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Study information

Mandarin Chinese Intermediate One

Module titleMandarin Chinese Intermediate One
Module codeFLM2230
Academic year2024/5
Credits30
Module staff

Dr Xiaoxi Sun (Convenor)

Duration: Term123
Duration: Weeks

11

11

Number students taking module (anticipated)

15

Module description

Mandarin Chinese Intermediate One is intended for those who have successfully completed FLM1130 Beginners or who have a level broadly of GCSE A*-B grade (or equivalent). The module provides a systematic approach to building on essential grammar structures in a communicative context.

Module aims - intentions of the module

The module is appropriate for those who either already have or may quickly regain a level of proficiency in Mandarin Chinese broadly equivalent to that of GCSE Grade A-B (or equivalent). This module is between A2 Basic User and B1 Independent User of the Common European Framework and aims to:

  • Consolidate the essential structures of the target language, developing both vocabulary and range of language structures thus equipping you with the linguistic tools to enable them to communicate effectively in everyday situations
  • Further develop active and passive language skills, including comprehension skills in listening, productive skills in speaking, reading and writing
  • Deepen your understanding and appreciation of the customs, culture and society of the regions/countries in which the languages are spoken and to develop your awareness of the general social and cultural background of the language

Chinese Intermediate One can be taken towards achieving ‘with proficiency in Chinese”, see http://humanities.exeter.ac.uk/flc/undergraduate/proficiency/

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 1. Demonstrate competence in the use of basic grammatical structures of the target language
  • 2. Read and comprehend straightforward written and aural texts on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, study, leisure etc. in the target language
  • 3. Communicate effectively on a broad range of general topics which are familiar or of personal interest, both orally and in writing, and produce short descriptive and narrative texts, formal and informal letters

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 4. Understand the principles of learning a foreign language intensively and organise your learning with guidance from the tutor
  • 5. Use available learning aids in a variety of media, such as a reference grammar and bilingual dictionary, to consolidate your learning

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 6. Make a presentation on a topic pertinent to everyday occurrences in your field and hold a conversation in the target language which may involve expressing opinions and making value judgement
  • 7. Make progress through developing skills of self-study and application and develop an awareness of and sensitivity to a foreign culture

Syllabus plan

The module provides a systematic approach to acquiring essential grammar structures in a communicative context and in accordance with the skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing.

Whilst the content may vary from year to year, it is envisioned that it will cover some or all of the following topics:

Main Grammar

  • Affirmative and negative sentences with special question words
  • Use of" hao" at the end of a sentence
  • Description of locations
  • Chinese geography
  • Ways to express certainty & uncertainty
  • Noun clauses signalled by "de"
  • More complicated patterns
  • On "ba" sentence
  • What (shenme ) as an indefinite pronoun
  • "Hao"( good) as adverb
  • Chinese zodiac
  • Format and contents of a traditional Chinese New Year card
  • End of sentence "Le"
  • Past and present continuous tenses: "zheng zai", Topic comment, Use of "dan shi"(but), Buguo, (however),que (whereas),etc.
  • Complicated sentence structure: Bu dan...er qie , Bu jin ...er qie, Bu jin ...hai,( not only ...but also)

Main Topics

  • Chinese language and Chinese culture
  • Travelling in China
  • Health, exercises and traditional Chinese medicine
  • Get-together and food
  • Chinese food and Western food
  • Tradition and customs of Chinese festivals
  • Interests and hobbies
  • Likes and dislikes
  • Chinese education
  • Chinese and British universities

The module provides a systematic approach to acquiring essential grammar structures in a communicative context. Teaching methods are based on interactive language development tasks, such as pair / group work and role playing, and include the study of short texts, oral development work and listening comprehension exercises. Learning activities are supported by various media, including audio, video / DVD, and, where appropriate, computer software. The module is taught as far as possible in the target language.

You will be expected to spend time studying outside the class (between 3-5 hours per week) and we provide guidance, facilities and materials to help you develop your expertise as an independent language learner. For this module, you will be asked to consolidate your class work by learning vocabulary and structures, and by reading, watching or listening to material in Mandarin Chinese. You will also be expected to complete the exercise book/workbook on a self-study basis, prepare exercises and activities for the class, to write short assignments and generally acquire a repertoire of effective language learning strategies. You will receive regular feedback on your progress from class activities, homework assignments and coursework items. You will also receive formal feedback on the In-Class Test, including suggestions for what and how to improve and identifying your own strategies for improvement.

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
662340

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled learning and teaching66Language classes
Guided independent study234Consolidate class work by learning vocabulary and structures, and by reading, watching or listening to material in Chinese. Prepare exercises and activities for class, write short assignments and generally begin to acquire a repertoire of effective language learning strategies. Learning activities are supported by various media, including audio, video / DVD, and, where appropriate, computer software.

Formative assessment

Form of assessmentSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
4 formative tasks covering some or all of the following areas: grammar, writing, listening, reading, speakingVariable1-7Written and oral

Summative assessment (% of credit)

CourseworkWritten examsPractical exams
502525

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment% of creditSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Portfolio50As described on the ELE page1-7Written and oral
Written Exam251.5 hours1-5, 7Written and oral
Oral Exam 2510-12 minutes 1-5, 7Written and oral
0
0
0

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Original form of assessmentForm of re-assessmentILOs re-assessedTimescale for re-assessment
PortfolioPortfolio1-7Referral/deferral period
Written Exam Written Exam 1-5, 7Referral/deferral period
Oral Exam Oral Exam 1-5, 7Referral/deferral period

Re-assessment notes

Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.

Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be required to submit a further assessment as necessary. If you are successful on referral, your overall module mark will be capped at 40%.

You will only be required to retake any failed assessments. Marks for any passed assessments will be carried forward. If you have failed any assessments but managed to pass the module overall, you will not be allowed to retake the failed assessments.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Course books:

  • New Practical Chinese Reader, Vol. 2 (2nd Ed.): Textbook (with MP3 CD) (English and Chinese Edition) by Liu Xun (2011)
  • New Practical Chinese Reader, Vol. 2 (2nd Ed): Workbook (with MP3 CD) (English and Chinese Edition)  by Liu Xun (2011)

Recommended materials:

  • Dictionary: Collins Oxford English/Chinese and Chinese/.English dictionary

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

Key words search

Chinese, Mandarin, Intermediate

Credit value30
Module ECTS

15

Module pre-requisites

Completion of FLM1130 or equivalent

Module co-requisites

None

NQF level (module)

5

Available as distance learning?

No

Origin date

01/02/2018

Last revision date

29/07/2020