Chinese Language and Cultures: Elementary - LAN00091I

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Module summary

Learning a language can be a transformative and enriching experience. Both the process and the outcomes are beneficial at various levels, from increased neuroplasticity to improving your overall academic performance, fostering empathy and intercultural awareness, and enhancing your career opportunities. This course is aimed at students who have a very basic knowledge of Chinese. Over the course of a semester, it will steadily build the knowledge, skills, and strategies necessary to learn Chinese and communicate in familiar everyday situations. It will focus on developing a communicative competence at elementary level and provide a foundation for further study.

Related modules

Chinese Language and Cultures: Beginner or equivalent

Module will run

Occurrence	Teaching period
A	Semester 1 2024-25

Module aims

The aim of this module are:

• to further develop skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing

• to develop interactive skills in familiar situations

• build up a range of Chinese characters and establish their application

Students will engage, individually and in groups, in activities and tasks emphasising three core communicative skills:

1. reception activities (oral, audio-video and reading comprehension);

2. production activities (oral and written production);

3. interaction activities (oral, written and online interaction).

The mediums of instruction are English and Chinese.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module students should be able to:

• Understand familiar everyday phrases and expressions in predictable settings.

• Produce phrases and series of sentences about familiar everyday subjects.

• Communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters.

• Recognise basic cultural conventions associated with everyday social exchanges.  

• Write words and sentences relevant to the subjects covered in Chinese.

• Reflect upon language use and justify linguistic choices. 

• Self-monitor and self-regulate their own learning and resources.

Module content

Topics may include:

• talking about one's profession;

• describing the location of something;

• ordering food and drinks; giving someone a treat;

• making a comparison and describing preference;

• finding one's way around;

• talking about transport and travel.

Indicative assessment

Task	% of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled)	60.0
Oral presentation/seminar/exam	40.0

Special assessment rules

None

Additional assessment information

The written exam will include one or two questions aimed at assessing students’ ability to reflect on language use and justify their responses and choices when using the language (in English) and a task related to students’ ability to monitor their own learning.

Indicative reassessment

Task	% of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled)	60.0
Oral presentation/seminar/exam	40.0

Module feedback

Feedback on exams and essays as per University regulations.

Indicative reading

Course materials and guided readings will be provided by the module convenors via the VLE at the start of the semester.