CHIN100: Part I Chinese Studies (Beginners to CEFR: A2)

• Terms Taught: Full Year Course.
• US Credits: 10 Semester Credits
• ECTS Credits: 20 ECTS Credits
• Pre-requisites: This course is NOT available to native speakers of Mandarin Chinese or to students who are studying here for less than a Full Year.

Educational Aims

This module aims to enable students to speak, understand, read and write Chinese at a level between GCSE and A level (or at A2 level in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and HSK level 2). It helps students to develop confidence using Chinese in numerous contexts. The module also seeks to develop students' techniques and strategies for learning Chinese, including translation techniques.

Through bringing together language, society, and cultural contexts, it enables students to explore topics of interest in Chinese culture and current affairs in China.

Furthermore, this module aims to familiarise students with Chinese IT resources, including Chinese corpora, and to help students develop awareness of how their Chinese skills set relates to employability.

Outline Syllabus

The introductory course in Chinese Studies at Lancaster combines work in Chinese Language with a History, Culture and Identity course (Chinese in Context) that looks at how key moments in Chinese history have shaped contemporary Chinese culture (film, plays, novels etc.).

The language component of CHIN100 is an intensive course of study which takes students from beginners' level to AS level standard in 25 weeks of study. It will take students from A1 Breakthrough through to A2 Waystage level in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (HSK1 – HSK2 according to Hanban classifications).

Due to the time needed to study the Chinese script and tones, there are 7 language classes per week, based on a textbook, as follows:

• A one-hour lecture teaching Chinese grammar and language functions and explaining the texts of the lessons;

• Two hours of seminars for speaking and listening practice in the form of pattern drills, group work, role play and later on more creative language production;

• Two hours of seminars for reading and writing practice of authentic language materials;

• A one-hour workshop for learning Chinese character writing with the aid of computerized flashcards;
• A one-hour workshop for Lancaster-Chinese project, through which students apply their language skills innovatively in groups, interact with the Chinese community in Lancaster and engage in cultural activities.

Seminars are taught in groups of up to 15 students, while lectures are delivered in a combined group.

Communication skills are developed under the guidance of teachers using audio, video and textual materials, including computer exercises.

The Chinese in Context programme consists of a combination of cultural-content lectures and seminars delivered one hour per week over 20 weeks.

Students are encouraged to participate in the weekly Chinese language café with teachers and more advanced students, to join the Confucius Institute’s language partner programme, to attend the DELC100 Chinese film screenings introduced by members of staff, to watch Chinese films on DVD/television or at the cinema, to participate in the Confucius Institute's Easter study trip to Beijing and Guangzhou, to visit Chinese-speaking countries during the vacations, and to take every opportunity of listening to and speaking the language.

Assessment Proportions

• Coursework: 60%
• Exam: 40%

CHIN101: Part I Chinese Studies (Advanced/CEFR: B1)

• Terms Taught: Full Year Course
• US Credits: 10 Semester Credits
• ECTS Credits: 20 ECTS Credits
• Pre-requisites: This course is NOT available to native speakers of Mandarin Chinese or to students who are studying here for less than a Full Year.

Educational Aims

This module aims to consolidate and develop language skills already acquired at 'A'/ 'A/S' level (in terms of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: students will be a B category independent user, consolidating level B1 (threshold) level and possibly making inroads into B2 (vantage) level. In HSK terms students will be at HSK level 3 aiming for HSK 4, and at HSKK (oral skills) Intermediate. The module seeks to expand students' knowledge of Chinese grammar, develop students’ translation skills between English and Chinese, and increase students' awareness of the way English works so that they can make cross-linguistic and cross-cultural comparisons and improve their intercultural communication skills.

The module also aims to enable students to discuss issues in contemporary Chinese culture and society and to form and express in Mandarin their own views on certain topics.

It further seeks to develop students' Chinese IT skills and use of Chinese corpora, and develop students’ awareness of how their Chinese skills set relates to employability.

Outline Syllabus

The Part I course in Chinese Studies at Lancaster combines work in Chinese language with a Chinese in Context course that looks at how key moments in Chinese history have shaped contemporary China and Sinophone culture (film, plays, novels, poetry etc.).

The CHIN101 course gives students the opportunity to undertake a range of language work that will consolidate work in 'A' or 'A/S' levels. In other words, it aims to consolidate the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages framework B (Independent User) level, taking students from B1 Threshold through to B2 Vantage level (HSK3 – HSK4 according to Hanban classifications). The course focuses on equipping students with the level of language necessary to progress to the second year. There are 4 language classes per week, consisting of 1 x 1 hour grammar lecture and 3 x 1 hour seminars. The seminars consist of 2 x 1 hour of listening and speaking, and 1 x 1 hour for reading practice, writing exercises and character learning. Seminars are based on a textbook, and emphasis is placed on the acquisition of vocabulary and a firm grasp of Chinese grammatical structures. Listening and speaking skills are developed using audio and video materials.

