Unit outline_

CHNS3611: Advanced Professional Chinese 1

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit is designed for students with native or upper-advanced proficiency in Modern Standard Chinese who wish to enhance their professional language skills. Training will be provided through discussion and research on current social and cultural issues. The unit focuses on developing key professional skills such as resource searching, critical analysis, logical and critical thinking, and coherent writing. Students will also be introduced to basic data collection methods, including questionnaires and interviews. Additionally, the unit aims to strengthen students' professional presentation and communication abilities.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Chinese Studies
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Irene Shidong An, shidong.an@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026
Type Description Weight Due Length Use of AI
Presentation Individual Oral Presentations
Report on your intended research project. Live in classroom
10% Multiple weeks 500 words equivalent AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO6
Research analysis Research proposal 1
Mini research project proposal.
15% Week 06
Due date: 04 Apr 2026 at 23:59
800 words (equivalent) AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement group assignment Oral Group Presentations
via Zoom video (submitted on Canvas) with written submission and presentation in class.
20% Week 09
Due date: 01 May 2026 at 23:59

Closing date: 07 May 2026
700 words (equivalent) AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed: LO4 LO5 LO1 LO2 LO3 LO6
Research analysis Written assignment_Research proposal 2
Report on mini research project
40% Week 13
Due date: 29 May 2026 at 23:59
1800 words (equivalent) AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5
Contribution Class preparation and discussion
online discussion with written submission
15% Weekly Weekly (700wd equivalent) AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO6 LO1 LO2 LO5
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

All content has now moved online.

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)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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 University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 课程介绍 第一单元 1 实证研究 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5
课程介绍 第一单元 1 实证研究 Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5
Week 02 第一单元 2. 初选研究课题 文献综述 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5 LO6 LO4
第一单元 2. 初选研究课题 文献综述 Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5 LO6 LO4
Week 03 第一单元 3 研究种类概述 研究数据 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5 LO6 LO4
第一单元 3 研究种类概述 研究数据 Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5 LO6 LO4
Week 04 第一单元 4 研究方法(1): 调查法 资料收集和问卷调查 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5 LO6 LO4
第一单元 4 研究方法(1): 调查法 资料收集和问卷调查 Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5 LO6 LO4
Week 05 第二单元 1 研究计划 research proposal Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5 LO6 LO4
第二单元 1 研究计划 research proposal Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5 LO6 LO4
Week 06 研究计划 research proposal due Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5 LO3 LO6 LO4
研究计划 research proposal due Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5 LO3 LO6 LO4
Week 07 第二单元 2 研究方法 文献综述复习 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5 LO6 LO4
第二单元 2 研究方法 文献综述复习 Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5 LO6 LO4
Week 08 第二单元 3 研究方法(2): 对比分析 两个基本方法 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5 LO6 LO4
第二单元 3 研究方法(2): 对比分析 两个基本方法 Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5 LO6 LO4
Week 09 第二单元 4 研究方法(2): 对比分析 两个基本方法 小组演讲 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5 LO6 LO4
第二单元 4 研究方法(2): 对比分析 两个基本方法 小组演讲 Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5 LO6 LO4
Week 10 第三单元 1 学术论文与撰写(1): 文 体 -描述 -分析 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5 LO6 LO4
第三单元 1 学术论文与撰写(1): 文 体 -描述 -分析 Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5 LO6 LO4
Week 11 第三单元 2 学术论文与撰写: 论文范文分析 个人演讲开始 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5 LO3 LO6
第三单元 2 学术论文与撰写: 论文范文分析 个人演讲开始 Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5 LO3 LO6
Week 12 第三单元 3 学术论文与撰写: 文献 检索 继续个人演讲 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5 LO3 LO6
第三单元 3 学术论文与撰写: 文献 检索 继续个人演讲 Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5 LO3 LO6
Week 13 第三单元 4 学术论文与撰写: 如何报告问卷及采访结果(survey report) 继续个人演讲 Final essay due Friday ( May 30) More details and accurate class contents will be provided in the Class Schedule on Canvas Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5 LO3 LO6 LO4
第三单元 4 学术论文与撰写: 如何报告问卷及采访结果(survey report) 继续个人演讲 Final essay due Friday ( May 30) More details and accurate class contents will be provided in the Class Schedule on Canvas Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5 LO3 LO6 LO4

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

Professional Chinese, Level 1. 2022 edition, by Tsung, L. and Han. X. Bilingual Publishing Company, Melbourne

 

eBook https://www.lulu.com

 

All other readings for this unit can be accessed in the weekly modules on Canvas.

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.

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

  • LO1. master and demonstrate basic knowledge of Chinese terms, etiquette and ethics in different professions
  • LO2. demonstrate a mastery of Chinese terms and language usage relating to different professions in particular and Chinese society in general
  • LO3. give oral presentations related to the students’ own major specialisation
  • LO4. design and conduct mini research studies
  • LO5. read and write Chinese-language reports and essays related to specific purposes
  • LO6. use professional Chinese confidently for specific purposes

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
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

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

Some learning activities and assessment instructions have been revised since this unit was last offered

Detailed class schedule and assessment criteria will be available on Canvas. 

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

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