Introduction

This course is designed for non-native Chinese speakers and is suitable for students who have attained language skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) to HSK level 3. The primary aim is to improve language skills from intermediate to advanced level using colloquial language. Attention is also paid to the cultures and mores pertaining to colloquial Chinese.

Class participation is a fundamental element of this course and is required of all students.

Objectives and Expectations

By the end of this course a student should:

• be able to communicate in Chinese using colloquial dialogue with respect to daily life, studying, socialising, registration procedures (e.g. university registration, visas and residency permits) and dealing with problematic situations.

• be able to hold a conversation in a fluid manner.

• be able to give simple oral presentations using accurate pronunciation and expressions.

• be able to discuss their views and opinions using accurate pronunciation.

• be able to reply to simple arguments with complex sentence structures.

• have attained language skills to an advanced level.

Content

Language Skills:

• Grammar: grades 1 and 2 (252 points) and grade 3

• Vocabulary: grades 1and 2 (all points) and grade 3

• Character Recognition: 2000-3000 characters

• Sentence Structure: use of idiomatic language within complex sentence structures

Topics include: Expressing one’s opinions, registration procedures (university registration, visas and residency permits) and dealing with problematic situations.

More emphasis is placed on the fluency, fluidity and use of language appropriate to any given situation.

Course Duration and Class Size

Two ten-week course will run each year. Each week will involve one session of one and a half hours. In addition, students are expected to study and practise outside the classroom in their own time.

Class sizes will be limited to approximately ten students per course.