Modules

Module title: An introduction to Chinese Culture and Language
SCQF level: 08:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: LNG08123
Module leader: Vivien Xiaowei Zhou
School The Business School
Subject area group: Tourism and Languages
Prerequisites

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2018/9, Trimester 1, Face-to-Face,
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: Face-to-Face
Location of delivery: CR
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Vivien Xiaowei Zhou
Module Organiser:


Learning, Teaching and Assessment (LTA) Approach:
Learning & Teaching methods including their alignment to Los
Classes for this module are in tutorial form and are highly interactive. An emphasis is placed on practising speaking, listening, reading (LO2, LO3) and writing (LO4) skills in Mandarin, using the resources of the language laboratories and the languages server. The tutorials will also encourage an appropriate amount of discussion (conducted in English) around Chinese-focused and intercultural topics as expressed through language (LO1, LO5), such as the widely accepted and contradicting cultural ‘realities’ in contemporary China, cultural connotations embedded in lexical items ad syntax etc.. Use of Moodle in conjunction with these facilities facilitates off-site practice, revision and independent learning. The portfolio includes an accumulative programme of formative and summative assessments to help you pace your learning in terms of different aspects of your Mandarin language skills (LO2, LO3, LO4), Chinese-specific cultural knowledge (LO1) and intercultural understanding (LO5).

Embedding of employability/PDP/Scholarship Skills:
Oral and written communication skills are developed. The acquisition of another language and expanded cultural views enhances employability. Good time management is encouraged and reflection on learning is promoted.

Assessment (formative or summative)
Frequent opportunities for revision and consolidation of earlier learning occur in every class. Formative and summative assessments targeting at students’ speaking, listening, writing skills and intercultural awareness take place according to a timetable issued at the beginning of the module. The assessment portfolio will include a range of tasks which will test the students’ linguistic and cultural knowledge.

Research / teaching linkages
The module content and delivery is based on current research and best practice in language teaching (particularly Mandarin), applied linguistics and intercultural communication.

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Formative Assessment:
Frequent opportunities for revision and consolidation of earlier learning occur in every class. Formative and summative assessments targeting at students’ speaking, listening, writing skills and intercultural awareness take place according to a timetable issued at the beginning of the module. The assessment portfolio will include a range of tasks which will test the students’ linguistic and cultural knowledge.

Summative Assessment:
Frequent opportunities for revision and consolidation of earlier learning occur in every class. Formative and summative assessments targeting at students’ speaking, listening, writing skills and intercultural awareness take place according to a timetable issued at the beginning of the module. The assessment portfolio will include a range of tasks which will test the students’ linguistic and cultural knowledge.

Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)
Face To Face Tutorial 36
Independent Learning Guided independent study 164
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words
Portfolio 100 1 - 5 12 HOURS= 0, WORDS= 2500
Component 1 subtotal: 100
Component 2 subtotal: 0
Module subtotal: 100

Description of module content:

The module introduces, but also problematises, the Chinese language and culture by encouraging you to explore the language and cultural diversities that characterise Chinese-speaking communities in the present day, which is conventionally studied as a singular, homogeneous entity. You will be introduced to traditional and contemporary representations of the societies often labelled as ‘Chinese’ and critically compare them towards a relativised understanding of the ‘Chinese culture’. Topics include relationship building, social and business etiquettes and the concept of ‘face’. In this module, you will also begin acquiring the basic Mandarin skills, which draws on the Can-do Statements for Level A1 recommended by The European Benchmarking Chinese Language Project (EBCL). It covers the following content:

1. Hanyu Pinyin, a widely used transcription system for Mandarin
2. essential characters for describing personal and family life and everyday transactions such as numbers, housing and food
3. basic grammar, including the main rules of the composition of simple characters, words and sentences
4. the development of reflective, organisational and technical skills to underpin successful language learning
5. the development of basic independent research skills, using the internet or other resources as appropriate.
Learning Outcomes for module:

12. Learning Outcomes of the module
LO1: explain the diversities of Chinese language and culture
LO2: provide and ask for information on topics relating to oneself and one’s family in Mandarin
LO3: conduct simple everyday transactions, such as, for example, ordering a meal, using simple but accurate Mandarin
LO4: perform simple written communication in Mandarin with a computer using the Hanyu Pinyin input method
LO5: identify broad difference and/or similarity between Mandarin and students’ first language(s) in relation to the underpinning cultural factors

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:

YAN, T., FU, Y., TAN, M., HUANG, Y. AND WANG, H (2006) CONFIDENCE CHINESE: VOL 1 GETTING STARTED: CYPRESS BOOK CO. UK LTD Vol. 1, 1st ed.
HSUEH, S (2014) CHINEASY: THE NEW WAY TO READ CHINESE: LONDON: THAMES & HUDSON LTD, 1st ed.
ZHONG, W., CORNELIUS, G. AND ZHUANG, E (2010) ENCOUNTERING THE CHINESE: A MODERN COUNTRY, AN ANCIENT CULTURE: BOSTON: INTERCULTURAL PRESS, 3rd ed.
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