LA1PC3-IWLP Chinese 3

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: GCSE Mandarin or equivalent for non-Mandarin heritage speakers, LA1PC2 IWLP Chinese 2 or equivalent
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
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 for students with some knowledge of Mandarin Chinese language such as that acquired by taking IWLP Chinese 2 or equivalent. It is also to equip Chinese heritage students of other dialects with the knowledge of the spoken Mandarin and its simplified written form. 

It aims to enable students to communicate at a competent level in everyday situations with increased fluency and confidence. Students will consolidate their previous knowledge and further their understanding of the language, beginning to acquire some of the more complex grammatical structures and to expand the vocabulary beyond the basic, enabling them to broaden their communicative domain to the areas of work and study. The official phonetic system of transcribing Mandarin pronunciation of Chinese characters into the Latin alphabet will be strengthened and consolidated. The simplified written form of Chinese characters will be further expanded. The module will also continue to provide students with further insights into aspects of society and every-day life in China.

By the successful completion of IWLP Chinese 3, students will have reached:  a level of proficiency comparable to HSK(Han yu Shui ping kao shi)":  Level 3/4. 

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: 

• understand the official phonetic system of Mandarin pronunciations; 


• write characters in the correct stroke orders; 


• the ability to communicate with competence in straightforward, everyday situations in study, work and leisure; 


• the ability to read and write complex Mandarin characters and the grammatical structures of texts and report on topics that go beyond basics; 


• the ability to do background research or conducting survey on a topic presented in class and able to give oral presentations in the target language; 


• further insights into aspects of Chinese society and its culture 

Assessable learning outcomes:

At the end of this module, students will be able to

• communicate in Mandarin effectively in a number of common situations beyond the basics;


• understand native Mandarin speakers in frequently occurring social functions and in the everyday life in the areas of study, work and leisure;


• recognise further aspects of Mandarin vocabularies and the grammatical structures and able to apply them in both oral and written form;


• conduct researches on a given topic that relate to China or life in China;


• write a report as well as given oral presentation that consist mainly of high frequency everyday language;


• understand the main points of articles and reports concerned with contemporary issues

Additional outcomes:

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

Outline content:

This module will further develop the language and communicative situations on the topics of travel, lifestyle, leisure, culture differences, Chinese arts and music; Chinese classic novels and operas; past experience and future plans, film and literature of contemporary China. The students will able to discuss selected topics orally and in writing and to give oral presentations. Students will be able to pronounce Mandarin with increased accuracy and the use of (simplified) characters will be further developed and expanded.? 

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) – 35% (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:

• Spring Term Week 5 –Project: Individual written report 15% 


• Spring Term Week 7 – Project: Oral group presentation 10%


• Spring Week 11 – Listening test 15% (40-50 minutes)


• Summer Week 2 - Oral exam  25% (15 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 feedback is provided.

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 books (approx. £30-£35)

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