LfA - Chinese - Stage 2 - Lower Intermediate

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

Thursday 18:00-20:00

Course fee: £425

Course Description

Welcome to LfA Chinese Stage 2!

This module aims to enable you to communicate confidently in the Chinese (Mandarin) language in a range of basic social and transactional situations, and to increase awareness of language and cultural differences. Furthermore, the module's goal is to present you with the opportunity to increase your linguistic competence and confidence in the Chinese language. If you have previously taken our LfA Chinese Stage 1 module, you will find that this module helps you to expand from what you have learned and continue to develop the four skills of aural understanding (listening), speaking, reading, and writing. Many of the grammatical constructions introduced in Stage 1 will be repeated in this module with increasing sophistication in terms of style and usage.

 

What will you learn?

You learn how to communicate satisfactorily in spoken Chinese in a range of everyday situations and communicate satisfactorily in the written language in basic informal situations (notes, letters, etc.), understanding the main points and specific details of simple aural and written messages. You do some reading of expository writings on a variety of cultural topics.

You learn to recognise and use further features of the grammatical system of Chinese, and to use a bilingual dictionary independently. You consolidate and extend your vocabulary, improve your pronunciation, and your ability to read a wider range of Chinese characters and structures associated with place names, street signs, foods, etc., getting to know further character recurring components to systematically improve your Chinese orthographic awareness. A range of ‘repair strategies' will help you to overcome communication breakdowns.

By the end of this module, you will be able to describe and understand more 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 2 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 studying during the first year at university.

 

Who can enrol in this module?

Members of the public, for example, teachers wanting to upgrade their employability and improve their language skills, existing University of Dundee (UoD) students, and UoD staff members are all invited to join this LfA module and continue learning Chinese for personal or professional reasons in a supportive adult environment. Interests must have sufficient pre-existing Chinese knowledge and skills to enrol. Please ensure you have checked this module is the right stage for you!

 

Is this stage suitable for me?

This stage is suitable for advanced beginners, who have already learned some Chinese either at school or a previous adult education class, and those who have a basic understanding of the language and have started studying it in an organised way. And, of course, it is the ideal follow-on module if you have completed our LfA Chinese Stage 1 module in (the) previous year(s).

Still unsure if this is the right stage for you? 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 lower or a higher stage (if these are 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 to that, students are recommended to invest 6-8 hours of studying per week in their own time.

 

Do classes take place online?

No, 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 2 (Lower Intermediate), students can progress to the LfA Chinese Stage 3 (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]