Mandarin Chinese Beginners (Part I)
| Module title | Mandarin Chinese Beginners (Part I) |
|---|---|
| Module code | PLM1131 |
| Academic year | 2025/6 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Shuo Huang (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 15 |
|---|
Module description
This module is intended for students who have little or no previous knowledge of Mandarin Chinese and offers an introduction to the language. It will equip you with some basic vocabulary and grammatical structures to enable you to engage in a range of personal and public communicative situations. You will find this module particularly useful if you have less than 30 credits available for optional modules or are considering adding languages to your degree but are unsure of the commitment it will require.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module is broadly equivalent to A1 Basic User level of the Common European Framework for Languages and aims to:
- Provide you with the grammatical foundations of the target language to enable you to communicate effectively in oral and written interaction at a basic level and on a variety of day-to-day situations.
- Introduce students to some of the customs, cultures and social realities of the diverse places and communities where Mandarin is spoken in the world.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Demonstrate an elementary understanding of the basic grammatical structures of the target language
- 2. Read and comprehend simple written and aural texts and extract specific, predictable information related to every-day situations
- 3. Communicate effectively on a limited range of situations requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters, both orally and in writing
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 4. Understand the intellectual and interpersonal requirements of learning a new language and organise learning with guidance from the tutor and in cooperation with peers
- 5. Use available learning aids in a variety of media, such as a reference grammar books or bilingual dictionaries, to consolidate and expand your acquisition of language
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 6. Communicate at a basic level in a second language
- 7. Show evidence of self-study and research skills used to develop language skills
- 8. Demonstrate a fundamental level of intercultural awareness in communication
Syllabus plan
Whilst the materials may vary from year to year, the course will cover the following grammatical items and topics whilst practising the skills of listening and reading comprehension and speaking and writing in the target language.
Grammar (non-exhaustive):
- Sentence order
- Yes /no questions with ma
- Sentences with and/or without shi (be)
- Numbers and measure words
- Sentences with question words
- Affirmative and negative statement with modal verbs
Main topics:
- Greetings and introductions
- Professions and Workplaces
- Leisure activities and places
- Family members
- Dates, time, celebrations
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 44 | 106 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching activities | 44 | In-person seminars where attendance is compulsory. The teaching approach is based on hands-on interactive language development tasks, such as pair / group work and role-playing, and include the study of short texts and spoken dialogues. Learning activities are supported by various media, including audio, video, and, where appropriate, computer software. The module is taught as far as possible in the target language. |
| Guided Independent Study | 106 | Consolidate learning by preparing exercises and activities for class, including short presentations and written assignments, reading short texts and watching clips in the target language to develop receptive skills and expand vocabulary. Learning activities are supported by various media including handbooks and online materials. You will be expected to spend between 3-5 hours per week studying outside the class and tutors provide guidance, facilities and materials to help you develop your expertise as an independent language learner. You may also be expected to complete the exercise book/workbook on a self-study basis, and you will receive regular feedback on your progress from class activities, homework assignments etc. |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 45 minutes - 1 hour | 1-8 | Written (oral upon request) |
| Written Assignment | 1 hour | 1-8 | Written or oral |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multimedia Project | 100 | 5-8 minute recorded video | 1-8 | Written or oral |
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multimedia Project (5-8 minute recorded video) | Multimedia Project (5-8 minute recorded video) | 1-8 | Referral / 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
- Xun, Liu. New Practical Chinese Reader 1: Textbook. 2nd edition. Beijing Language & Culture University Press, 2010. ISBN: 7561926235
- Xun, Liu. New Practical Chinese Reader 1: Workbook. 2nd edition with mp3. Beijing Language & Culture University Press, 2010. ISBN: 7561926227
Indicative learning resources - Other resources
- Dictionary: Collins Oxford, English/Chinese and Chinese/English
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 4 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 15/04/2024 |
| Last revision date | 15/04/2024 |
