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CHNS1032: Chinese Language 1A

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Type Open
Level 1
Credits 40
Availability Available in 2023/24
Module Cap None.
Location Durham
Department Modern Languages and Cultures (Chinese)

Prerequisites

  • A Level in Chinese or equivalent level qualification.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combinations 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

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
Language Classes844 per week 1 hour84Yes
LL Classes211 per week1 hour21Yes
Oral211 per week1 hour21Yes
Preparation274 
Total400 

Summative Assessment

Component: Continuous AssessmentComponent Weighting: 20%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Continuous Assessment of Written Skills45 minutes75
Continuous Assessment of Aural Skills45 minutes25
Component: Written ExaminationComponent Weighting: 45%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Written Examination3 hours100Yes
Component: Oral ExaminationComponent Weighting: 20%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Oral Examination10 minutes100Yes
Component: Aural ExaminationComponent Weighting: 15%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Aural Examination1 hour100Yes

Formative Assessment

Regular classroom tests and weekly at home exercises

More information

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