Module LZC-3040:
Advanced Chinese Language Skills

Module Facts

Run by School of Arts, Culture and Language

40.000 Credits or 20.000 ECTS Credits

Semester 1 & 2

Organiser: Dr Shasha Wang

Overall aims and purpose

  1. to consolidate the key areas of advanced grammar, further develop both vocabulary and range of language structures, and increase levels of reading ability.

  2. to develop oral and aural skills to a high standard through further exposure to a wide range of audio visual material.

  3. to further develop advanced translation skills into and out of Chinese.

  4. to develop and refine advanced skills in structured formal essay writing and paraphrasing tasks.

Students on this module will be working towards achieving C1/C2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)

Course content

This 40 credit module running throughout the year consolidates the grammar learned in the previous years and develop both vocabulary and range of language structures at an advanced level. It will further develop active and passive language skills, including comprehension skills in listening, productive skills in speaking, reading and writing. It will also further deepen students’ understanding of the culture, history and society of China and develop students’ awareness of the social, cultural and historical background of Chinese-speaking countries and regions. The skills students have mastered will match the standard of final year linguists.

Assessment Criteria

threshold

40-49%: A limited knowledge of vocabulary and grammar and a limited ability to translate and paraphrase the prescribed range of texts. Basic oral and aural competence.

good

50-69%: A good knowledge of vocabulary and grammar and a good ability to translate and paraphrase the prescribed range of texts. Good oral and aural competence.

excellent

70+%: An excellent knowledge of vocabulary and grammar and an excellent ability to translate and paraphrase the prescribed range of texts. Excellent oral and aural competence.

Learning outcomes

  1. be able to communicate effectively and fluently, both orally and in writing, for social and professional purposes, and produce clear and detailed written texts on a range of subjects;

  2. be able to translate and interpret in and out of Chinese

  3. be able to analyse wide variety of topics related to Chinese culture, history and society through, expressing arguments clearly and concisely using a wide range of appropriate structures.

  4. have acquired an advanced level of Chinese language skills;

  5. be able to demonstrate competence in the use of advanced grammatical structures of Chinese;

  6. be able to read and comprehend a wide range of longer and complex written texts on both concrete and abstract topics in Chinese;

Assessment Methods

Type Name Description Weight
Listening comprehension 10.00
Essay 10.00
Article summary/paraphrasing 10.00
Book/Film Review Oral Presentation 20.00
Translation Exam 25.00
Oral Exam 25.00

Teaching and Learning Strategy

Hours
Lecture

1 hour x translation per week for 11 weeks per semester 1 hour x writing and aural skills per week for 11 weeks per semester 1 hour x conversation skills per week for 11 weeks per semester

 66
Private study 334

Transferable skills

  • Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
  • Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software
  • Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
  • Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
  • Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
  • Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sentistevely with others
  • Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.
  • Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.
  • Teamwork - Able to constructively cooperate with others on a common task, and/or be part of a day-to-day working team
  • Argument - Able to put forward, debate and justify an opinion or a course of action, with an individual or in a wider group setting
  • Self-awareness & Reflectivity - Having an awareness of your own strengths, weaknesses, aims and objectives. Able to regularly review, evaluate and reflect upon the performance of yourself and others

Subject specific skills

  • The ability to use the target language creatively and precisely in sophisticated written assignments in the target language. (Benchmark statement 5.14)
  • The ability to translate sophisticated passages into and out of the target language. (Benchmark statement 5.3, 5.4)
  • Engaging with, interpreting and critically evaluating short and longer contemporary texts (short stories, films, novel) in the target language (Benchmark statement 5. 8, and 5.9)
  • Fully proficient to skilful oral communication and presentation skills (including delivery and argument development, discussion and defence) in the target language through individual and/or group discussions. (Benchmark statement 5.3, 5.4)
  • The ability to use the target language creatively and precisely in oral assignments, showing adroitness with a very wide range of topics and registers in formal and informal situations. (Benchmark statement 5.3, 5.4)
  • Further develop aural comprehension skills in the target language, supported by a wide range of appropriate materials in different media. (Benchmark statement 5.3, 5.4)
  • The ability to read, understand and summarise more sophisticated written texts in the target language. (Benchmark statement 5.3, 5.4)
  • The ability to extract and synthesise key information from written and spoken sources in the target language. (Benchmark statement 5.3, 5.4, 5.14)

Resources

Pre- and Co-requisite Modules

Courses including this module