Chinese Stage 1

A part-time evening accredited Chinese Mandarin language course - 20 credit points (SCQF Level 7)

Monday 18:00-20:00

Full Payment of course fee: £425

Course Description

Welcome to LfA Chinese Stage 1!

The aim of this module is to lay the groundwork and enable you to ‘survive’ in the Chinese (Mandarin) language, which is often considered difficult to learn. It not only employs a different writing system, and a strong focus on sounds, tones, and vocabulary but also relies heavily on cultural context and understanding. This may appear daunting, but our highly structured course aims to break this down into manageable lessons, which will allow you to immerse yourself in one of the world’s richest cultures.

This module prepares you to succeed in a range of basic everyday situations, increases your awareness of language and cultural differences, and presents you with the opportunity to increase your linguistic competence and confidence in the Chinese language.

 

What will you learn?

In this module, you will learn how to communicate simply in spoken Chinese in a range of everyday situations in such a way that basic daily requirements can be met. You will learn to understand some specific details of simple everyday aural and written messages, recognise and use some of the basic features of the grammatical system of the language, and be able to use a bilingual dictionary confidently. You get familiar with basic vocabulary, emphasising sounds, tones, general pronunciation, and sentence patterns. You develop the ability to read elementary Chinese characters and structures and write character recurring components to systematically improve your Chinese orthographic awareness. Using a small range of 'repair strategies' will help you to overcome communication breakdowns in a range of basic everyday situations.

By the end of this module, you will be able to describe and understand some differences and show basic cultural awareness between the Chinese language and culture, and your own.

 

 

What are some examples of the topics?

The topics of this module may include speaking about oneself and others; asking for information or directions, answering questions, expressing an opinion, in a limited context; retrieving basic information from written and spoken sources, as appropriate for this level; discussing daily routines; shopping; talking on the phone; reading and writing notes and letter; personal information; family and friends; leisure activities; food and drink; transport; etc. Please note, that these topics are not entirely preset and vary depending on the students’ and tutor’s needs and preferences.

 

What is the language level of this module? 

LfA Chinese Stage 1 is matched against the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) and is ranked at SCQF Level 7. This is equivalent to the student effort required for attending the first year at university.

 

Who can enrol in this module?

Members of the public, for example, teachers wanting to upgrade their employability and add a language to their skills profile, existing University of Dundee (UoD) students, and UoD staff members are all invited to join this LfA module and start learning Chinese for personal or professional reasons in a supportive adult environment. Learners do not need to have any pre-existing Chinese knowledge and skills to enrol.

 

Is this stage suitable for me?

This stage is suitable for beginners wishing to learn Chinese from scratch, or those who had only very brief encounters with the language and want to start afresh in their language-learning journey.

Still unsure if this is the right stage? Check out our LfA Stage Guide to help you decide which stage is best for you. (And if you still get it wrong, don’t worry! You can change to a higher stage (if this is offered) within the first two weeks of the semester if need be.)

 

How long is this module? 

This is a year-long module, taking place over two semesters (11 weeks per semester, 22 in total). The class meets weekly for two teaching hours. In addition, students are recommended to invest 6-8 hours of studying per week in their own time.

 

Do classes take place online?

No, the classes are face-to-face and take place on campus (usually in the Dalhousie Building). However, you are expected to regularly check our virtual learning environment (My Dundee), which we use to make announcements and communicate with the students, and where we provide most of the learning materials and resources.

 

What will the lessons be like? 

The lessons strongly focus on small group discussions and partner work, providing ample opportunity to practise what you learn and revise what you have learned already. We work with authentic resources whenever possible, such as listening to real conversations between native speakers or responding to live social media posts. Basic features of grammar will be introduced and practised to improve language skills and awareness and to quickly increase the range of topics you can talk about. A daily grading system will be employed.

 

Is there homework to be done? 

Yes, you are provided with a range of revision and homework materials to consolidate your learning and extend your vocabulary. You receive feedback from your tutor on work handed in and then select the best pieces of work to submit as part of your ongoing written assessment.

 

Will there be a textbook? 

Yes, this module incorporates work with a textbook. The price of the textbook is not included in the course fee and must be paid extra by the student.

 

What about assessments? 

This module is assessed via continuous assessment over both semesters. It consists of a reading/writing portfolio (compiled over both semesters), a listening assessment (during the second semester), and the final oral presentation.

 

Is this an accredited module with a certificate?

Yes, students who successfully pass the assessments are awarded the University of Dundee Modern Languages Certificate and earn 20 credit points at SCQF Level 7.

Although not recommended, students may choose not to take part in assessments but are then only entitled to a Certificate of Attendance and 0 credit points, provided they have attended a minimum of 80% of the classes. There are no extra charges for the assessments or the certificates.

Upon completion of LfA Chinese Stage 1 (Beginners), students can progress to the LfA Chinese Stage 2 (Lower Intermediate).

 

How do I sign up?

Click on ‘Book Course’ below and follow the instructions on the screen! We look forward to working with you!

 

Wait, I have a question! 

No problem! We are a dedicated and passionate language department at the University of Dundee and like to get to know our learners well, paying close attention to individual needs. If there are any concerns or further questions, please feel free to get in touch! 

  

For general and administrative questions:

LfA Administration Support – [email protected] 

LfA Coordinator: Maren Dralle – [email protected] 

 

For language-specific questions about module content and curriculum:

Course Tutor: Qingzhong Liang – [email protected]