Key facts

UNE unit code: CHIN101

*You are viewing the 2024 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.

Start
  • Trimester 1 - On Campus
  • Trimester 1 - Online
Campus
  • Armidale Campus
24/7 online support
  • Yes
Intensive schools
  • No
Supervised exam
  • No
Credit points
  • 6

Unit information

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Across the world, more than 1.4 billion people communicate in Mandarin every day. To future proof your career in a global market, knowledge of this language will hold you in good stead.

This unit is designed to provide an introduction to Modern Standard Chinese (Mandarin), and how to study this important and fascinatingly distinctive language.

From the start you will learn to participate in simple conversations in Chinese. Initially the focus is on pronouncing the sounds and tones of Mandarin accurately, and noting them using the 'pinyin' phonetic script. Then you will enter the world of Chinese characters, discovering how they represent meanings, and learning the correct way to write them.

The simple principles of word order at the basis of Chinese grammar will be explained and practised. Through learning the language you will discover various significant aspects of Chinese life and culture.

Offerings

For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.

Teaching period
Mode/location
Trimester 1On Campus, Armidale Campus
Trimester 1Online

*Offering is subject to availability

Intensive schools

There are no intensive schools required for this unit.

Enrolment rules

Restrictions
CHIN100

Notes

Students with substantial knowledge of Chinese, equivalent to HSC Chinese Continuers level, should enrol at 200 level.

Students with existing competence in Chinese (including HSC Chinese Beginners) who are unsure of their current level of competence should contact the discipline convenor to request a placement test.

First language (Chinese) speakers may not enrol in Chinese language units except when required for (school) teaching accreditation in Australian states and territories.

Students may be able to obtain credit for their prior knowledge of the language under the University Admission, Credit and Enrolment Guidelines.

Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.

Unit coordinator(s)

profile photo of Shi Li
Shi LiSenior Lecturer - Faculty of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences and Education; School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. participate in simple conversations at an introductory level of Chinese (Mandarin) on topics relating to self, family and study;
  2. recognise and produce the sounds and tones of Modern Standard Chinese with some accuracy;
  3. use the pinyin system of romanisation with some accuracy;
  4. demonstrate knowledge of and apply the principles of the Chinese character writing system;
  5. recognise and write by hand approximately 120 basic Chinese characters and recognise a further 130 Chinese words and phrases, in context; and
  6. demonstrate some accuracy in the use of fundamental word order principles, vocabulary, and cultural knowledge, at the most basic level of Chinese proficiency.

Assessment information

Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

TitleMust CompleteWeightOfferingsAssessment Notes
Final Online QuizYes25%All offerings

No. Words: 1125 (equivalent)

Online AssessmentYes15%All offerings

Online participation and weekly self-assessed language exercises

No. Words: 675 (equivalent)

Oral Assessment 1Yes15%All offerings

Speaking and pronunciation tasks, to be completed face-to-face with unit staff in person at UNE, or via an online platform.

No. Words: 675 (equivalent)

Oral Assessment 2Yes15%All offerings

Speaking and pronunciation tasks, to be completed face-to-face with unit staff in person at UNE, or via an online platform.

No. Words: 675 (equivalent)

Written Language AssessmentYes30%All offerings

Handwritten language assignment

No. Words: 1350 (equivalent)

Learning resources

Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.

New Practical Chinese Reader 1: Textbook (with MP3 CD or a QR code on the back that takes you to the website for downloading of the audio files) )

ISBN: 9787561926239

Liu, X., Beijing Language & Culture University Press 2nd ed. 2010

Note: Paperback. Only this edition.

Text refers to: All offerings

New Practical Chinese Reader 1: Workbook (with MP3 CD or a QR code on the back that takes you to the website for downloading of the audio files) )

ISBN: 9787561926222

Liu, X., Beijing Language & Culture University Press 2nd ed. 2010

Note: Paperback. Only this edition.

Text refers to: All offerings

Note: Recommended material is held in the University Library — purchase is optional.

New Practical Chinese Reader 1: DVD

ISBN: 9787887039750

Chinese Central Radio & TV University Audio & Visual Press 2010

Note: Only required if students have difficulty accessing online videos.

Text refers to: All offerings

English Grammar for Students of Chinese: The Study Guide for Those Learning Chinese

ISBN: 9780934034395

Christensen, M.B., Olivia and Hill Press 2010

Text refers to: All offerings

How to Study Foreign Languages

ISBN: 9780333736678

Lewis, M., Macmillan Latest ed. 1999

Text refers to: All offerings

Chinese Flashcards Kit Volume 1: Characters 1-349

ISBN: 9780804842013

Lee, P. Y., Tuttle Revised ed. 2012

Note: Audio CD included. Valid all year.

Text refers to: All offerings

The Chinese Language: Its History and Current Usage

ISBN: 9780804838535

Kane, D., Tuttle 2006

Text refers to: All offerings

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