96641 - Advanced Chinese

Learning outcomes

The student knows the basic features (terms, concepts and methods) needed for the study of the structure, functions and textual organization of the Chinese language; s/he knows the basic techniques required for information mining, drafting, editing and revising text and is able to understand, analyze and coherently produce complex written texts (but also oral speeches) belonging to various specialized text types and genres.

Course contents

During the course, students will be assigned a series of articles and multimedia materials from literary works, newspapers, TV, the web, and social networks on current topics in China (for example: the use of mobile phone and social networks in China; the birth control policy; the education system and the "jiwa" phenomenon; pop culture and the fandom phenomenon; etc.).

The goal is to allow students to deepen their understanding of Chinese syntax based on the types and genres of texts presented in class. Students will be asked to orally comment on what they have read and, subsequently, to independently write texts with the assistance of the instructor.

Readings/Bibliography

Suggested readings:

Abbiati M., (2014) Grammatica del cinese moderno, Venezia: Cafoscarina

Romagnoli C., (2016) Grammatica cinese, Milano: Hoeplin

Dictionaries:

Zhao X., (2013) Il dizionario cinese-italiano, italiano-cinese, Bologna: Zanichelli

Casacchia, G., Bai Y., (2013) Dizionario cinese-italiano, Venezia: Cafoscarina.

Lv S., Ding S., (2012) Xiandai hanyu cidian (Modern Chinese Dictionary), Beijing:Shangwu yinshuguan

Further materials will be submitted by the teacher and available on Moodle platform

Teaching methods

The materials selected aim to draw students attention to the chinese current events and complex syntactic structures of chinese language. Through careful analyze of the above mentioned texts, difficulties related to writing skills will be highlighted.

Duration of the course (COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE 70%): 40 hours in traditional lecture mode + 40 practising hours with native chinese teacher

As concerns the teaching methods of this course unit, all students must attend the online Modules 1, 2 on Health and Safety [https://www.unibo.it/en/services-and-opportunities/health-and-assistance/health-and-safety/online-course-on-health-and-safety-in-study-and-internship-areas].

Assessment methods

the assessment consists in two tests and the final vote will be the average of both.

- writing exam: students will need to complete a writing task, topic to be defined with the teacher.

- oral exam: divided in three parts.

Reading: Read aloud a passage from the texts analyzed during the course (without pinyin).
Comprehension: Correctly explain and summarize the passage read in Chinese.
Reflection: Answer questions related to the passage read in Chinese.

Learning evaluation scale

30-30L

Excellent level. The candidate possesses excellent language skills, with a very high level of competence in Chinese.

27-29

Above average level. The candidate makes only minor errors, and shows a solid command of the required skills and competences.

24– 26

Generally sound level. The candidate displays a number of shortcomings, indicating a reasonable command of the required skills and competences.

21-23

Adequate level. The candidate displays significant shortcomings and only an adequate command of the required skills and competences.

18– 20

Minim level. The candidate only meets the minimum level required and shows a minimal command of the required skills and competences.

< 18 Fail

The candidate’s does not meet the required standard and shows a wholly inadequate command of the required skills and competences.

Teaching tools

The materials used in class will be available on the virtual platform starting from the first week of the course.

 

Office hours

See the website of Yan Wen