Skip to main content
Unit outline_

CHNS3601: Chinese 3A (Upper Intermediate)

Semester 1, 2023 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This is an upper-intermediate unit of study in Modern Standard Chinese. Proficiency in reading will be developed through study of Chinese-language texts on a range of social and cultural topics. Speaking, listening, reading and writing will be enhanced through advanced language exercises, including composition and discussion, with due attention to the more sophisticated skills (e.g., use of appropriate registers, presenting cultural understanding, intelligent dictionary use, expressing ideas on more complex issues than at lower-intermediate level).

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Chinese Studies
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
CHNS2602 or HSC Chinese Continuers more than 80 or HSC Chinese Extension
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
CHNS2001 or CHNS2002 or CHNS3000 or CHNS3001 or CHNS3611 or CHNS3612 or HSC Chinese in Context or HSC Chinese and Literature
Assumed knowledge
? 

Two years of university-level Chinese-language instruction for students without prior knowledge of Chinese

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Irene Shidong An, shidong.an@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Participation Class work and participation
Preparation and participation in class activities including homework
10% Multiple weeks Equivalent to 500wds
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO2
Tutorial quiz In-class quizzes
Students will be tested on reading/writing/grammar/vocabulary/translation
15% Multiple weeks Equivalent to 1000wds
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO5 LO3 LO2
Assignment Reading and Writing 1
Short writing in Chinese
10% Week 05
Due date: 24 Mar 2023 at 23:59
500 words equivalent
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Presentation hurdle task group assignment Oral presentations
Group presentation
15% Week 08
Due date: 21 Apr 2023 at 14:00
500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6
Assignment Reading and Writing 2
Short writing in Chinese
10% Week 10
Due date: 05 May 2023 at 23:59
500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6
Presentation Oral interview
Individual oral interview
15% Week 12
Due date: 18 May 2023 at 13:00
Equivalent to 500wds
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO6 LO4
Small continuous assessment hurdle task In-class Written Assessment 1
Students will be tested on reading/writing/grammar/vocabulary.
25% Week 13
Due date: 26 May 2023 at 14:00
1000 words equivalent
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO5 LO3 LO2
hurdle task = hurdle task ?
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

  • Class participation: This includes preparation and discussion in classes for every lesson.
  • Reading and writing 1 and 2: For each assignment, choose  a topic related to the textbook topics and try to applying the skills you have learned in class, and write a reflection in Chinese characters to expression your ideas about the topics in question. 
  • Group presentation: To form a group of 3­-4 students and work on any topic or a combination of the topics recently studied in class. Prepare a skit on any scenarios you are interested in and try to demonstrate your language knowledge and cultural awareness. Try your best to use the vocabulary, grammar, sentence structures learned in class as much as possible.  It is important that you should also demonstrate your understanding of cultures through analysing the topic issues showing your own views.
  • Oral interview: It is a  5-minute conversation with your teacher. Your teacher may ask you questions based on your talk or all other topics covered in the unit.
  • In-class written assessment 1 and 2: You will be tested on reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, word usage, answering questions and translation skills (English to Chinese).

Detailed information for each assessment can be found in the Canvas site for this unit.

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.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

FASS policy applies.

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.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction: the Unit Outline and assessments, 第一课:开学 Introduction to simplified and traditional Chinese characters, Lesson 1 vocabulary Lecture (1 hr) LO5
Lesson 1Text, Lesson 1 Grammar, Words & Phrases Tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 02 Lesson 1 key points Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Lesson 1 Language practice, Lesson 1 WB Exercises Tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 03 第二课:宿舍生活 Vocabulary and grammar Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Lesson 2 Text Lesson 2 Words & Phrases Tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 04 Lesson 2 key points Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Lesson 2 Language practice Lesson 2 WB Exercises Tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 05 第三课:在饭馆儿 Vocabulary and grammar Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Lesson 3 Text, Lesson 3 Words & Phrases, Reading & Writing 1 due (10%) Tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 06 Lesson 3 key points Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Lesson 3 Language practice Lesson 3 WB Exercises Tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 07 Revision 1 (L1, 2, 3) Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Revision 2 (L1, 2, 3) Tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 08 第四课:买东西 Vocabulary and grammar Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Lesson 4 Text, Lesson 4 Words & Phrases Group Presentation Tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 09 Lesson 4 key points Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Lesson 4 Language practice, Lesson 4 WB Exercises Tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 10 第五课:选课 Vocabulary and grammar Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Lesson 5 Text, Lesson 5 Words & Phrases, Language practice, Complete L5 WB at home, Reading and Writing 2 due (10%) Tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 11 Lesson 5 key points Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Group Presentation rehearsal Tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 12 Revision for Oral Interview Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6
Oral interview (15%) Tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 13 Revision 1 (L4, L5) Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Revision 2 (L4, L5), In-class Written Assessment 2 (20%) (L4-5) Tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6

Attendance and class requirements

 

  • Lecture recording: Lectures will be recorded and made available to students on the LMS. 
  • Preparation: students should commit to spending approximately three hours’ preparation time (reading, studying, homework, essays, etc.) for every hour of scheduled instruction.
  • Regular study pattern: this is extremely important for language learning. Make sure you spend time each week, preferably each day for regular study and complete all the formative tasks and exercises.
  • Attendance: 90% class attendance is expected for all classes including the lectures.  

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 textbooks:

  • Liu,Yuehua & Yao,Tao-chung et al. Integrated Chinese 3: Textbook, 4th Edition, (Simplified and Traditional Characters), Cheng & Tsui Company, Boston, 2018.
  • Liu,Yuehua & Yao,Tao-chung et al. Integrated Chinese 3: Workbook, 4th Edition, (Simplified and Traditional Characters), Cheng & Tsui Company, Boston, 2018.

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. enhance your reading skills by tackling Chinese-language texts on a range of topics
  • LO2. expand your knowledge of Chinese characters, deepen your understanding of Chinese grammar and enhance your ability to choose appropriate registers for specific types of communication
  • LO3. write effectively in Chinese on more complex topics than those addressed in previous units
  • LO4. develop confidence and skills in expressing your ideas orally in Modern Chinese
  • LO5. broaden and deepen your knowledge of Chinese culture, and your awareness of current issues in Chinese society
  • LO6. practice and develop such generic skills and attributes as critical thinking, teamwork, initiative and creativity.

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.

Assessment tasks have changed to fit the online mode and instructions have been updated since this unit was last offered.

More information related to this unit will be provided in class and on Canvas. 

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.