The Chinese in Context programme consists of a combination of lectures and seminars over 20 weeks, 1 hour per week.

Thus, in total, there are 5 hours (4 x language and 1 x 'in context') of tuition per week during Michaelmas and Lent Terms, and 4 hours of language tuition per week during the Summer Term.

Students are encouraged to participate in the weekly Chinese language cafe´ with teachers and more advanced students, to join the Confucius Institute’s language partner programme, to attend the DELC100 Chinese film screenings introduced by members of staff, to watch Chinese films on DVD/television or at the cinema, to participate in the Confucius Institute's Easter study trip to Beijing and Guangzhou, to visit Chinese-speaking countries during the vacations, and to take every opportunity of listening to and speaking the language.

Assessment Proportions

• 40% Exam
• 60% Coursework

CHIN200i: Chinese Language: Oral Skills (post-Beginner CEFR: B1)

• Terms Taught:
  • Full Year only
  • Michaelmas Term only
  NOTE: If you are studying with us for a Full Academic Year and you select a module that has full year and part year variants, you will not be allowed to take only part of the module.
• US Credits:
  • Full Year module - 4 US semester credits
  • Michaelmas Term only - 2 US semester credits
• ECTS Credits:
  • Full Year module - 7.5 ECTS credits
  • Michaelmas Term only - 3.75 ECTS credits 
• Pre-requisites:
  • This module must be taken in conjunction with CHIN201i.
  • Good Chinese language; entry is at high A2/B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

Course Description

The CHIN200i (Intensive) element comprises oral and aural skills and is taken with the CHIN201i element; writing and reading skills. CHIN200i/201i consists of 5 hours/week covering oral and listening skills as well as grammar, translation and writing skills. The weekly teaching includes a one-hour lecture teaching grammar and language functions, two hour-long seminars for listening and oral practice, and two hour-long seminars for translation and writing skills. The unique challenges involved in learning the Chinese script and the pronunciation of tones require the allocation of 5 hours of tuition per week, in contrast to the 4 hours of tuition per week allocated to European languages.

The general aim of CHIN200i is to consolidate and build on the linguistic skills acquired in the first year and to equip students with the level of competence and confidence they will require in order to familiarize themselves with the culture and the society of countries where their studied language is spoken.

The course aims to enhance students’ linguistic proficiency; with particular emphasis on speaking and listening (prepared and spontaneous) in a range of formal and semi-formal settings. A systematic study of the vocabulary, grammar and syntax of the language forms a specific component of the course. Contemporary written and audio-visual materials in Chinese are used throughout the course. The course also aims to broaden and deepen students’ knowledge and understanding of different aspects of modern Chinese society, politics and culture, and contemporary issues and institutions and to prepare students for international placement.

It is expected that students on the CHIN200i/201i courses wishing to attain a good (2.1/first) level will have elements of B1 (Independent User/Threshold level) of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). In HSK terms, this is HSK level 3, and HSKK Intermediate.

Educational Aims

Subject Specific: Knowledge, Understanding and Skills

This module aims to enable students to develop further the oral and aural skills they have gained from their Part 1 studies, achieving B1 level in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and HSK level 3. In practical terms, this means enhancing students’ mastery of the spoken language in everyday "real-life" situations of the kind encountered when in Chinese-language environments. This includes development of listening comprehension skills, especially via exposure to selected lectures, radio, and television programmes.

Further aims of the module centre around developing intercultural knowledge sufficient to cope with demands which students might encounter in Chinese-speaking countries, and enabling students to express views and articulate arguments in Chinese on topical issues.

This module also seeks to develop students’ competence in Chinese computing, with special regard to oral and aural skills, and to help students develop awareness of how their Chinese oral and aural skills set relates to employability.

General: Knowledge, Understanding and Skills

The module aims to enhance students' interpersonal, communication, and teamworking skills, including building up students’ confidence in making short presentations either individually or as part of a group.

The module also seeks to develop students’ independent study skills, including time management, general computing knowledge and skills, and an understanding of how these skills relate to employability.

