Course Catalogue

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This is an introductory course in Chinese (Mandarin) for students with no prior knowledge of the language. The course, which enables students to reach the A1.1 level in the Common European Framework of Reference for languages, introduces 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.

2 contact hours per week over 11 weeks.

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Examination (1-hour duration) - 60%

Oral Exam (5 minutes) - 20%

Two x assessed language exercise - 10% each

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. Where, exceptionally, reassessment on Honours courses is required to satisfy professional/accreditation requirements, only the overall course grade achieved at the first attempt will contribute to the Honours classification. For non-Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below.

 Oral assessments are not available for reassessment.

This course will provide the opportunity to:

■ give students a foundation in spoken and written Chinese (around 70 characters);

■ familiarise students with key features of Chinese grammar, tonal system and linguistic structures;

■ introduce students to aspects of Chinese culture and society.

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

■ Show understanding of simple written materials on various topics or subjects;

■ Read and write short Chinese paragraphs on a variety of topics;

■ Hold a basic conversation, as well as ask and answer simple questions on the topics covered during the course.

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