LN240     
Mandarin Language and Society 4 (Proficiency)

This information is for the 2015/16 session.

Teacher responsible

Dr Hua Xiang Tower 3, 601B

Availability

Available as an outside option to all undergraduate and General Course students. Students can take this course in any year of their studies following approval from the teacher responsible and subject to their own programme regulations.

Pre-requisites

Students must have completed Mandarin Language and Society 3 (Advanced) (LN140).

An interview with the course co-ordinator prior to registration is compulsory. 

Course content

Further advanced (up to proficiency) study of the Mandarin language within the framework of social sciences and culture. In a dynamic and communicative way the course develops all four language skills (i.e. speaking, listening, reading and writing) through individual and group work, topical discussions, authentic and multi-media materials. The focus is on accuracy as well as communication that advance students’ language competence, transferable skills and cultural awareness. At this level, the students are required to read and write up to 3500 Chinese characters.

Teaching

30 hours of classes in the MT. 30 hours of classes in the LT. 3 hours of classes in the ST.

Three hours per week, which will feature: (a) interactive topical work; (b) oral practise; (c) grammar and vocabulary work; (d) tutorials; and (e) guided study using IT and web-based materials.

 

Structured activities in week 11 of MT and LT. 

Formative coursework

The students will be required to complete weekly exercises. This includes newspaper reading, research projects and online communicative materials.

Indicative reading

X Liu (ed.), 2006, New Practical Chinese Reader, Vol. 5, text book and workbook, Beijing. Beijing Language and Cultural University Press.

Authentic materials from newspaper, web and journals.

Assessment

Exam (60%, duration: 3 hours) in the main exam period.
Oral examination (20%) in the ST.
Continuous assessment (20%) in the MT and LT.

Student performance results

(2012/13 - 2014/15 combined)

Classification % of students
First 11.1
2:1 70.4
2:2 18.5
Third 0
Fail 0

Key facts

Department: Language Studies

Total students 2014/15: 8

Average class size 2014/15: 8

Capped 2014/15: Yes (16)

Value: One Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

PDAM skills

  • Self-management
  • Team working
  • Problem solving
  • Application of information skills
  • Communication