level HSK4.
2. Demonstrate skills in speaking, listening, reading, writing on a variety of topics appropriate to level HSK4.
3. Apply their knowledge and understanding of the language studied in new and varied contexts including translation and mediation.
4. Demonstrate the ability to be clear, concise and focused (both within verbal and written communication), and to tailor their message for the audience.?
5. Demonstrate an ability to analyse and imagine alternatives across different cultures and histories.

Outline Syllabus

This module has been designed to enable students to progress from HSK3+ to HSK4 on the CEFR scale.

By the end of the module students will be able to understand the main ideas of fairly complex texts on both concrete and abstract topics. They will be able to interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party, including acting supportively in intercultural encounters.

Throughout this module students will be exposed to a wide range of authentic materials in the target language, varying in terms of content, format and register, aimed at broadening and deepening students' knowledge and understanding of different aspects of modern society, politics and culture, global issues and institutions. The umbrella theme of this module is centres, peripheries and mobilities.

By encouraging students to question given narratives and tensions between centres and peripheries, this module contributes to the decolonizing agenda. Topics will include (but will not be limited to) relationship between China’s heartland, ethnic minority border zones and diasporic populations.

Whether studied as a core or a discovery module, CHIN0004 constitutes an important step in enabling students to achieve their graduate attributes as it enhances their employability, intercultural competences, critical thinking and imaginative skills.

Assessment Proportions

This module is seminar led and will cover a range of oral, aural, written, and reading skills in an integrated way that embraces techniques of linguistic mediation and the plurilingual contexts.

The assessment tasks test all 4 skills and are designed to minimize the impact of AI on grades by taking place in class.?

Assessment:

• Oral/Aural Task (50%) - Students listen to two audio files or watch 2 videos which are then discussed during the test.
• Exam (50%) - Written exam consisting of two parts: 1) a piece in the TL (25%); 2) written task on culture in English (25%).

CHIN0009: Becoming Proficient in Chinese 1 (HSK 5/6)

• Terms Taught: Michaelmas
• US Credits: 5
• ECTS Credits: 10
• Pre-requisites: HSK 6. A conversation may be required to assess language level.

Course Description

This module aims to enable students consolidate their Chinese HSK6, combining all 4 language skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) and integrating elements of culture.

Educational Aims

Upon successful completion of this module students will be able to…

1. Produce clear, well-structured, detailed written and spoken materials on complex subjects, based on the reconstruction of arguments and accounts of broadcast and online media content from across the globe at C1/C2level, including their implicit meaning.
2. Demonstrate effective and accurate mediation skills in spoken and written language (such as translation or evaluation of spoken and written material).
3. Demonstrate a range of communication skills that are culturally adapted, such as culturally specific norms of non-verbal and intonational cues, including authentic pronunciation.
4. Demonstrate fluency, grammatical accuracy, natural articulation of idiomatic language and authenticity in relevant written and/or verbal contexts in which the language is being produced to a C1/C2 CEFR standard.
5. Apply a variety of organisational patterns and wide range of connectors and other cohesive devices in written and spoken examples.
6. Evaluate and analyse a range of cultural products taking into account all currents of cultural inquiry over the course of the programme including pasts, presents and futures of culturally-aware language studies.

Outline Syllabus

CHIN0009?builds on the language competencies and expertise garnered during the Global Engagement Year to enable students to progress to HSK6.

By the end of the year, students will be able to understand and produce a wide range of complex, longer texts, recognise implicit meaning and show controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors, and cohesive devices.

They will be able to express themselves spontaneously, flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. These modules also cover areas such as future threats to specified language communities, opportunities to advocate and promote languages, and adaptation to changes to living languages, such as shifts in formal and informal communication and preservation or borrowing from other languages. The umbrella theme for all modules is Roots, Origins and Tongues. Topics include but not limited to centrality of history in Chinese art, music and literature.

CHIN0009 constitutes an important step in enabling students to achieve their graduate attributes as it enhances their employability, ability to operate in a range of different cultural contexts., critical thinking, confidence in expressing their professional goals and values, their skills as ethical researchers and problem-solvers, able to handle complexity and ambiguity.

Assessment Proportions

This module is seminar led and will cover a range of oral, aural, written, and reading skills in an integrated way that embraces techniques of linguistic mediation and the plurilingual context.

Assessment:

• Oral assessment (50%) - Students are organised into small groups and each group chooses a current affairs topic. They prepare, then lead a debate/discussion (15 min).
• Exam (50%) - Essay on culture topic in the target language.

CHIN0010: Becoming Proficient in Chinese 2 (HSK 6/7)

• Terms Taught: Lent/Summer
• US Credits: 5
• ECTS Credits: 10
• Pre-requisites: HSK 6. A conversation may be required to assess language level.

Course Description

This module aims to enable students consolidate their Chinese to HSK7 and combines all 4 language skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) as well as integrates elements of culture.

CHIN0010 is part of a suite of language modules that can be studied as an option within any UG programme within FHASS and other faculties wishing to offer a language as part of their optional modules.

Educational Aims

Upon successful completion of this module students will be able to…

1. Poduce clear, well-structured, detailed written and spoken materials on complex subjects, based on the reconstruction of arguments and accounts of broadcast and online media content from across the globe at C2 level, including their implicit meaning.
2. Demonstrate effective and accurate mediation skills in spoken and written language (such as translation or evaluation of spoken and written material).
3. Demonstrate a range of communication skills in that are culturally adapted, such as culturally specific norms of non-verbal and intonational cues, including authentic pronunciation.
4. Demonstrate fluency, grammatical accuracy, natural articulation of idiomatic language and authenticity in relevant written and/or verbal contexts in which the language is being produced to a C2 CEFR standard.
5. Apply a variety of organisational patterns and a very wide range of connectors and other cohesive devices in written and. spoken examples.
6. Evaluate and analyse a range of cultural products taking into account all currents of cultural inquiry over the course of the programme including pasts, presents and futures of culturally-aware language studies.

Outline Syllabus

CHIN0010?builds on the language competencies and expertise garnered during the Global Engagement Year to enable students to progress to HSK7.

By the end of the module, students will be able to understand and produce a very wide range of complex, longer texts, recognise implicit meaning and show controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors, and cohesive devices.

They will be able to express themselves spontaneously, flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. These modules also cover areas such as future threats to specified language communities, opportunities to advocate and promote languages, and adaptation to changes to living languages, such as shifts in formal and informal communication and preservation or borrowing from other languages. The umbrella theme for all modules is ‘bodies’. Topics typically include, but not limited to, gender and labour issues and societal organisations.

CHIN0010 constitutes an important step in enabling students to achieve their graduate attributes as it enhances their employability, ability to operate in a wide range of different cultural contexts., critical thinking, confidence in expressing their professional goals and values, their skills as ethical researchers and problem-solvers, able to handle complexity and ambiguity

Assessment Proportions

This module is seminar-led and will cover a range of oral, aural, written, and reading skills in an integrated way that embraces techniques of linguistic mediation and the plurilingual context.

Assessment:

• Individual oral exam based on a file picked by the teacher on the day that are released in advance (50%).
• Culture essay and a translation-based task (50%).