Study Guide

Learning outcomes

Proficiency level: A1

Students are able to achieve sufficient skill at Chinese pronunciation in order to begin learning the basics of speaking, reading, writing and understanding the language.

Implementation and methods of teaching

This course is taught in class.
Mastery of Chinese pronunciation is achieved through exposure to the sounds, repetition and correction. Regular short quizzes enable students to test their grasp of material taught. Students will also take part in role plays to practise speaking and listening, and will listen to audio material featuring native Chinese speakers.

Timing and attendance

Periods 1-2 (Spring 2024)
Regular attendance required.

Learning material and recommended literature

All material provided by the teacher in class.

Learning environment

Dynamic and collaborative classroom learning environment that provides time and space for practising material discussed.

Student time use and work load

5 credits, equivalent to 125-150 hours of work, divided as follows:
• Lessons in class: 56 hours
• Homework and study of material taught: 69+ hours

Contents

Intensive practice of Chinese pronunciation, followed by learning to read, write, speak and understand basic spoken Chinese. Students will learn to introduce themselves, and practise asking and answering basic questions.

Additional information for students: previous knowledge etc.

Chinese 1 is for beginners who have no knowledge of Chinese at all.

Assessment criteria

Continuous assessment of pronunciation and speaking skills, plus class quizzes and tests that test reading, writing and listening comprehension ability.

Assessment scale

1-5

Failed (0)

Students have not achieved the learning outcomes of the course.

Assessment criteria: assessment scale failed/approved

• Able to pronounce the sounds of spoken Chinese sufficiently well so as to be understood.
• Have learnt well enough the vocabulary taught so as to be able to read and write the characters.
• Able to use the grammar structures taught in writing and in speaking.
• Able to understand basic spoken Chinese.

Assessment criteria: level 1 (assessment scale 1–5)

Students
• are able to pronounce some of the sounds of spoken Chinese but needs frequent prompting to achieve accuracy of sounds and tones
• have learnt some of the vocabulary taught and can read and write these characters.
• are able to use some of the grammar structures taught in writing and in speaking.
• are able to understand some basic spoken Chinese, but a lot of repetition is required for comprehension to occur.

Assessment criteria: level 3 (assessment scale 1–5)

Students
• are able to pronounce the sounds of spoken Chinese sufficiently well so as to be understood.
• have learnt well enough the vocabulary taught so as to be able to read and write the characters.
• are able to use the grammar structures taught in writing and in speaking.
• are able to understand basic spoken Chinese.

Assessment criteria: level 5 (assessment scale 1–5)

Students
• are able to pronounce the sounds of spoken Chinese in an excellent manner.
• have learnt very well the vocabulary taught and are able to read and write the characters.
• are able to use very well the grammar structures taught in writing and in speaking.
• are able to understand basic spoken Chinese very well.