Chinese (Mandarin) for Non-Chinese Background Students Major | 2018

The major is available for students studying the Bachelor of Arts, or as a secondary major in the Bachelor of International Studies.

Approximately 14.4% of the world's population are native speakers of Mandarin and it is one of the six official languages of the UN. China has a 5000 year history and culture, boasts the fastest-growing economy in the world and is widely regarded as potentially the biggest global market in the twenty-first century.

A major in Chinese (Mandarin) provides a course of study which allows students who have no prior knowledge of Mandarin or of Chinese characters to specialise in Mandarin.

Students may commence their Chinese (Mandarin) language studies at the Beginner or Intermediate level depending on their language proficiency. Native or near-native speakers and speakers of another Chinese dialect who are familiar with Chinese characters will enrol in the major Chinese (Mandarin) for Character Background students.

Major Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this major, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a broad and coherent understanding of the Mandarin language and grammar;
2. Comprehend spoken and written Chinese equivalent to Level 3 in the Chinese Language Proficiency Scales for Speakers of Other Languages (CLPS) and B1 level in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR);
3. Communicate in both spoken and written Chinese equivalent to Level 3 in the CLPS and B1 level in the CEFR;
4. Critically analyse and evaluate historical events and socio-cultural forces that have shaped modern China, its people and language. 

Subjects Required for Major Study

Beginners Entry

The Beginner stream assumes no prior knowledge of the language. For students commencing studies at the Beginner level, the major in Chinese (Mandarin) for beginners or near beginners consists of at least  54 credit points, as outlined below.

Intermediate Entry

Students who took Chinese Continuers or Extension at the HSC level may enter the language sequence at the level of MAND231. For students commencing studies at the Intermediate level in 2018, the major in Chinese (Mandarin) consists of at least 48 credit points.

All students entering the Chinese ( Mandarin) major at the level of MAND152 or MAND231 must obtain approval from the appropriate Chinese (Mandarin) Subject Co-ordinator.

Minor Study

A 24 credit point minor in Chinese (Mandarin) for Non-Chinese Background Students is available and consists of at least 24 credit points subjects in Mandarin.

Information regarding minors, including which subjects to take to complete a minor, are available on the 2018 General Schedule of Minors page.

Minors appear on the transcript (i.e. academic record), but do not appear on the testamur. To have a minor study recorded on their transcript, students need to declare their minor study by submitting an Application to Declare or Change Intended Major/Minor.

Diploma in Languages

Students who wish to undertake a Diploma concurrently with their Bachelors Degree course should refer to the Diploma in Languages for further information.

Work Integrated Learning

Undertaking a work integrated learning (WIL) experience during your university education is now a significant contributor to being competitive in securing employment in your field of choice when you graduate from UOW.

The Faculty of Law, Humanities and the Arts internship program provides students with an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in their degree in a workplace setting.

Students are also encouraged to consider CRLP200 (6cp). CRLP200 includes a quality assured workplace internship or industry project to give you that competitive edge by developing your professional skills through authentic learning in a real world context. You will focus on your career goals and receive career direction guidance, strengthen your resume and gain skills to navigate the rapidly changing world of work, develop your communication skills and begin to build a professional network.

Honours

See Bachelor of Arts (Honours).

Entry Requirements & Credit Arrangements

Information on academic and English language requirements, as well as eligibility for credit for prior learning, is available from the UOW Course Finder.

Other Information

For further information email: lha-enquiries@uow.edu.au