This module is mapped against A2 level in Mandarin according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). It is for students who have completed Level 2 (CHINX902/002) Beginners’ Mandarin or have a Mandarin A1+ standard of the language in the CEFR. Through a variety of methods students will develop an elementary competence in reading, writing, listening, and speaking Mandarin and an understanding of elementary Mandarin grammar. At the end of this 12-week module, students will have reached an A2- proficiency level in the CEFR and will be able to carry out everyday tasks in Mandarin and to attempt unfamiliar ones. Students will be able to follow and hold a simple conversation and function in daily life using the language: i.e.: shopping, traveling on public transport, giving directions… They will have a good understanding of life and culture of Mandarin-speaking countries and the intercultural skills necessary for their language proficiency level.
Syllabus
Week 1
Summary and review of previous content (self-introduction)
Class cohort building
Week 2
Identifying different types of sport
Lifestyle questionnaire
Week 3
Asking and answering questions about sports
Talking about likes and dislikes
Answering a questionnaire
Week 4
Identifying preferences for holiday plans
Online chat messages
Week 5
Asking and answering questions about holiday plans
Responding to an online chat message
Week 6
Understanding the daily routines
Understanding descriptions of activities and events in a diary entry
Week 7
Making invitations
Describing daily routines
Describing feelings and expressing opinions
Week 8
Understanding information about the weather
Identifying clothes to wear in different weather
Finding out the weather forecast
Week 9
Talking about weather and what clothes to wear
Comparing the weather in different places
Week 10
Understanding exchanges between host and guest
Identifying the location of different rooms in a house
Week 11
Understanding a magazine article about festival activities and customs
Discussing festival activities
Exchanges between a host and a guest during a home visit
Week 12
Written and speaking tests will take place this week. Completing the assessment is required for students taking the course as part of their degree. For all other students, taking the tests is also strongly recommended, as a measure of your progress and learning.
Textbook details:
Discover China Student Book One (2Units)
Discover China Student Book Two (3 Units)
Ding Anqi (Author), Lily Jing (Author), Xin Chen (Author)
Publisher: Macmillan Education (30 Aug. 2010)
Note: Students progressing from lower levels will have one of the books, for students starting at this level, we can encourage them to use the library resources if they are not willing to buy 2 textbooks. Discover China Student Book Two will also be used for CHINX904/004 and CHINX905/005.
Study Hours
The total number of study hours for this module is 150 hours, in line with undergraduate university modules. This includes class meetings, assessment preparation and self-directed study in line with guidance from the course lecturer.
If you are studying on the extracurricular option, we recognise that the total number of hours that you may be able to study every week may depend on your availability and previous experience studying languages, however, expected contribution to classes, homework completion, and learning outcomes will not vary.
Course Lecturer: Dr Lei Peng
I’m a lecturer in Chinese Studies at Department of Languages, Cultures and Film, I’m also the headteacher in Confucius Institutes of Liverpool. I have more than a decade of teaching experience and expertise in Chinese language (Mandarin) and culture at various levels within Higher Education. My academic research focused on transcultural studies, contemporary popular music and youth culture in China, as well as Buddhism studies.
Fees for language courses are £190/£95.
Please note that the ‘last date available to book’ date is only a guide. We reserve the right to close bookings earlier if courses are over- or under-subscribed. In order to avoid disappointment, please be sure enrol as soon as possible. Registrations will not be processed until the following day if received after 3pm.
Visit our fee bands page to see which fee applies to you.
Back to: Languages