Key facts
UNE unit code: CHIN101
*You are viewing the 2025 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - On Campus
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information
Across the world, more than 1.4 billion people communicate in Mandarin every day. To future proof your career in a global market, knowledge of this language will hold you in good stead.
This unit is designed to provide an introduction to Modern Standard Chinese (Mandarin), and how to study this important and fascinatingly distinctive language.
From the start you will learn to participate in simple conversations in Chinese. Initially the focus is on pronouncing the sounds and tones of Mandarin accurately, and noting them using the 'pinyin' phonetic script. Then you will enter the world of Chinese characters, discovering how they represent meanings, and learning the correct way to write them.
The simple principles of word order at the basis of Chinese grammar will be explained and practised. Through learning the language you will discover various significant aspects of Chinese life and culture.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
Teaching period | Mode/location |
---|---|
Trimester 1 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
Trimester 1 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Students with substantial knowledge of Chinese, equivalent to HSC Chinese Continuers level, should enrol at 200 level.
Students with existing competence in Chinese (including HSC Chinese Beginners) who are unsure of their current level of competence should contact the discipline convenor to request a placement test.
First language (Chinese) speakers may not enrol in Chinese language units except when required for (school) teaching accreditation in Australian states and territories.
Students may be able to obtain credit for their prior knowledge of the language under the University Admission, Credit and Enrolment Guidelines.
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- participate in simple conversations at an introductory level of Chinese (Mandarin) on topics relating to self, family and study;
- recognise and produce the sounds and tones of Modern Standard Chinese with some accuracy;
- use the pinyin system of romanisation with some accuracy;
- demonstrate knowledge of and apply the principles of the Chinese character writing system;
- recognise and write by hand approximately 120 basic Chinese characters and recognise a further 130 Chinese words and phrases, in context; and
- demonstrate some accuracy in the use of fundamental word order principles, vocabulary, and cultural knowledge, at the most basic level of Chinese proficiency.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Final Online Quiz | Yes | 25% | All offerings | No. Words: 1125 (equivalent) |
Online Assessment | Yes | 15% | All offerings | Online participation and weekly self-assessed language exercises No. Words: 675 (equivalent) |
Oral Assessment 1 | Yes | 15% | All offerings | Speaking and pronunciation tasks, to be completed face-to-face with unit staff in person at UNE, or via an online platform. No. Words: 675 (equivalent) |
Oral Assessment 2 | Yes | 15% | All offerings | Speaking and pronunciation tasks, to be completed face-to-face with unit staff in person at UNE, or via an online platform. No. Words: 675 (equivalent) |
Written Language Assessment | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Handwritten language assignment No. Words: 1350 (equivalent) |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
New Practical Chinese Reader 1: Workbook (with MP3 CD or a QR code on the back that takes you to the website for downloading of the audio files) )
ISBN: 9787561926222
Liu, X., Beijing Language & Culture University Press 2nd ed. 2010
Text refers to: All offerings
New Practical Chinese Reader 1: Textbook (with MP3 CD or a QR code on the back that takes you to the website for downloading of the audio files) )
ISBN: 9787561926239
Liu, X., Beijing Language & Culture University Press 2nd ed. 2010
Text refers to: All offerings
Note: Recommended material is held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
How to Study Foreign Languages
ISBN: 9780333736678
Lewis, M., Macmillan Latest ed. 1999
Text refers to: All offerings
English Grammar for Students of Chinese: The Study Guide for Those Learning Chinese
ISBN: 9780934034395
Christensen, M.B., Olivia and Hill Press 2010
Text refers to: All offerings
The Chinese Language: Its History and Current Usage
ISBN: 9780804838535
Kane, D., Tuttle 2006
Text refers to: All offerings
Chinese Flashcards Kit Volume 1: Characters 1-349
ISBN: 9780804842013
Lee, P. Y., Tuttle Revised ed. 2012
Text refers to: All offerings
New Practical Chinese Reader 1: DVD
ISBN: 9787887039750
Chinese Central Radio & TV University Audio & Visual Press 2010
Text refers to: All offerings
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