Outline

Overview

Intermediate unit of study in Modern Standard Chinese. Rapid vocabulary expansion, strengthening of reading, writing, listening and speaking skills, and sophistication of grammatical knowledge will be pursued in integrated fashion. On completion of this unit of study, students should be able to engage in real life communication, write short compositions and read fluently within their vocabulary range.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Chinese Studies
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	CHNS1102 or HSC Chinese Beginners more than 70 or HSC Chinese Continuers less than 80
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	HSC Chinese Continuers more than 80
Assumed knowledge ?	One year (approx. 4 hours per week for 26 weeks) of Chinese at introductory level
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Yu Sang, yu.sang@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Small test	Early Feedback Task #earlyfeedbacktask Chinese vocabulary, grammar, and expressions	0%	Week 03 Due date: 12 Mar 2025 at 13:00	10 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Short Composition 1 Short writings in Chinese.	7.5%	Week 05 Due date: 30 Mar 2025 at 23:59	300wds equivalent
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	Test 1 You will be tested on reading/writing/grammar/vocabulary.	20%	Week 07	1200wds equivalent
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Short Composition 2 Short writings in Chinese.	7.5%	Week 09 Due date: 04 May 2025 at 23:59	300wds equivalent
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Group Presentation Form into groups of 3-4 students and perform a short play in Chinese; a written script needs to be submitted.	20%	Week 10	1000wds equivalent
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Oral Interview This assessment is to examine your oral proficiency of Chinese.	15%	Week 12	500wds equivalent
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	Test 2 You will be tested on reading/writing/grammar/vocabulary.	20%	Week 13	1200wds equivalent
Outcomes assessed:
Participation	Participation Participation and contribution to classroom activities.	10%	Weekly	Throughout the semester
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ? = AI allowed ? = restricted AI ? = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Classwork: classwork will be evaluated and monitored daily. Attendance, textbook preparation, completion of homework and workbook exercises and participation will be assessed.
Group project: students will perform a short play in Chinese in groups of 3 to 4 people. The group can choose any topics covered in class to interpret the stories and themes.
Oral interview: students are required to prepare a talk in Chinese prior to the interview. During the interview, this talk will be followed by questions from the teacher.
Written tests: Two in-class tests are scheduled. Each will test the students on listening, reading, writing skills, grammar and vocabulary use. The format and question types will be provided prior to the test.
Writing assigments: to assess students’ Chinese writing skills.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on the Canvas site for this unit.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator.

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions.

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit.

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction to the Unit; Chinese Writing System	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	Basic strokes, radicals, and character structures; basic phrase and sentence structures	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 02	L11 D1 Vocabulary, text, and grammar	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	L11 D1 Grammar exercises; reading and writing; listening and speaking skills	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 03	L11 D2 Vocabulary, text, and grammar	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	L11 D2 Grammar exercises; reading and writing; listening and speaking skills; Early Feedback Task	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 04	L12 D1 Vocabulary, text, and grammar	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	L12 D1 Grammar exercises; reading and writing; listening and speaking skills	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 05	L12 D2 Vocabulary, text, and grammar	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	L12 D2 Grammar exercises; reading and writing; listening and speaking skills	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 06	L13 D1 Vocabulary, text, and grammar	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	L13 D1 Grammar exercises; reading and writing; listening and speaking skills	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 07	L13 D2 Vocabulary, text, and grammar	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	L13 D2 Grammar exercises; reading and writing; listening and speaking skills; Small Test 1	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 08	L14 D1 Vocabulary, text, and grammar	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	L14 D1 Grammar exercises; reading and writing; listening and speaking skills	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 09	L14 D2 Vocabulary, text, and grammar	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	L14 D2 Grammar exercises; reading and writing; listening and speaking skills	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 10	L15 D1 Vocabulary, text, and grammar	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	L15 D1 Grammar exercises; Group Presentation	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 11	L15 D2 Vocabulary, text, and grammar	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	L15 D2 Grammar exercises; reading and writing; listening and speaking skills	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 12	Revision 1	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	Oral Interview	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 13	Revision 2	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 13	Revision 3; Small Test 2	Tutorial (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: According to Faculty Board Resolutions, students in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences are expected to attend 90% of their classes. If you attend less than 50% of classes, regardless of the reasons, you may be referred to the Examiner’s Board. The Examiner’s Board will decide whether you should pass or fail the unit of study if your attendance falls below this threshold.
Lecture recording: Most lectures (in recording-equipped venues) will be recorded and may be made available to students on Canvas. However, you should not rely on lecture recording to substitute your classroom learning experience.
Preparation: Students should commit to spend approximately three hours’ preparation time (reading, studying, homework, essays, etc.) for every hour of scheduled instruction.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

1. Liu, Yuehua & Tao-chung Yao et al. Integrated Chinese 2: Textbook, 4th Edition (Simplified Character Edition). Cheng & Tsui Company, Boston, 2018.

2. Liu, Yuehua & Tao-chung Yao et al. Integrated Chinese 2: Workbook, 4th Edition (Simplified Character Edition). Cheng & Tsui Company, Boston, 2018.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. actively use of up to about 700 Chinese characters
LO2. understand more complex grammatical features and idiomatic expressions
LO3. fluently read within your vocabulary range; develop reading skills for unfamiliar as well as familiar contexts
LO4. narrate simple stories, present ideas, and argue for and against opinions in both spoken and written Chinese
LO5. demonstrate a deeper understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture and customs.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Small changes have been made since this unit was last offered.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

CHNS2601: Chinese Lower Intermediate 1

Semester 1, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links