CHIN 1001 - Chinese IA

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2015

Chinese IA is a course for beginners in the language, followed by Chinese IB in semester 2 to build up basic knowledge and skills in Chinese. Native speakers or heritage speakers of Mandarin Chinese are not eligible for this course. Students who have studied Chinese before should contact the lecturers concerned to decide the best level at which to place them. Chinese IA teaches the fundamental grammar and vocabulary of modern standard Chinese (formerly known as Mandarin). This is the educated speech of North China which is now the official national language. Simplified characters are taught. The vocabulary reflects usage in contemporary China. It is expected that at the end of the course students should be able to master the Chinese phonetic system (Hanyu Pinyin), and should have an active vocabulary of around 200 Chinese characters and associated compounds concentrating on vocabulary that relates to contemporary China.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code CHIN 1001
    Course Chinese IA
    Coordinating Unit Asian Studies
    Term Semester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 5 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Assumed Knowledge No previous knowledge of Chinese required
    Assessment continuous assignments and tests, oral tests, mid-term test and final exams
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Delia Lin

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    At the successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1 obtain a knowledge and understanding of the Chinese language and many aspects of Chinese culture and society
    2 obtain the ability, independently, to use a variety of sources to further individual understanding of the Chinese language
    3 demonstrate the ability to work to strict timelines on regular exercises and assessments
    4 demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively with peers
    5 obtain an understanding of and respect for cultural difference and diversity combined with a knowledge and understanding of the issues involved in intercultural communication
    6 demonstrate a heightened awareness and understanding of different ways of seeing the world, specifically the Chinese world views
    7 demonstrate the ability to research, synthesise, analyse and present information related to Chinese language and culture and using appropriate technologies and resources
    8 obtain increased critical and analytical thinking skills
    9 obtain an understanding of, and commitment to, the importance of life-long learning through a passion for Chinese language and culture that will, we hope, encourage you to travel to, study or work in Chinese speaking countries in the future
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1, 3, 6
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 2, 7
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 2, 4
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 2, 3, 4,
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 8, 9
    A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 6
    An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 5
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources

    The textbook used for this course is Modern Chinese. The print material (a text book and a workbook) can be purchased from the Uni Bookshop at $120.

    Recommended Resources
    Mandarin Chinese: An Introduction, Melbourne: Oxford University Press, 2000, reprinted in 2003, Mobo C. F. Gao

    A Reference to Mandarin Chinese, XACT Publications, Queensland, 2000, Mobo C F Gao

    A Chinese-English and English-Chinese Dictionary
    Online Learning
    See MyUni. Please remember to check MyUni regularly because announcements and notices will be publicised on that.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    Lectures
    The purpose of the lectures is to explain the grammar of each chapter, the structure of the characters and cultural background. Language lectures are not the same as that of many other courses and require active participation with your eyes, ears, mouths and hands as well as your brain. Therefore you cannot just get lecture notes to replace your participation in class. For that reason, we don’t have lectures recorded or notes to distribute.

    Tutorials/Seminars
    Tutorials and seminars are not that different in a language course and they are designed to provide the all-important language practice and consolidation. In tutorials, students work individually, in pairs or in small groups to practice listening and speaking, reading and writing, under the guidance of their tutor who will assist them in overcoming any difficulties they may experience. Tutors will explain instructions for homework, collect, mark and return them with feedback. They will also administer and mark tests. Remember to bring the textbook as well as the workbook to all tutorials.

    Language Laboratory
    The Language Laboratory on the first floor of the Napier Building (Room 107) provides the computer-assisted language learning facilities that are crucial to achieving success in beginners’ Chinese. Much of the Language Laboratory work is devoted to exercises in listening and speaking taken from the textbook and workbook and its accompanying audio materials. The computers have headsets and a voice-recording device that enable students to record and listen to their spoken Chinese and compare it with the audio examples provided.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    1 x 2-hour lecture (or equivalent) per week 24 hours per semester
    1 x 1-hour tutorial (or equivalent) per week 12 hours per semester
    6 hours reading per week 72 hours per semester
    2 hours research per week 24 hours per semester
    2 hours assignment preparation per week 24 hours per semester
    TOTAL WORKLOAD HOURS 156 hours per semester
    Learning Activities Summary
    This course will cover units 1-5 of Modern Chinese
    Schedule
    Week 1 Introduction
    Week 2 Unit 1 lesson 1: vocabulary and texts, language notes, structure notes and Cultural spotlight
    Week 3 Unit 1 lesson 2: vocabulary and texts, language notes, structure notes and Cultural spotlight
    Week 4 Unit 2 lesson 1: vocabulary and texts, language notes, structure notes and Cultural spotlight
    Week 5 Unit 2 lesson 2: vocabulary and texts, language notes, structure notes and Cultural spotlight
    Week 6 Review and mid-semester test
    Week 7 Unit 3 lesson 1: vocabulary and texts, language notes, structure notes and Cultural spotlight
    Week 8 Unit 3 lesson 2: vocabulary and texts, language notes, structure notes and Cultural spotlight
    Week 9 Unit 4 lesson 1: vocabulary and texts, language notes, structure notes and Cultural spotlight
    Week 10 Unit 4 lesson 2: vocabulary and texts, language notes, structure notes and Cultural spotlight
    Week 11 Unit 5 lesson 1: vocabulary and texts, language notes, structure notes and Cultural spotlight
    Week 12 Review
    Specific Course Requirements
    Attendance at all lectures, tutorials and seminars are strongly encouraged.
    Small Group Discovery Experience
    Class activities including lecture activities will involve small groups.
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment Task Task Type Weighting Learning Outcome
    Weekly Dictation Formative and Summative - Category A* 10% 1-5
    Particpation Formative and Summative - Category B 10% 1-5
    Mid-semester written test Formative and Summative - Category C 15% 1-5
    Mid-semester oral test Formative and Summative - Category D 20% 1-5
    Final exam Summative - Category E 45% 1-5
    *It is required that students pass category A to pass the course

    Assessment Related Requirements
    Regular class and language laboratory participation is essential for students to succeed and it is in the student’s own interest not to miss any classes; students unable to attend must consult with the lecturer(s).
    Assessment Detail
    Weekly dictation: weekly character dictations from week 2 to week 11, each worth 1% of the semester total - 10% weighting

    Participation: attendance and participation in all lectures and tutorials - 10% weighting

    Mid-semester written test: will include writing and reading - 15% weighting

    Mid-semester oral test: will include comprehension, listening and speaking - 20% weighting
     
    Final exam: exam on comprehension, listening, speaking, writing and reading - 45% weighting

    Submission
    All work must be submitted by the due date. In the event of a student being unable to submit on time, a request for extension must be submitted to the course coordinator no later than the close of business on Friday of the week of the deadline.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
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