Assessment Proportions

• Coursework: 60%
• Exam: 40%

CHIN201i: Chinese Language: Written Skills (post-Beginner CEFR: B1)

• Terms Taught: Full Year module.
• US Credits:
  • Full Year module- 4 US semester credits
  • Michaelmas Term only - 2 US semester credits
• ECTS Credits:
  • Full Year module - 7.5 ECTS credits
  • Michaelmas Term only - 3.75 ECTS credits
• Pre-requisites:
  • Good Chinese language; entry is at high A2/B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
  • Note: This module must be taken in conjunction with CHIN200i.

Course Description

The CHIN201i element comprises of the writing and reading skills and is taken with the CHIN200i element; oral and aural skills. These units cannot be taken separately. CHIN200i/201i consists of 5 hours/week covering oral and listening skills as well as grammar, translation and writing skills. The weekly teaching includes a one-hour lecture teaching grammar and language functions, two hour-long tutorials for listening and oral practice, and two hour-long tutorials for translation and writing skills. The unique challenges involved in learning the Chinese script and the pronunciation of tones require the allocation of 5 hours of tuition per week, in contrast to the 4 hours of tuition per week allocated to European languages.

The general aim of CHIN201i is to consolidate and build on the linguistic skills acquired in the first year and to equip students with the level of competence and confidence they will require in order to familiarize themselves with the culture and the society of countries where their studied language is spoken.

The course aims to enhance students' linguistic proficiency; with particular emphasis on reading a variety of sources and writing fluently and accurately in the language, in a variety of registers. A systematic study of the vocabulary, grammar and syntax of the language forms a specific component of the course. Contemporary written and audio-visual materials in Chinese are used throughout the course. The course also aims to broaden and deepen students' knowledge and understanding of different aspects of modern Chinese society, politics and culture, and contemporary issues and institutions and to prepare students for international placement.

It is expected that students studying on the CHIN200i/201i courses wishing to attain a good (2.1/first) level will have elements of B1 (Independent User/Threshold level) of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). In HSK terms, this is HSK level 3, and HSKK Intermediate.

Educational Aims

Subject Specific: Knowledge, Understanding and Skills

This module aims to enable students to develop further the writing and reading skills they have gained from their Part 1 studies, achieving B1 level in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and HSK level 3. This means developing students' ability to produce written Chinese that is relatively fluent, expressive, well-formed and grammatically competent; and enabling students to read, comprehend and summarise Chinese competently, in a variety of forms of texts. It involves expanding students’ command of modern vocabulary and idiom over a range of different topics, and developing their awareness of a range of stylistic norms and varieties. The module also aims to enhance students’ ability to understand and translate texts from a variety of (mainly contemporary) sources, including through the use of applied technologies.

Further aims of the module centre around developing intercultural knowledge sufficient to cope with demands which students might encounter in Chinese-speaking countries, and enabling students to understand and respond to topical issues in Chinese in written (including digital) form.

This module also seeks to develop students’ competence in Chinese computing, with special regard to writing and reading skills, and the use of Chinese corpora. and to help students develop awareness of how their Chinese writing and reading skills set relates to employability.

General: Knowledge, Understanding and Skills

The module aims to enhance students' interpersonal, communication, and teamworking competencies, especially where these involve reading and writing skills.

The module also seeks to develop students’ independent study skills, including time management, general computing knowledge and skills, and an understanding of how these skills relate to employability.

Assessment Proportions

• Coursework: 60%
• Exam: 40%

Assessment is by means of a variety of pieces of continuous coursework done over the academic year plus the end of year written examination.

Current CHIN 201i coursework consists of a portfolio, two grammar/translation tests, translation into English, and a Blog post on a topic relating to their major subject (500 characters).

Current CHIN 201i written exam consists of a translation into L2, translation into English, composition in L2.

CHIN233: Shaping Contemporary China: Moments and Movements

• Terms Taught: Full Year Course
• US Credits: 4 Semester Credits
• ECTS Credits: 7.5 ECTS Credits

Course Description

'Shaping Contemporary China: Moments and Movements' provides students with awareness of the 'must-know' historical moments as well as political and aesthetic movements that have shaped Chinese and Sinophone cultures, while systematically enhancing their skills of cultural analysis in diverse media. The course will hone their close-reading skills, yet also provide a broad awareness of Chinese modernity through a thematic approach that casts back to key nineteenth-, twentieth-, and twenty-first-century texts, moments, and movements.

