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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2020 - 2021

Module Title
Module Code
School

Online Module Resources

NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 10
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description

Designed for beginners in Chinese language, starting with pronunciation and guiding students in grasping essential Chinese vocabulary and the skills of simple conversations. Will introduce the Chinese phonetic system, the basic principles behind Chinese characters, and some key principles of Chinese grammar. Students will be very familiar with the concept of tone insofar as it relates to Chinese phonology.

Learning Outcomes

1. Correctly identify any arbitrary combination of Chinese initials, finals and tone, when spoken slowly and in isolation.
2. Read pinyin phonetic notation with a comprehensible accuracy.
3. Read basic characters, such as Chinese pronouns, simple verbs etc.
4. Write basic Chinese characters when provided with a definition and/or pinyin.
5. Form simple grammatically correct sentences talking about themselves, their birthdays, hobbies and their immediate family.
6. Demonstrate familiarity with the correct forms of address and titles for teachers, family members etc., especially familial terms not distinguished in English.
7. Understand short texts and dialogues concerning topics with which they are reasonably familiar.



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Seminars72Interactive group sessions
Independent Study178Study of language, reading prescribed texts, and assignment work
Total Workload: 250

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Reading Skills
A variety of texts on topics such as family, everyday life, and nature will be read, analysed and discussed in a group setting.

Listening Skills
A variety of conversations will be listened to, analysed and repeated.

Writing Skills
Students will write short texts on given topics.

Oral Skills
Students will participate actively in interactive classroom sessions, implement new grammatical structures and speak freely on a given subject.

Role Play
A variety of everyday situations will be acted out and discussed in class.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment% Examination Weight%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
Unavailable
Indicative Reading List

  • Kai Zhang, Shehui Liu, Xi Chen, Shandan Zuo, Jiawei Shi, Xun Liu: 2004, New Practical Chinese Reader Vol. 1 (Textbook, Workbook, CD), 1st edition, Beijing Language and Culture University Press, Beijing,
  • 2010: Oxford Chinese Dictionary: English-Chinese, Chinese-English., Oxford University Press, Oxford.,
Other Resources

None
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