This module provides students with linguistic and cultural knowledge in conversing and understanding Mandarin Chinese. The emphasis of the learning is on characters. A substantial amount of time at this level is spent on drills for writing and reading. The aim is for students to establish a reading and writing habit, ready to move to more independent learning using Chinese language based materials and development of their conversing skills. This is particularly important for students on the 2 years BNU scheme.

1. Understand the Chinese phonetic system (initials, finals, tones and modulation).
2. Apply the rules of the Chinese phonetic alphabet in order to accurately pronounce Chinese sounds.
3. Have gained confidence in their ability to express themselves in speech and writing in everyday matters in the target language
4. Engage with a degree of grammatical correctness and some spontaneity in conversations relating to everyday topics.
5. Speak basic spoken language dealing with everyday matters.
6. Write characters using basic strokes and knowing stroke order. 
7. Master around 500 Chinese characters.
8. Comprehend passages of Japanese text using vocabulary and grammar introduced
9. Have extended and refined vocabulary and skills by engaging with the Independent Learning Portfolio
10. Be able to engage with appropriate language learning technologies
11. To be able to identify, assess, and make good use of appropriate reference materials (e.g. dictionaries; online resources; self-study tool)
12. Understand Chinese culture and its relevance within the language 

There will be languages classes totalling 9h/week, with a Reading Week in Week 6, and additional hours of supported self-study.

Teaching, learning and assessment are designed to enable students to achieve the learning outcomes described above. While part of any class session is likely to involve direct teaching, the emphasis is on student participation and students will be expected to take part actively in discussions and in tasks such as small group and pair work, role play, and individual or group presentation.

Independent Learning: You will be expected to spend a significant amount of time studying outside the class. Materials will be provided on which will help you develop your expertise as an independent language learner. You will be asked to consolidate your class work by learning vocabulary and linguistic structures, and by reading, watching and/or listening to material in the target language. You will also be expected to prepare exercises and activities for the class, to write assignments and generally begin to acquire a repertoire of effective language learning strategies.

Students will develop:

1. Subject-specific language skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking) in the target language at the appropriate level
2. The ability to use language creatively and precisely for a range of purposes and audiences
3. The abilities to extract and synthesize key information from written, spoken and other sources
4. A greater awareness of how languages (including the mother tongue) function
5. The skills to be effective, independent and self-aware Iearners, including active reflection on learning processes and preferences so as to independently develop appropriate strategies and linguistic skills to ensure progression
6. The ability to work creatively and flexibly with others as part of a team
7. Skills in intercultural awareness, understanding and competence, including a critical understanding of other cultures and practice other than one’s own
8. Enhanced skills in effective communication, presentation and interaction
9. Enhanced digital literacy skills.

1-hr Class Tests (over both semesters): 20%

Listening and Speaking Class Test (Semester 1): 10%

1-hr Presentation (Semester 2): 20%

Coursework Portfolio (Semester 2): 20%

2-hr Written Exam (Spring Semester Exam Period): 30%

The formal assessments contain a range of questions designed to cover the learning outcomes for the module and to test skill development.

Informal assessment is provided through discussion in classes and feedback on the students’ independently produced work.

The opportunity for reassessment in this module

Any student failing the module will be required to be re-assessed according to the components failed.

New vocabulary will be introduced logically and progressively and will focus on everyday life topics. Classes will introduce grammar, vocabulary and characters, and will facilitate oral and aural use of the Mandarin Chinese language, preparing students for using Chinese in an active setting. In writing classes students will learn the principles of stokes and how to write a small number of characters related to everyday life. Cultural aspects of the Chinese language will be included.

New Practical Chinese Reader. 新实用汉语课本, book 1 and 2, 2010; Xun Liu et al.; Beijing Language and Culture University Press, Beijing, China.