Through the four topics of Revolutions and Reforms, Dreams and Futures, Walls and Spaces, and Identities and Relationships, the module highlights themes such as power, resistance, trauma, aspirations, wellbeing, urbanisation, the urban/rural divide, migration, individualisation, collectivisation, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, class, and family. Texts, films and art will be studied in historical and cultural contexts, with due regard to relevant global trends such as imperialism, colonialism, postcolonialism, democracy, neoliberalism and nationalism. This module thus takes students on a journey through moments and movements across two centuries of Chinese cultural history, encountering along the way some of the most radical thinkers, writers, filmmakers and creative artists that make the Chinese-language intellectual tradition so distinctive and fascinating. Students experience a stimulating range of cultural forms and are equipped with the skills to reflect critically on them as expressions of multi-faceted, nuanced societies.

The main aim of the module is twofold: to build students' reading knowledge of Chinese while giving them a flavour of the rich cultural output that has defined the Chinese-speaking realm over the past two hundred years.

Educational Aims

Subject Specific: Knowledge, Understanding and Skills

The course aims:

• To develop students' knowledge and understanding of the written and spoken Chinese language
• To introduce students to key concepts and methods in the interpretation of different kinds of texts in their socio-historical context
• To enable students to engage with a history of ideas and forms focused through a series of significant moments and movements
• To develop students' abilities to independently research, write, and present creative work
• To develop students' abilities to participate actively in class and small group discussion

Educational Aims: General: Knowledge, Understanding and Skills

The course aims:

• To encourage students to engage with a variety of texts, developing the ability to read selectively and analytically
• To develop students' skills of self-knowledge and self-reflection about their learning modes and abilities
• To develop the ability to manage, synthesise and critically discuss a substantial body of materials
• To extend students' independent study and research skills, employing a variety of academic resources
• To enhance student's ability to write clear and well-structured essays. expressing complex arguments concisely and supporting them with appropriate evidence
• To enable students to present their ideas to others clearly and effectively, and develop their capacity for collective study and exchange
• To develop students' ability to manage their time and resources effectively

Subject Specific: Knowledge, Understanding and Skills

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

• read fluently and understand a variety of Chinese-language texts;
• show understanding of the major political, social and cultural events of modern Chinese history, and their significance in relation to contemporary Chinese and Sinophone cultures;
• demonstrate awareness of how social, political and cultural factors have interacted in the course of modern Chinese history, shaping contemporary Chinese society;
• demonstrate the capacity to synthesise, analyse and present, orally and in writing, in relation to China and the Sinophone world.

Learning Outcomes: General: Knowledge, Understanding and Skills

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

• demonstrate their capacity to evaluate primary and secondary textual sources;
• show a clearer understanding of how to study most effectively, and how these study skills can be used beyond the confines of their courses;
• discriminate between different interpretations of social events and texts, and show some ability to arrive at their own independent views;
• express and substantiate those views in written and spoken argument;
• demonstrate a high degree of autonomy in studying and learning, identifying for themselves the most relevant material, concepts and methods;
• be able to work effectively as an individual and in a team;
• demonstrate the ability to make effective use of the time and resources available to them to accomplish a particular task.

Assessment Proportions

100% coursework

CWA1: 750 word commentary on creative work* OR 1500 word comparative essay (Mich): 35%

CWA2: Learning Journal on sub-modules 1 and 2 (Michaelmas): 10%

CWA3: feed-forward session on essay plan (Lent, optional): 0%

CWA4: Learning Journal on sub-modules 3 and 4 (Lent): 10%,

CWA5: 2,500-word essay (Lent/Summer): 45%

*Students are to work on a creative response to material covered in Michaelmas. Examples of pieces may include but are not limited to: audio-visual work, i.e. videos, recordings, animation; collage; drawing or other art work, e.g. graphic fiction/comic; musical piece; creative writing; interviews; performances; quiz. The creative work must be accompanied by a 750 word summary of how their piece responds to the course material.

PPR.201: Introduction to Chinese Philosophy

• Terms Taught:  Lent / Summer Terms Only
• US Credits: 4 Semester credits
• ECTS Credits: 7.5 ECTS Credits

Course Description

The module has four main aims that are subject specific. First, it will introduce students to the central debates and concepts that inform classical Chinese philosophy. Second, the module will familiarise students with the different schools of classical Chinese philosophy. Third, the module will encourage students to develop an ability to think critically about the subject at hand, by questioning what it means for philosophy to be Chinese, for example. Finally, the module aims to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to further pursue their study of Chinese philosophy at Lancaster University and beyond.

Educational Aims

Students who pass this module should be able to...

