Prospectus

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Advanced Modern Chinese: Writing

Course
2014-2015

Admission requirements

The course is taught in Mandarin. Students must have a prior level of Mandarin at least equivalent to new HSK 5 (old HSK 6) or TOCFL level 4. They must also meet all entry requirements for the MA in Chinese Studies.

Description

In this course, the focus lies on writing tasks in formal Chinese. A personal portfolio for each student will record students’ writing output, for instance, personal letter, application letter and CV with biography and cover letter, report of an interview and so on.

This course is composed of three parts: before-class tasks, class activities and after-class tasks. Before-class tasks include analyses of sample texts, such as commenting on the structures, formats, styles, and vocabulary of a sample text. Class activities include discussion of sample texts and students’ written works, discussion on writing styles and formats. After-class tasks are weekly writing assignments after each session and include commenting on other students’ written works. All assignments are internet-based. Text samples are retrieved via Blackboard.

Students are also expected to prepare adequately and to contribute actively.

Course objectives

  • Help MA students currently at advanced level to develop writing skills for specific purposes, i.e., writing of application letters, curriculum vitae, comments and summaries. The focus lies on academic writing skills.

  • Familiarize students with common genres and styles of written Chinese.

Timetable

Check timetable

Mode of instruction

Seminar

Course Load

-total study load: 140 hrs (5 EC x 28 hrs)
-contact hours: 26 hrs (2hrs/week, 13 weeks)
-preparation time ( before-class tasks, sample texts reading and final exam): 58 hrs (4 hrs/week)
-After-class tasks (writing assignments): 56 hrs (4,3 hrs/week)

Assessment method

  • Before-class tasks 20%

  • After-class tasks 40%

  • Final exam (writing) 40%

Blackboard

Yes, see for more info Blackboard

Reading list

Class materials will be distributed during the term.

Registration

Registration through uSis

Registration Studeren à la carte and Contractonderwijs

Not applicable.

Contact

Y.T.Wang