PG Beginner Chinese CHINESE5001
- Academic Session: 2026-27
- School: School of Modern Languages and Cultures
- Credits: 40
- Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
- Typically Offered: Runs Throughout Semesters 1 and 2
- Available to Visiting Students: No
- Collaborative Online International Learning: No
- Curriculum For Life: No
Short Description
This course introduces students to the grammar and syntax of the target language, helps them acquire an initial foundation vocabulary and build on it and enables them to use the language in comprehension, speaking and writing.
Timetable
Please see timetable information for Chinese1001:
4 hours weekly, including a one-hour oral class.
Teaching will take place in weeks 1-5 and 7-11. Week 6 will be dedicated to guided independent study.
Requirements of Entry
Standard entry to Masters at College Level
This is a Beginners' course requiring no previous knowledge of Chinese; knowledge of another foreign language is an advantage.
Excluded Courses
CHINESE1001
Co-requisites
None
Assessment
The standard assessments for this course are:
■ Assessed language exercises throughout semesters 1 and 2 - 25%
■ Oral Examination (10 minutes) - 25%
■ Written Examination (2 hours) - 50%
If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available:
■ There is no alternative to the exercises, but flexible deadlines may be offered as reasonable adjustment (students should follow the usual process for extensions).
■ Invigilated online oral examination as alternative to exam.
■ There is no alternative to the exam, but extra time or alternative space may be offered as reasonable adjustment.
Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.
Main Assessment In: April/May
Are reassessment opportunities available for all summative assessments? No
It is the default expectation that all courses will offer opportunities for reassessment or deferred assessment. Where it is not possible to offer this in some assessment components, the grade achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade, and any exceptions for this course are described below.
[No exceptions]
Course Aims
This course aims to:
■ introduce students to the target language and prepare them to move directly into level 2;
■ ensure students can understand, read, write and speak the target language at beginners level;
■ ensure students can use the target language confidently at levels A1 and A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, and that towards the end of the academic year students are able to understand and produce material at B1 level of the Framework;
■ help prepare students to use the target language in everyday situations.
Intended Learning Outcomes of Course
By the end of this course students will be able to:
■ read, comprehend, analyse and translate beginner-level texts of a variety of styles in the target language;
■ speak with confidence in the target language on a range of topics reflecting work done on the course, using all the basic structures, idiom, and vocabulary correctly;
■ respond with confidence to questions posed both orally and in writing, using the basic grammatical structures of the target language accurately and appropriately;
■ produce texts written in the target language that show an active command of vocabulary, grammar and idiom at beginners level reflecting the work contained in the course materials.