Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives On completion of this subject students should have developed oral/aural skills necessary to communicate quantitatively and qualitatively in a range of everyday (and some business) situations (satisfying all survival needs and limited social needs) and knowledge of the basic grammatical framework of the Chinese language enabling progression to specialised business language training in third year; the ability to read simple modern vernacular texts (including some original texts) with the aid of a dictionary; cultural (socio-political) knowledge to enhance understanding of the texts under study and the cultural sensitivity to communicate using appropriate levels of formality with Chinese from mainland China, Taiwan and various parts of the Chinese diaspore.
Synopsis Intermediate spoken and written Chinese; readings from both textbooks and original materials; readings (in English) on current affairs in countries where Chinese is one of the main languages spoken.
Assessment Written homework: 20% + Two examinations (each 2 hours): 50% + Aural and oral tests: 30%