LA1PC2-IWLP Chinese 2

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: LA1PC1 IWLP Chinese 1 or equivalent. Non modular exclusion: SPM Chinese, Cantonese speakers with GCSE Mandarin certificate
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: LA1PC3 IWLP Chinese 3
Current from: 2022/3

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

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module is intended for students with a previously acquired basic knowledge of Mandarin and its simplified written form such as that acquired by taking IWLP Chinese 1 (200 hours of study).

It aims to enable students to consolidate and further their understanding of the language and their ability to communicate at a basic level in everyday situations about matters of most immediate personal relevance. It will continue to develop the four skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. The course will reinforce the knowledge of the pronunciation in Pinyin and further develop the use of the simplified written form of Chinese characters to a basic level. The module will also provide students with further insights into aspects of society and every-day life in China.

By the successful completion of IWLP Chinese 2, students will have reached a level of proficiency comparable to HSK(Han yu Shui ping kao shi)":  level 2/ 2+.

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:
The module aims at providing students with:
- the ability to communicate in Mandarin in straightforward, everyday situations about matters of most immediate personal relevance;
- a competence of 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 everyday topics;
- further insights into aspects of society and everyday life in China

Assessable learning outcomes:
At the end of this module, students will be able to:

- express themselves and communicate well in Mandarin at a basic level about a selection of simple and predictable everyday topics;
- understand native-speakers of Mandarin in frequently-occurring social functions and on topics related to areas of most immediate relevance;
- write simple written texts on familiar, everyday matters in areas of immediate need, or a letter describing personal habits and experiences;
- recognise further aspects of basic Mandarin grammar and to apply simple grammatical structures with increased confidence when speaking and writing about familiar, everyday matters;
- use a selection of basic Mandarin vocabulary in order to understand speakers and texts and communicate at a basic level in everyday situations.

Additional outcomes:

Students will be involved in regular group activities, role play and oral presentations. They will make progress through both classroom activities and development of independent language study skills. They will begin to acquire an insight into aspects of lifestyle, culture and society in the Mandarin Chinese-speaking world.

Outline content:

This module will consolidate and develop the language and communicative situations of selected areas relevant to visiting and studying in China. Topics include holidays, daily routine, learning a foreign language, seeing the doctor, renting a room or a house, using libraries, colour and clothes, transport and local facilities. The module will also focus on developing students’ pronunciation of Mandarin with increased accuracy and on the use of (simplified) characters.

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 on-going 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