LL1A2-15 Introduction to the Chinese language
Introductory description
Students will be introduced to basic forms of language in spoken form that are used in practical everyday situations. They will also learn basic linguistic tools for reading and writing.
The module can be followed by an accelerated beginner’s module or a level 1 module (where permitted)
Module aims
- to introduce students to the basics of the language in written and oral form
- to begin to develop strategies for language learning
- to raise intercultural awareness
- to equip students in survival linguistic skills
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
The module covers pronunciation including all the pinyin (initials, finals) as well as tones and tone combination; explains basic sentence structure, including negation, interrogative pronoun, and position of time and location in a sentence. In speaking, it covers formal and informal way of getting to know others, including names/studies/nationality/birthday/likes/dislikes/food/drinks/numbers. In addition, basic character reading and writing will be developed in learning on the above topics.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Understand simple conversations/texts on everyday topic
- Develop acceptable tone and pronunciation
- Produce simple messages in characters
- Reflect critically over the process of learning a different language
- Gain some insights into a different culture
International
All modules delivered in SMLC are necessarily international. Students engage with themes and ideas from a culture other than that of the UK and employ their linguistic skills in the analysis of primary materials from a non-Anglophone context. Students will also be encouraged to draw on the experiences of visiting exchange students in the classroom and will frequently engage with theoretical and critical frameworks from across the world.
Subject specific skills
This module will develop students’ linguistic skills through engaging with primary materials in the target language, and will develop strategies for understanding gist and specific information and intercultural competence.
Transferable skills
Communication skills: writing and oral presentation, defending one’s point of view..
Organisational skills: independent work, time management.
Interpersonal skills: flexibility, adaptability and the ability to work with others.
Digital skills
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Supervised practical classes | 9 sessions of 2 hours (12%) |
| Private study | 119 hours (79%) |
| Assessment | 13 hours (9%) |
| Total | 150 hours |
Private study description
work set by tutor and on Moodle
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You do not need to pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group A
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
Assessment component |
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| End of term test | 60% | 2 hours | No |
|
listening, reading and writing |
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Reassessment component is the same |
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Assessment component |
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| Video presentation | 20% | 1 hour | No |
|
2-minute audio/video (recorded on phone) |
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Reassessment component is the same |
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Assessment component |
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| Reflective diary | 20% | 10 hours | Yes (extension) |
|
Reflect critically over the process of learning a different language or culture (e.g. language learning strategies, phonetic and scripts or an aspect of culture different from your own |
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Reassessment component is the same |
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Feedback on assessment
Feedback will be provided in the course of the module in a number of ways. Verbal feedback is provided to the class regarding regular formative tasks set for homework and activities completed in class; individual written feedback is also provided for written work which has been handed in by students.
Courses
This module is Optional for:
- available to all courses