Modern Chinese (BA)

We employ a range of teaching methods including lectures, seminars, language classes, and workshops. 

Lecture content provides an overview of the key concepts and frameworks for a topic, equipping you with the skills to carry out independent research for the seminars and to develop and try out your own ideas. These materials may be delivered to you in face-to-face format or provided in a digital format so that you can study them at your own pace and convenience.

Seminars are interactive classes that consist of a small group of students and a member of the module teaching team. They may take various formats, including plenary group discussion, small group work and student-led presentations. Seminars provide a dynamic environment in which you can explore and critically engage with the ideas and debates outlined in lectures. 

Our language teaching focuses on active learning and meaningful student participation. Ample opportunities are provided to regularly practise and develop the key language competencies and skills. Classes are designed to expand your linguistic proficiency and enhance your confidence and communication skills in a friendly and supportive environment. 

Class preparation and independent study form a key part of your learning. Between classes, you’ll prepare material, evidence and arguments, and complete language tasks individually or in groups. To support your independent language learning, the School of Modern Languages has developed a bank of recommended language learning resources and activities, which you are encouraged to engage with as part of your independent learning portfolio. 

How will I be supported?

You’ll be guided through your studies by a Personal Tutor, who is able to advise you on academic issues. If you encounter any problems which affect your studies, your personal tutor should always be your first point of contact. You’ll meet with your personal tutor twice during your first and final year when while based in Cardiff, but you’re encouraged to get in touch with them at any other time if you need help or advice. All academic staff have designated hours where they are available to meet with students.  

During your 2 years of study at Beijing Normal University, you’ll be assigned a Year Abroad Coordinator, who will keep in touch with you and monitor your progress.

Each module has its own dedicated space on the Cardiff University Virtual Learning Environment where you’ll be guided through the weekly activities and tasks you need to complete. You’ll have access to shared learning materials and resources such as lecture recordings, language tasks and resources, information about assessments and links to digital resources including the library materials available in electronic format. All modules at both Cardiff and Beijing Normal Universities have a designated Module Co-Ordinators who will also be able to offer support to students studying their modules. 

Professional Services staff in our Undergraduate Student Hub are available to answer your questions. We also have a dedicated Student Support Officer within the school, who can provide you with the necessary advice and guidance in a supportive, caring and confidential environment. Similar support is offered to students during their time at Beijing Normal University through the Teaching Affairs Office, the Office of International Exchange and Co-Operation and the International Students Office. 

Student Life, located in the Centre for Student Life, offers a range of services. These support services encompass: Advice and Money, Student Futures, Counselling, Health and Wellbeing, the Student Disability Service, Academic Study Skills and Student Mentoring, and excellent libraries and resource centres.

Due to the unique nature of the Modern Chinese (BA) programme, significant support is included to ensure that you have as much preparation as possible before travelling to China for your second and third year of study.

You’ll attend pre-departure meetings with the Academic Co-ordinator for Chinese as well as visiting scholars from Beijing Normal University, and the Global Opportunities office. The meetings will provide important cultural information on manners and conduct in China, travelling, food and shopping, staying safe, holiday periods and other practical matters.

How will I be assessed?

Our assessments are designed to support you in developing your ideas, skills, and competencies. They encourage you to be innovative and creative, to think critically about the texts and cultures you encounter and to present evidence-based arguments both in English and through the medium of Mandarin Chinese.

You’ll study the building blocks of the Mandarin Chinese language, including grammatical and lexical patterns and structures. These skills will be regularly assessed over the course of your language modules, which reflects the progressive and accumulative nature of language learning.

We use traditional assessment formats (such as essays, exams, quizzes, oral exams, presentations, and dissertation) as well as more innovative forms of assessment, (the creation of vlogs, podcasts, video and audio projects, interviews, portfolios and poster presentations). 

While studying at Beijing Normal University, you will be assessed as any other student studying there. Beijing Normal University also require you to complete traditional methods of assessment for the Chinese higher education context, which include coursework, final exams and grading of continuous participation in class.  

Individual feedback is provided on all assessed work to help you improve performance for future assessments, and you’ll have opportunities to discuss this feedback with your tutors. In addition, you’ll do various practice exercises such as quizzes. presentations and essay or project plans. You’ll receive formative feedback from tutors to improve your learning and understanding before you complete your summative assessments.

What skills will I practise and develop?

On successful completion of your programme, you’ll be able to:

Knowledge & Understanding:

KU 1 Speak, write, and understand Mandarin Chinese language to degree standard.  

KU2 Understand the structures, registers and varieties of Mandarin Chinese and use the language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes, as appropriate.

KU 3 Critically analyse aspects of Chinese culture, history and society by drawing on a range of materials and approaches. 

KU4 Demonstrate an in-depth, critical knowledge, awareness and understanding of the similarity and dissimilarity of the Chinese culture and society other than your own.

KU 5 Apply an in-depth intercultural understanding including specific knowledge of the Chinese culture, to navigate and mediate between more than one culture.

Intellectual Skills:

IS 1 Communicate clearly, concisely and effectively to diverse audiences, in writing and speech, in English and Mandarin Chinese language.

IS 2 Adopt a range of strategies to initiate and undertake analysis of information.

IS 3 Formulate conclusions about the strengths and weaknesses of views and arguments, justifying these with sound reasoning and detailed interpretations of source material.

IS 4 Critically evaluate ideas and arguments, through the coherent presentation of information and ideas using a plethora of written and oral skills. 

IS 5 Draw on relevant and effective research techniques to plan and write or deliver academic texts (essays, presentations, audio-visual texts) using evidence and the correct referencing conventions.

Professional Practical Skills:

PS 1 Use digital media effectively as a source of information, a means of communication and as an aid to learning. 

PS 2 Apply enhanced linguistic skills in a professional setting. 

PS 3 Identify and describe problems and work collaboratively towards their resolution.

PS 4 Demonstrate resilience, adaptability and independence through time spent in an immersive Mandarin Chinese language context.

Transferable/Key Skills:

KS 1 Employ critical thinking and reasoning to analyse and evaluate diverse and complex texts and ideas. 

KS 2 Apply practical research skills. 

KS 3 Generate original ideas and apply creative, imaginative and innovative thinking in response to identified needs and problems.   

KS 4 Learn from constructive feedback and incorporate its insights.

KS 5 Be resourceful and take responsibility for your own guided and independent learning and professional development.

KS 6 Utilise a range of employability and enterprise skills, such as creativity, initiative, organisation, time management, independent and team working.

KS 7 Act as a global citizen, engaging with and valuing cultural difference through practical experience of living and studying in China.