Mandarin Level 2
A post-Level 1 or equivalent module in Mandarin Chinese language and culture
Module details
- Offered to all undergraduates
- Monday, Tuesday or Thursday 16.00-18.00 (depending on year of study)
- Planned delivery: On campus (South Kensington)
- Two-term module, worth 7.5 ECTS
- Available to eligible students as part of I-Explore
- Extra Credit, or Degree Credit where your department allows
A module for students with some prior knowledge of Mandarin Chinese, including basic knowledge of Simplified Characters.
This module aims to:
- Consolidate your competence in the basic sentence structures of Mandarin Chinese across all four language skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening)
- Introduce communicative strategies that will equip you with the linguistic tools to apply your learning in a wide range of everyday situations
- Expand your knowledge of Chinese characters by approx. 230
- Provide you with the opportunity to acquire the necessary tools for independent language learning
- Offer an insight into aspects of China's history and culture and prepare you to progress to higher levels
To be eligible for this module, you need to have done one of the following:
- Successfully completed Mandarin level 1
- Obtained an HSK Certificate level 1
- Have already achieved the equivalent level by other means
Please note: this module is not suitable for Cantonese speakers.
Please note: The information on this module description is indicative. The module may undergo minor modifications before the start of next academic year.
Information blocks
Learning outcomes
- Express yourself in writing, using Chinese script and employing an enhanced range of vocabulary and structures
- Deploy function words, expressing aspect with accuracy
- Engage with and respond to a selection of aural material
- Complete practical tasks such as carrying out a transaction in a shop, and asking for and giving directions
Indicative core content
In this module, your work will cover a thorough revision of all the basic structures of the language (stative verbs, sentences with shi; rules of word order, modal verbs, etc.) and may include the following linguistic structures:
- Reduplication of measure words
- Subordinating marker “de”
- Nominalisation with “de”
- Measurements and quantities
- Money
- Correlative conjunctions
- Location.
These linguistic structures will be applied to the following topics:
- Shopping
- Health
- Location of objects
- Geographical location
- Family relationships
- Hobbies
- Geography of China
Learning and teaching approach
In line with MFL communicative and active learning methodology, in-class activities cover all four skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking) and include: pair work and group work; work with texts, audio and video material to develop learning and communicative skills. Homework tasks give you the opportunity to revise and consolidate knowledge and skills and to develop an awareness of how to use language-learning tools independently.
Feedback on formative assessment will be given within two weeks of submission. In the case of summative assessments completed at the end of Term 2, feedback will be given at the beginning of Term 3.
Assessment
The module includes formative as well as summative assessment. Homework tasks are set every week on the VLE. Independent study and support materials/guidance are also provided for you to reinforce topics covered at your own pace. Feedback is given for tasks submitted to ensure you are supported to complete your work and aware of assessment expectations. Summative assessment consists of a portfolio of six coursework tasks (three per term), an in-class listening test and a written test at the end of spring term, and one practical, i.e. oral examination (at the end of spring term or in the summer term). Coursework and written/oral examinations all contribute to the final grade.
- Coursework (15%): In-class grammar/vocabulary test in spring term.
- Examination (20%): Listening comprehension: in-class listening test (5-7 minutes' listening task - repeated once or twice, as appropriate - with questions testing comprehension), taking place towards the end of spring term.
- Examination (40%): Written examination: comprising essay (200 characters); grammar gap-fill test; translation.
- Practical (20%): Oral (15 minutes - partially pre-prepared practical listening task followed by general conversation), taking place at the end of spring term or in the summer term.
Key information
- 7.5 ECTS points awarded on successful completion of the module.
- Available to take for credit towards your degree where your department allows. Also available for extra-credit.
- You must be prepared to attend all classes and and undertake approximately 3 hours of private study each week in addition to the assessment.
Coursebooks:
Colloquial Chinese by P.C. T’ung and D.E. Pollard, Routledge, 1982*; and its accompanying Character Text for Colloquial Chinese (Simplified Version).
*Available on Leganto as an eBook
"Dr. Herd was always prepared for lessons, and the module is well structured. We learned the essential bits of Mandarin, and I think I have improved a lot due to good quality of the module."
"Really enjoyed the course, it is well structured and stimulating. Not too easy or too difficult."
"Extremely satisfied with the course so far. People around me could see a definite improvement in my Mandarin within 5 weeks of starting this course. "
"Enjoyed the interactive nature of the course. Materials available were of a very large range which is good."