2019 Undergraduate Courses
  • Students are to follow the requirements of the Handbook for the year they commenced the course.

    However, the subject links below do not contain the subject information for the current year. You can view current subject information through the new Course Handbook.

Chinese (Mandarin) for Non-Chinese Background Students Major | 2019 

Mandarin is the first language of more than one billion people and is the most spoken language in the world. China has a 5,000-year history and culture and boasts the fastest-growing economy worldwide. Cultural and economic exchange between China and its neighbours is continually increasing and Chinese language skills are now in great demand. The Chinese (Mandarin) for Non-Chinese Background Students major is for students who have no prior knowledge of the language, or of Chinese characters. 

At UOW, you will study Mandarin language, grammar, culture and history. You will learn Mandarin from the comparative linguistic perspective and be able to express yourself clearly and accurately in spoken and written Mandarin in a wide range of situations including social and the global business market. You will learn to recognise and respond personally to differences between Chinese culture and your own cultural heritage by analysing film, poetry and other cultural products. 

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.

Major Learning Outcomes

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

CLO Description
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 Beginners stream assumes no prior knowledge of the language and consists of at least 54 credit points as outlined in the table below.

Students who have some beginner's knowledge of Chinese (Mandarin) may be eligible for a waiver of MAND151. To make this request, students can contact the Language and Linguistics Discipline Leader.

Students approved for a waiver of MAND151 will complete an alternative subject chosen from the table below, to complete at least 54 credit points.

Intermediate Entry

Students who took Chinese (Mandarin) Continuers or Extension at the HSC level may be eligible for a waiver of MAND151 and MAND152, meaning they will start the major at 200 level and complete at least 48 credit points as outlined in the table below.

To make this request, students can contact the Language and Linguistics Discipline Leader.

Subject Code Subject Name Credit Points
Core
MAND151 Chinese (Mandarin) for Beginners 1 6
MAND152 Chinese (Mandarin) for Beginners 2 6
MAND231 Intermediate Chinese 1 for Non-Chinese Background Students (NCB) 6
MAND232 Intermediate Chinese 2 for Non-Chinese Background Students (NCB) 6
MAND331 Advanced Chinese 1 for Non-Chinese Background Students (NCB) 6
MAND332 Advanced Chinese 2 for Non-Chinese Background Students (NCB) 6
LANG370 The Language Advantage (Capstone) 6
Plus a minimum of ONE from the following:
MAND217 In Country Language Study 6
MAND271 Intermediate Chinese 1 for Character Background Students (CBS) 6
MAND272 Intermediate Chinese 2 for Character Background Students (CBS) 6
ELL 230 Communication Across Cultures 6
HIST293 China since 1949 6

Plus a minimum of ONE from the following or;

an alternative 300-level subject with appropriate content as approved by Language and Linguistics Discipline Leader.

LANG380 Language Study Abroad 2 6
LANG390 Language Study Abroad 3 6
LANG364 Advanced Studies in Language/Culture 1 6
LANG365 Advanced Studies in Language/Culture 2 6
MAND371 Advanced Chinese 1 for Character Background Students (CBS) 6
MAND372 Advanced Chinese 2 for Character Background Students (CBS) 6

Click on subject codes in the above table for information on sessions of offer for each subject. To find out specific information on timetables, tutorials and classes, visit the Timetable page.

Minor Study

A 24 credit point minor in Chinese (Mandarin) for Non-Chinese Background Students is available. Information is available on the 2019 LHA General Schedule of Minors page.

Students cannot complete both a major and a minor in Chinese (Mandarin).

Work Integrated Learning

Undertaking a work integrated learning 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 'Career Ready Learning and Practice' (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.

Diploma in Languages

Students may prefer to study a language as a Diploma in Languages, rather than as a major. This can be done as a standalone degree, or concurrently alongside another degree. Information is available on the Diploma in Languages page.

Honours

See Bachelor of Arts (Honours).

Other Information

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

Last reviewed: 8 July, 2020