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CHNS2012: Chinese Language 2B

Please ensure you check the module availability box for each module outline, as not all modules will run in each academic year. Each module description relates to the year indicated in the module availability box, and this may change from year to year, due to, for example: changing staff expertise, disciplinary developments, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Current modules are subject to change in light of the ongoing disruption caused by Covid-19.

Type Open
Level 2
Credits 40
Availability Available in 2023/24
Module Cap
Location Durham
Department Modern Languages and Cultures (Chinese)

Prerequisites

  • Chinese Language 1B (CHNS1012) or equivalent

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combinations of Modules

  • Chinese Langauge 2A (CHNS2041). Module not available for students on the BA Modern Languages and Cultures (with Year Abroad) (R002) programme

Aims

  • To build on the Chinese language skills developed in CHNS1012 in all four competencies: speaking, listening, reading & writing. To prepare linguistically and culturally for the year abroad

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
Oral421 per week1 hour42Yes
Preparation253 
Total400 

Summative Assessment

Component: Continuous Assessment Component 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 Examination (in person)3 hours100Yes
Component: Oral ExaminationComponent Weighting: 20%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Oral Examination (in person)10 minutes100Yes
Component: Aural ExaminationComponent Weighting: 15%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Aural Examination (in person)1 hour100Yes

Formative Assessment

Regular classroom tests and weekly at home exercises

More information

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