Mandarin Level 3

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

• express yourself in writing, using sophisticated and descriptive vocabulary and structures;
• deploy a wide range of grammatical function words, identifying the appropriate structure to apply when talking about past events;
• engage with and respond to a selection of aural material;
• answer general questions orally;
• complete an unseen practical task describing past events using spoken Mandarin.

In this module, you work may cover the following linguistic structures:

• coverbs
• sentence particle and verb suffix "le"
• question words used in an indefinite sense
• experiential guo
• The shi…de… construction
• verbs of locomotion
• comparative forms

These linguistic structures will be applied to the following topics:

• travel
• study
• work

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; individual tasks (face-to-face and online); discovery and formulation of rules; 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 and 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 are 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 & 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 & lexicon quiz; script practice; speaking; 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. 250 characters); grammar and lexicon.
• Practical (20%): Oral exam (20 minutes), including an unseen practical conversation task, followed by general questions on topics seen in class (taken in the summer term). 

Summative assessment consists of two portfolios, comprising a total of 12 coursework tasks, 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 pieces of formative assessment will be given within two weeks of all students 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 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 Character Version), prepared by P.C. T’ung.  ISBN 0-415-01860-9

*Available on Leganto as an eBook