Students taking this module will have no previous knowledge of Chinese, but will require to have achieved an H4 pass in Leaving Certificate in another Modern Language, or be able to demonstrate an equivalent knowledge of the language in all four skills of Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing at B1 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for language qualifications.
This module introduces the learners to Mandarin Chinese and provides the insight into Chinese culture and society. It introduces the Chinese phonetic system (Pinyin), Chinese characters, essential vocabulary words and key grammatical structures. The module also helps learners build real-life communicative skills as they discuss everyday topics and learn useful sentence structures. A communicative approach is adopted in the teaching, making maximum appropriate use of Chinese throughout, to develop all four language skills in an integrated manner, whilst ensuring that students are supported in developing a declarative knowledge of Chinese grammar appropriate to Year 1 of third level study, and are able to apply that knowledge systematically to all four language skills.
Indicative syllabus covered in the module:
1. Chinese phonetic system - Pinyin
2. 150 Chinese characters.
3. Introduction of essential vocabulary and key grammatical structures.
4. Oral communication practice.
5. Development of basic listening, speaking, reading and writing skills.
6. Simple written and oral materials on everyday topics.
7. Chinese idiom stories
The class will be delivered by communicative language classes. Students will normally undertake approximately 10-15 minutes of study/preparation for each class hour.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 100 |