Korean Level 1

On successful completion of this module, you will be better prepared to:

• respond to and produce a basic range of spoken language in very familiar contexts;
• respond to and produce simple written texts, applying grammar and vocabulary;
• from the TOPIK Level 1 range (Test of Proficiency in Korean): demonstrate intercultural awareness in your handling of everyday social interactions in Korean and in your use of language;
• use a basic range of digital language-learning tools to support your production.

This module will cover the following linguistic structures:

• Reading and writing the Korean alphabet, Hangeul
• Two different numerical systems
• Tenses, including the present, past, and future
• Distinguishing different levels of formality and speech levels, including honorific speech

These linguistic structures will be applied to the following topics:

• Daily greetings
• Describing friends and family
• Locations and objects
• Talking about daily routines and plans
• Features of modern life

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 (dialogue practice, information gap exercises, discussion and collection of key terms/ideas, followed by report to plenum), individual tasks (face-to-face and online); discovery and formulation of rules; work with texts, audio and video material to develop learning and communicative skills. Homework and coursework tasks give you the opportunity to revise and consolidate knowledge and skills and to develop awareness of how to use language-learning tools independently. This approach not only ensures you engage with a wide range of tasks, but also supports different learning styles.

All coursework assignments will be marked and returned to you within two weeks. Marking criteria and revision guidance (how-to guides) will be included as needed with each assignment, to ensure that you are aware of all expectations. Detailed feedback will be provided for each individual section of every coursework assignment. Feedback will detail the correct answer(s), along with suggestions for improvement. In addition to the points awarded for each assignment, an overall percentage grade will be given. Generic feedback on coursework will also be given during class.

The module includes formative as well as summative assessment. Homework tasks (theory revision, reading, writing, listening, etc.) are set every week on the Virtual Learning Environment, following a flipped-classroom approach to ensure face-to-face time is devoted to interactional learning and communicative skills acquisition.

This means that you will be provided with materials to study independently beforehand and then apply these during classroom time. Your lecturer will provide you with support materials and guidance to reinforce topics covered at your own pace.

You will need to complete two pieces of summative coursework (set during mid-autumn term and mid-spring term), which will include rubrics and revision guidance to ensure you are supported when completing your work and so that you are aware of the assessment expectations. There will also be a 1-hour in-class examination (scheduled at the end of spring term), and one practical - in the form of an oral examination (at the end of spring term or during the summer term). The coursework, examinations and practical contribute to your final grade.

• Coursework (25%): Listening (multiple short listening audio files, length: 30 seconds - 1 minute), reading comprehension and integrated grammar, simple oral recording, simple writing (100 words).
• Coursework (25%): Listening (1-2 minutes), reading comprehension and integrated grammar, pre-recorded oral presentation, simple writing (100 words).
• Examination (25%): 1-hour written test, taken in class. Including: grammar, vocabulary, reading and writing (100 words).
• Practical (25%): Oral examination, including presentation and unprepared dialogue (10 minutes).

• 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. The Module options by department page has a full list of the credit options.
• You must be prepared to attend all classes and undertake approximately 3 hours of private study each week in addition to the assessment.

Module materials

• Cho, Y. et al (2010) Integrated Korean Textbook; Beginning 1 (2nd ed.), University of Hawai’i Press, US ISBN 978-0-8248-3440-1 
• Park, M. et al (2010) Integrated Korean Workbook; Beginning 1 (2nd ed.), University of Hawai’i Press, US ISBN 978-0-8248-3450-0

The module is supported by additional materials.