Admission requirements
This course is only available for students in the BA International Studies who have passed Mandarin 1 Beginners.
Description
This course aims at the development of communicative skills, with a special focus on listening and speaking skills. The expanding of cultural knowledge about China and its people is an integral part of the course.
Course objectives
Expending the knowledge acquired in the first semester (with the course Chinese for Beginners, the learner will master basic Chinese grammar constructions and expressions, enabling him/her to handle basic daily conversations.
Learners will acquire communicative skills enabling them to communicate limited information in simple everyday situations. They will be able to communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a direct exchange of information on familiar topics. (roughly corresponding to CEFR A2 level)
Learners will be able to read and understand short, simple texts on familiar matters containing the highest frequency vocabulary. They can also catch the main point in short, clear messages and announcements. (roughly corresponding to CEFR A2 level)
Learners will be familiar with cultural aspects of everyday life in China.
Learners will be able to write 400-450 Chinese simplified characters. They will be able to write simple phrases and sentences relating to areas of immediate need. (roughly corresponding to CEFR A1 level)
Learners will acquire 450-500 vocabulary items. They will master basic Chinese grammar constructions and expressions, which is sufficient for basic daily conversation.
Timetable
The timetable is available on the BA International Studies website
Mode of instruction
Three two hour tutorials every week.
Attending lectures and tutorials is compulsory. If you are not able to attend a lecture or tutorial, please inform the tutor of the course. Being absent without notification can result in a lower grade or exclusion from the final exam or essay.
Course Load
Total course load: 280 hours (10 EC)
Attending classes: 72 hours (6 hrs per week over 12 weeks)
Preparing classes, exams and extra activities : 208 hours
Assessment method
Class oral assignment 20% (twice per semester)
Class dictation test 10%
Final Listening exam/Oral exam 30%
Final Written exam 40%
Two assignments will be arranged per semester. The first oral assignment is an individual assignment; the second one is a group assignment. Class dictation tests will be held once a week (check “weekly overview” for details).
The resit will be a written exam of two hours, and will test if the students have reached the end level of this semester. This exam consists of the following components:
Reading and writing;
Written dialogue;
Vocabulary and grammar.
Blackboard
Blackboard will be used. Students are requested to register on Blackboard for this course.
Reading list
1) Compulsory Literature
Shaoyang Qi. 2011. Discover China Student’s book two. UK: Macmillan Education. (ISBN: 0230406394)
Jie Zhang. 20111. Discover China Workbook book two. UK: Macmillan Education. (ISBN: 0230406408)
2) Recommended Literature & Other Sources (e.g. websites, Academic Journals, documentaries etc.)
Claudia Ross, Jing-heng Sheng Ma. 2006. Modern Mandarin Chinese Grammar. London: Routledge. (ISBN: 0-415-70010-8)
Registration
Students are requested to register through uSis, the registration system of Leiden University for this course. General information about uSis is available in English and Dutch.
Registration Studeren à la carte and Contractonderwijs
Not applicable.