- Demonstrate an awareness of the core debates and concepts in classical Chinese philosophy

- Show a good understanding of the different schools of classical Chinese philosophy

- Compare the arguments proposed by different Chinese philosophical texts and thinkers

- Learn to relate classical Chinese philosophy to today’s world

Outline Syllabus

This module offers a critical introduction to Chinese philosophy by focusing on its diversity and contemporary relevance. The module introduces the main schools of thought that emerged during the classical era (one of the most vibrant periods of Chinese philosophy), including Daoism, Confucianism, Legalism, Mohism, and the school of names. Students will be introduced to the main concepts used in classical Chinese philosophy as well as the central issues debated by classical Chinese philosophers, such as whether human nature is good or bad, whether one should engage in society or retrieve from it in order to live a fulfilled life, whether humans are at the centre of the world or simply a part of it, and whether language is enhancing human potential or limiting it, to name but a few examples. Can we know what it is like to be a fish? Why do we spontaneously try to save a child who is in danger? Is a white horse a horse? Should we rejoice in non-action, engage in politics, or do both at the same time? Is there such a thing as feminist philosophy in ancient China? What does it mean for philosophy to be Chinese? These are some of the issues that will be discussed during the term.

Assessment Proportions

Essay (2250-2500 words submitted at end of term). This tests for developed skills in written communication and ability to critically evaluate arguments and views. It also tests for knowledge and understanding of classical Chinese philosophy and ability to produce a polished piece of academic writing.

Exam (2hrs, Summer term; 2 questions). This tests for developed skills in written communication, critical argument and for knowledge and understanding of classical Chinese philosophy under time pressure.

40% Coursework 60% Exam

PPR.248: China's International Relations

• Terms Taught: Michaelmas Term only
• US Credits: 4 semester credits
• ECTS Credits: 7.5 ECTS

Course Description

This module focuses on the international relations of one of the most influential actors in world politics: China. The course explores the key question of when and how China’s actions conform with – and diverge from – various international relations (IR) theories. This offers students a twofold payoff. Students gain a broad understanding of how China’s foreign policies are made, its relations with its neighbours in East Asia, with international organizations, and with other global powers including Britain. At the same time, students gain a deeper, more concrete understanding of the uses and limitations of IR theory in explaining global politics.

Educational Aims

Students who pass this module should be able to:

• Make effective arguments in verbal and written form
• Participate in academic group work including research and problem-solving
• Critically evaluate the applicability of general theories and concepts to specific real-world cases
• Present recently acquired knowledge and understanding to others in verbal form, and
• Write cogent and structured essays in the process of completing the coursework

Outline Syllabus

This module focuses on the international relations of one of the most influential actors in world politics: China. The course explores the key question of when and how China's actions conform with - and diverge from - various international relations (IR) theories. This offers students a twofold payoff. Students gain a broad understanding of how China's foreign policies are made, its relations with its neighbours in East Asia, with international organizations, and with other global powers including Britain. At the same time, students gain a deeper, more concrete understanding of the uses and limitations of IR theory in explaining global politics.

Section 1: History and Theory

• Introduction: IR theory and the China case
• Chinese foreign policy pre-1949
• Foreign policy in the eras of Mao and Deng
• Contemporary PRC foreign policymaking: high-level strategy, low-level implementation

Section 2: China in its region

• China and its Northeast Asian neighbours
• China and Southeast Asia

Section 3: China goes global

• Media and public opinion in China's foreign relations
• China and international institutions
• The Sino-American relationship
• China's relations with Britain and other great powers

Assessment Proportions

• Coursework: 40%
• Exam: 60%

PPR.391b: China in the Modern World

• Terms Taught: Michaelmas Term Only
• US Credits: 4 Semester Credits.
• ECTS Credits: 7.5 ECTS
• Pre-requisites: You must have undertaken relevant previous studies in Religion and/or Politics.

Course Description

China's rise is commonly understood as a key factor that will shape future world order. In this seminar-based course, students will become familiar with different approaches to understanding China's rise, and critically evaluate the opportunities and challenges this poses to both China and the surrounding world. In each seminar we will consider a key issue in China's relation to the world from different perspectives. Issues that will be explored include: the possibility of an alternative modernity; sources of party-state legitimacy; Chinese nationalism; the limits of Chinese identity; new tools of China's 'soft power'; the 'Chinese school' of International Relations theory; questions of territorial integrity; and Chinese ideas of world order and the ‘China model’. This course will thus offer students an opportunity to discuss familiar concepts like nationalism, democracy and modernity in the concrete context of China in the post-Mao era. It will help students improve their research skills, enhance their understanding of the complexity of issues in contemporary China, and critically examine conceptual tools of political analysis in the Chinese context.

Educational Aims

By the end of the module, you should be able to:

• give a sustained critical discussion of one substantial theme or line of argument that is in part or whole constitutive of the chosen topic
• use the resources of small study group to develop their own critical thinking

Assessment Proportions

• Dissertation: 100%