Mandarin Level 2

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

• express yourself in writing using Chinese script and employing an enhanced range of vocabulary and structures;
• deploy function words, expressing aspect with accuracy;
• engage with and respond to a selection of aural material;
• complete practical tasks, such as carrying out a transaction in a shop.

In this module, your work will cover a thorough revision of all the basic structures of the language (stative verbs, sentences with shi; rules of word order, modal verbs, etc.) and may include the following linguistic structures:

• reduplication of measure words
• subordinating marker “de”
• nominalisation with “de”
• measurements and quantities
• money
• correlative conjunctions
• location

These linguistic structures will be applied to the following topics:

• shopping
• health
• location of objects
• geographical location
• family relationships
• hobbies
• the geography of China

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; work with texts, audio and video material to develop learning and communicative skills.

Preparation tasks and formative assessment tasks will give you the opportunity to revise and consolidate knowledge and skills, and to develop an awareness of how to use language-learning tools independently. Tasks, independent study and support materials are set every week on the VLE, to reinforce topics covered at your own pace. Feedback will be given for tasks submitted, to ensure you are supported to complete your work and aware of assessment expectations.

• Coursework (15%): Mid-autumn term, task-based portfolio, to be completed on the VLE by the beginning of spring term. This pack contains seven tasks in total, including listening; grammar and lexicon quiz; script practice; speaking, and reading.  
• Coursework (20%): Mid-spring term, task-based portfolio, to be completed on the VLE by the end of term. This pack contains five tasks in total, including listening; grammar and lexicon quiz; script practice; and reading.  
• Examination (20%): In-class listening comprehension test at the end of spring term. 
• Examination (25%): 90-minute in-class test at the end of spring term. It will include a writing task (approx. 200 characters); grammar and lexicon. 
• Practical (20%): Oral exam (15 minutes), including a pre-prepared practical task, followed by general questions on topics seen in class (taken in the summer term). 

Summative assessment consists of two portfolios, comprising 12 coursework tasks in total, an in-class listening test and a written test at the end of spring term, and one practical - i.e. oral - examination (in the summer term).  Coursework and written/ oral examinations all contribute to the final grade. 

Feedback on coursework will be given within two weeks of all groups having submitted their work.

• 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.
• You must be prepared to attend all classes and and undertake approximately 3 hours of private study each week in addition to the assessment.

Coursebooks:
Colloquial Chinese by P.C. T’ung and D.E. Pollard, Routledge, 1982*; and its accompanying Character Text for Colloquial Chinese (Simplified Version).

*Available on Leganto as an eBook