LN241      One Unit
Mandarin for International Relations (Elementary)

This information is for the 2025/26 session.

Course Convenor

Availability

Requisites

Pre-requisites:

Students must have completed LN104 and LN142 before taking this course.

Assumed prior knowledge:

Language skills and knowledge of Mandarin at A2 level of the Common European Reference Framework for Languages are required.

A subject specific study of the Mandarin language within the framework of International Relations. 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. The focus will be specific vocabulary related to International Relations and reading skills of simple texts in the target language on International Relations topics. 

4 hours of classes in the Spring Term.
44 hours of classes in the Winter Term.
44 hours of classes in the Autumn Term.

This course has a reading week in Week 6 of Autumn and Winter Term.

Four 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.

Students will be expected to produce 1 essay, 1 exercise, 1 presentation, 1 project and 1 other piece of coursework in the AT and WT.

The students will be required to complete weekly exercises. This includes vocabulary quizes, grammar activities, writing Chinese characters and use of online communicative materials.

Newspaper articles, internet sources, other web-based materials dealing with international relationship issues.
http://www.ftchinese.com/story/001065369?full=y
https://zht.globalvoices.org/category/topics/international-relations/

Exam (30%), duration: 90 Minutes in the Spring exam period

Oral examination (20%)

Continuous assessment (50%)

Language courses map to the Common European Framework for Language Learning. This framework defines linguistic proficiency in the four language skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening) at different levels. To pass this course, students are therefore required to achieve a pass mark in each element of the assessment (continuous assessment, oral and written exams), as these test all four skills.