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Unit outline_

CHNS1101: Chinese 1A (For Beginners)

Intensive July, 2024 [Block mode] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit is an introduction to basic communication skills in Modern Standard Chinese for beginners. Foundation work on pronunciation, pinyin romanisation, elementary grammar and the Chinese writing system will be followed by conversational drills, comprehension, reading and writing practice in Classwork and homework.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Chinese Studies
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
Chinese native speakers or HSC Chinese Beginners or HSC Chinese Continuers or HSC Chinese in Context or HSC Chinese and Literature or CHNS2001 or CHNS2002 or CHNS3000 or CHNS3001
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Irene Shidong An, shidong.an@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s) Xiaoliang Zhao, xiaoliang.zhao@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 28 June 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Small continuous assessment Classwork
Vocabulary quizzes
10% Multiple weeks equiv 100 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO5
Small continuous assessment Online or individual learning assignments
Online / offline small assignment tasks
20% Multiple weeks equiv 1000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Small continuous assessment Early Feedback Task
This is designed to give you early feedback. #earlyfeedbacktask
0% Week 01
Due date: 19 Jun 2024 at 10:00

Closing date: 19 Jun 2024
15 Mins
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4
Small test Listening/written Test 2
In-class test
15% Week 02
Due date: 08 Jul 2024 at 13:00

Closing date: 08 Jul 2024
equiv 1000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO8 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2 LO1
Presentation Oral 2 Interview
Oral 2 Individual interview
20% Week 02
Due date: 08 Jul 2024 at 10:00

Closing date: 08 Jul 2024
equiv 700 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7 LO8
Presentation group assignment Oral 1 Group Project
Group Presentation
20% Week 03
Due date: 28 Jun 2024 at 11:00

Closing date: 28 Jun 2024
equiv 700 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO4 LO6 LO7 LO8
Small test Listening/written Test 1
In-class test
15% Week 03
Due date: 28 Jun 2024 at 13:00

Closing date: 28 Jun 2024
equiv 1000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
group assignment = group assignment ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

 

Distinction

75 - 84

 

Credit

65 - 74

 

Pass

50 - 64

 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week -02 1. Oral Test 2- Interview 2. In-class test 2 Tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week -03 L6 Having a coffee with friends and shopping Tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
L7 I like Chinese cuisine Tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
L8 I can type in Chinese Tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Revision Tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7 LO8
Week -04 L4 My telephone numbers Tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
L5 My weekly activities Tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
1. Revision Tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO7 LO8
Revision Oral Test 1 In-class Test 1 Tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week -05 1. introduction 2. Study Pinyin and tones 3. Practice Pinyin and tones Tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO7 LO8
L1 Greetings Review Pinyin and Tones Strokes and stroke order Tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
L2 Nationality Review Pinyin and tones Tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
L3 My family Speaking and listening practice Tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8

Attendance and class requirements

 

  • Preparation: Students should commit to spend approximately three hours’ preparation time (reading, studying, homework, essays, etc.) for every hour of scheduled instruction.
  • All classes will be delivered on Campus. You are required to attend all classes. Due to the intensive nature of this unit, we strongly recommend you commit the three weeks fully to this unit. Any part-time jobs (including weekend jobs) or other commitments are not recommended. You need to spend the remaining time beyond the classes for self-study and homework. 

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Required textbook:

Functioning in Chinese, Level 1. Third edition, 2020 by Han. X and Tsung, L. Tong, P and Zhou, Y. Bilingual Publishing Company, Melbourne.

  • eBook
    -https://www.lulu.com

  • Hard copy is available on request from tutors.
  • Audio recordings for this textbook can be accessed on the link available on Canvas.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. master the pronunciation of modern standard Chinese, including the tones (Pinyin romanisation system)
  • LO2. understand the basic structure of the Chinese writing system
  • LO3. understand the basic structure of the grammar of modern standard Chinese
  • LO4. communicate in Chinese in a variety of everyday situations (listening and speaking)
  • LO5. read and write approximately 100 simplified Chinese characters and related vocabulary
  • LO6. use basic Chinese vocabulary and grammar structures to write short paragraphs
  • LO7. demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture and customs
  • LO8. demonstrate an insight into, and display interest in, Chinese studies.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Minor changes to assessment and instructions have been made since this unit was last offered

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.