Medical SSC Stage 1: Chinese MFL1022

  • Academic Session: 2023-24
  • School: School of Modern Languages and Cultures
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 1 (SCQF level 7)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: No

Short Description

This course, which enables students to reach the A1.3 level in the CEFRL, is an introduction to Chinese (Mandarin) for students with no prior knowledge of this language. It presents the tonal system and the four fundamental skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing), with a focus on communication. Students will also develop some awareness of Chinese culture and will therefore be able to avoid major socio-cultural faux pas when speaking Mandarin and/or when in China.

Timetable

Teaching takes place in a 5 week block, Monday to Friday, for 3.5 hours per day.

Requirements of Entry

This course is only available to Medical SSC students.

Excluded Courses

Medical SSC Stage 1: Spanish (LANGCTR1008)

Medical SSC Stage 2: French (LANGCTR2005)

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

Various Language Exercises - 30%

Oral Assessment (2 x 3 minutes max) - 30%

Written Examination (2 hours) - 40%

Main Assessment In: April/May

Course Aims

This course aims to:

• give students a foundation in spoken and written Chinese;

• enable students to understand simple aural and reading materials on familiar topics;

•familiarise students with some aspects of Chinese culture and society.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

• read approx. 300 Chinese characters and write approx. 250 Chinese characters;

• translate into English as well as write in Chinese short texts on familiar topics;

• identify and assess the key information of simple aural and visual materials;

• take part in and reply to straightforward, short conversations on familiar topics;

•apply some intercultural competence to both everyday and professional life if / when in China.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.