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
Expanding 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.
Oral productions & Listening:
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/B1 level)
Visual perception:
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)
Written production:
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 A2 level)
Learners will be familiar with cultural aspects of everyday life in China.
Timetable
The timetable is available on the BA International Studies website.
Mode of instruction
Three two-hour tutorials every week, with the exception of the midterm exam week. Attending all tutorial sessions is compulsory. If you are unable to attend a session, please inform your tutor in advance, providing a valid reason for your absence. Being absent will result in a lower of the participation grade with 0.5 for every absence after the first three (3) times.
Course Load
Total course load for this course is 10 EC (1 EC = 28 hours), this equals 280 hours, broken down by:
Attending classes: (6 hours per week over 12 weeks) 72 hours
Preparing classes, exams and extra activities : 202 hours
Assessment hours (exams and other assessment): 6 hours
Assessment method
Assessment
Learning aim: Master the writing system of Mandarin-characters. Assessment: Weekly class dictation tests.
Learning aim: Use of the target language to give a short report/ answer the teacher’s short questions. Assessment: the first in-class oral assignment (individual presentation).
Learning aim: Use of the target language to communicate with each other on different topics. Assessment: second oral assignment (final speaking test, in the form of drama play).
Learning aim: Use of the correct grammar to organize sentences and improve reading capability in Mandarin. Assessment: final writing/reading exam.
Weighing
| Partial Grade | Weighing |
|---|---|
| Class Dictation Test & Participation | 20% |
| Oral Assignment I: Personal Report (Mid-Term) | 20% |
| Oral Assignment II: Drama Play (Final Speaking & Listening) | 20% |
| Final Reading / Writing Exam | 40% |
End grade
To successfully complete the course, please take note that the end grade of the course is established by determining the weighted average of the in-class oral and listening performance and exams.
Resit
If the end grade is insufficient (lower than a 6), there is a possibility of retaking the full 80% of the exam material (40% Individual Interview; 40% Writing Test). No resit for the tutorial (participation) is possible.
Retaking a passing grade
Please consult the Course and Examination Regulations 2017 – 2018.
Exam review
How and when an exam review takes place will be determined by the examiner. This review will be within 30 days after official publication of exam results.
Blackboard
Blackboard will be used for tutorial groups. Students are requested to enroll on Blackboard for this course, but only after correct enrolment in uSis.
Reading list
Compulsory Literature
Shaoyang Qi. 2011. Discover China Student’s book two. UK: Macmillan Education. (ISBN: 0230406394)
Jie Zhang. 2011. Discover China Workbook book two. UK: Macmillan Education. (ISBN: 0230406408)
Recommended Literature & Other Sources
- Claudia Ross, Jing-heng Sheng Ma. 2006. Modern Mandarin Chinese Grammar. London: Routledge. (ISBN: 0-415-70010-8)
Registration
Enrolment through uSis is mandatory.
General information about uSis can be found here.
Registration Studeren à la carte and Contractonderwijs
Not applicable.
Contact
Drs. A.S. Keijser Z. Yang MA Drs. A.M. de Rooij-van Broekhuizen
When contacting lecturers or tutors, please include your full name, student number and tutorial group number.
Remarks
This course uses Integrated communicative language learning method. Therefore active participation in the classroom activities is essential for successful learning outcomes.