Aims

In consonance with the overall aims of the degrees offered in the SML, this module will:

• build on language skills gained at Stages 1, 2 and 3
• provide students with an in-depth knowledge of the Chinese language and with the ability to use it with a high level of proficiency in professional, academic and social environments
• prepare students for postgraduate study in areas that make extensive and intensive use of the target language
• develop students’ written translation skills, into and from Chinese
• begin to develop students’ liaison interpreting skills, into and from Chinese

Outline Of Syllabus

This module is aimed at final year students of Chinese, who have reached a near-native command of the language, either because they took the ‘higher route’ (Level B, C, D) through their degree or because they made outstanding progress during the period of study abroad in China and were permitted to omit Level C (Level A, B, D).

The Semester 1 syllabus comprises 6 hours per week, divided as follows:

1 x Advanced Speaking class
1 x Advanced Listening class
1 x Advanced Reading class
1 x Advanced Writing class
2 x Written Translation classes (one for each language direction)

The Semester 2 syllabus comprises 6 hours per week, divided as follows:

1 x Advanced Reading class
1 x Advanced Writing class
2 x Written Translation classes (one for each language direction)
2 x Liaison Interpreting classes (one for each language direction)

Advanced reading, writing and written translation skills will be based on topical themes emerging from a range of text types. Liaison interpreting skills will be based on a range of professional situations and exchanges.

Specific topics and materials used in group practice sessions will be based on current affairs, and will initially be provided by the lecturer/teacher. Subsequently, students will research and supply materials themselves, under the close supervision of the lecturer/teacher.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Language classes will introduce, model and offer guidance in each of the skills that students are required to practise during the course, including advanced speaking and listening, intensive reading, summary and commentary writing, participating in critical debate, oral presentation, written translation and liaison interpreting).

Group work will offer students an opportunity to work in small groups (in the target language) under the close supervision of the Lecturer. These classes will focus on the skills listed in the outline syllabus.

This module will be delivered in a mixture of Chinese (=the norm) and English (for the purpose of complex explanations).

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

• Advanced reading and writing skills and translation in both directions are assessed by means of formal written examination in order to ensure that students’ output is produced in identical conditions and is their own work
• The assessment of liaison interpreting is performed in a setting that is as close to a real-life situation as possible

Resit information - 180 minutes. Comprises an advanced reading comprehension exercise; an advanced writing exercise; and two translations of 250 words each (one in each language direction)