BA East Asian Studies and Chinese

Year 1

(Award available for year: Certificate of Higher Educ)

Learning outcomes

1. [For ab initio learners] Basic Language Proficiency in Chinese: You will acquire a foundational understanding of spoken and written Chinese, including tones, Pinyin, basic character recognition (in simplified and traditional form), and basic grammar and vocabulary (approx. 1000 characters) enabling an elementary level comprehension of Chinese, including basic dialogues and instructions, and expression of basic ideas and needs in writing and in conversation.

2. [For prior learners] Lower Intermediate Proficiency in Chinese Studies: You will acquire a post-beginner understanding of spoken and written Chinese, including tones, Pinyin, character recognition (in simplified and traditional form), and lower intermediate grammar and vocabulary (approx. 1500 characters) enabling a lower-intermediate level comprehension of Chinese, including more complex dialogues and instructions.

3. Cultural Awareness in Chinese and East Asian Studies: You will develop an introductory understanding of essential aspects of Chinese and East Asian culture, traditions, and social customs, enabling you to engage respectfully in Chinese and East Asian cultural contexts.

4. Foundational Knowledge in Chinese and East Asian Studies: You will develop a foundational understanding of historical and contemporary events within the cultural, political, and societal contexts of the region or topic under study.

5. Interdisciplinary Perspectives in East Asian Studies: You will recognise the inherently interdisciplinary nature of East Asian Studies. You will understand how fields such as history, sociology, politics, and others intersect to provide a comprehensive understanding of the East Asian region. This perspective will enable you to analyse and interpret East Asian issues from multiple angles, fostering a holistic and nuanced approach to their studies.

Skills Learning Outcomes
1. Language Learning Strategies: You will gain knowledge of effective language learning techniques and study habits, including learning to use language-learning software and digital resources.

2. Study Skills: You will acquire study skills, including time management, organisation, group work and effective use of academic resources.

3. Scholarly Communication: You will gain knowledge of the conventions and norms of scholarly discourse within Chinese and East Asian studies, including appropriate terminology, citation styles, and formatting.

Competence Standards
1. [For ab initio learners] Integrated Basic Chinese Language: Effectively use the target language (using approx. 1000 basic characters).

2. [For prior learners] Integrated Lower Intermediate Chinese Language: Effectively use the target language (using approx. 1500 characters).

3.Culture/Society Proficiency: Show an understanding of and effectively communicate key facts, ideas, theories and cultural/societal insights.

4. Independent Learning: Show proficiency in conducting independent academic research and reflect on academic progress.

Assessment

Achievement will be assessed by a variety of methods in accordance with the learning outcomes of the modules specified for the year/programme and will include essays, commentaries, portfolio, individual and group presentations, group research projects, oral assignments, and exams.