LA1PC1-IWLP Chinese 1

Module Provider: Languages and Cultures
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: Non modular exclusion: SPM, Mandarin heritage speakers or equivalent
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: LA1PC2 IWLP Chinese 2 LA1PC3 IWLP Chinese 3 LA1PC8 IWLP Chinese Fast Track
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Mrs Cong Xia Li
Email: Congxia.Li@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module intended to provide students with no prior knowledge, an introduction to Mandarin and its simplified written form, concentrating on its communicative use in familiar everyday situations. 

The module aims to enable students to acquire a basic understanding of the language and the ability to communicate at a survival level. The four skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing will be taught in class. The official phonetic system for transcribing Mandarin pronunciation of Chinese characters into Latin alphabet and the simplified written form of Chinese characters will be introduced. The module will also to provide students with an insight into aspects of society and every-day life in China.

By the successful completion of IWLP Chinese 1, students will have reached a level of proficiency comparable to HSK(Han yu Shui ping kao shi)":  level 1/1+.

This module is taught at level 4 of the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. Reading University allows students from any year to take this module. Students will identify and use relevant understanding, methods and skills to address problems that are well defined but complex and non- routine. In language learning this means acquiring knowledge of grammar and vocabulary, developing strategies for learning and practising the language in the four skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking, in order to communicate within defined situations while developing tools to enable students to respond to unexpected occurrences. Students will exercise autonomy and judgement by developing independent learning skills. They will gain understanding of different perspectives and cultural differences in approaching a variety of situations.

Support is given and adjustments are made for students with disabilities. However, IWLP language modules are communicative in nature and students are required to work in small groups.  Also, students should be aware that spelling, grammar and sentence structure are assessed. In this respect the IWLP assessment is exempted from the University’s requirement to take specific learning difficulties into account when marking. For queries, contact iwlp@reading.ac.uk.

Aims:

This module aims to provide students with:

• the ability to communicate typical everyday situations met by visitors when studying or travelling in China for a short time at a basic level.


• the competence in basic Mandarin grammar and vocabulary in order to communicate at a basic level in everyday situations;


• the ability to read and write short texts on simple topics that has immediate personal relevance;


• further develop their understanding of the Chinese culture

Assessable learning outcomes:

At the end of the module students will be able to:

• understand the official phonetic system of Mandarin pronunciations;


• write the very simple basic characters in the correct stroke orders;


• communicate in Mandarin by speaking and writing at a basic level;


• recognise and apply high frequency of basic characters and simple grammatical structures in Mandarin about a selection of simple and predictable everyday topics;


• understand native-speakers of Chinese in frequently-occurring social functions and on topics related to areas of most immediate relevance;


• produce simple written texts on familiar, everyday matters in areas of immediate need, or a letter describing personal habits and experiences.

Additional outcomes:

Students will be involved in regular group activities and role playing and will gain experience in simple oral presentations and joint activities. They will make progress through developing skills of self-study and application and will develop an awareness of and sensitivity to a foreign culture

Outline content:

This module will consolidate and develop the language and communicative situation in the area of visiting and studying in China. Students will study the topics that relate to personal information and interest, order food and drink; discuss study and university life; express and understand simple opinions, make arrangements, and transactions (e.g.shopping).

Students will be able to pronounce Pinyin with increased confidence and accuracy and the use of (simplified) characters will be reinforced and further developed.

Global context:

IWLP language modules provide students with opportunities for intercultural learning, increased intercultural awareness and an appreciation of diversity which enable learners to make connections between their immediate context and the global context.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Teaching methods are based on interactive language development tasks, such as 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 such as audio and, where appropriate, computer software. The module is taught as far as possible in the target language. 

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Final written exam (Reading and Writing): 40% (2 hours).

The examination for this module will require a narrowly defined time window and is likely to be held in a dedicated exam venue.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Autumn Week 11 – Multi-part Portfolio (15%)

Spring Week 11 -  Multi-part Portfolio (15%) 

Summer Week 2 - Oral exam = 30% (10 minutes)

Formative assessment methods:

In order to consolidate and develop their language learning, students are encouraged to complete regular tasks – in class and outside – on which ongoing feedback is provided. Additional feedback, with opportunity for self-reflection and feedforward is provided in week 11 of the Autumn term, through tests and other tasks to be included in the Portfolio??

Penalties for late submission:

Assessment requirements for a pass:
40% overall for UG students, 50% overall for PGT students.

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-sit in August/September examinations period on basis of examination only (relative percentages: oral examination 40%, written paper 60%)

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: Students are required to buy the course book (approx. £20-£25)

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 22 September 2022