Outline

Overview

This unit will help students to develop knowledge and skills of English and Chinese Interpreting between the languages both ways, at a basic level with a focus on improving bilingual oral communication skills. Students will acquire intercultural and inter-lingual communication competence, and practical skills to develop bilingual media resources such as subtitles.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Chinese Studies
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	CHNS3602
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Christine Ji, christine.ji@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Hongchong Yu, hongchong.yu@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Contribution	Participation Attendance and Active Contribution to Class Activities	10%	Ongoing	Weekly	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical test ?	Service Interpreting Test Bilingual interpreting test	20%	Week 07 Due date: 15 Sep 2025 at 17:00	15 minutes (oral)	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	Consecutive interpreting test Bilingual interpreting test	20%	Week 12 Due date: 27 Oct 2025 at 17:00	15 minutes (oral)	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Performance	Multimedia Bilingual Project Presentation A Multimedia Bilingual Project	35%	Week 13 Due date: 03 Nov 2025 at 23:59	2000wds equivalent	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Final Project Report Final Written Reflection Report	15%	Week 13 Due date: 07 Nov 2025 at 23:59	1500wds equivalent	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

All content has 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	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Distinction	75 - 84	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Credit	65 - 74	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Pass	50 - 64	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
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.

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 outline and assessments; Service Interpreting 1	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	Audio exercises of bilingual dialogue materials	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	Service Interpreting 2	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Audio exercises of bilingual dialogue materials	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Service Interpreting 3	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	Audio exercises of bilingual dialogue materials	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Multimedia Interpreting 1: Introduction to subtitles	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Subtitle software exercises	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Multimedia Interpreting 2: Develop bilingual subtitles	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Subtitle software exercises	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Multimedia Interpreting 3: Develop accessible subtitles	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	Subtitle software exercises	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Preparation for Service Interpreting Test	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Service Interpreting Test	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Consecutive Interpreting 1	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	Audio exercises for interpreting between English and Chinese	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Consecutive Interpreting 2	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	Audio exercises for interpreting between English and Chinese	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	Consecutive Interpreting 3	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	Audio exercises for interpreting between English and Chinese	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	Course Review and Exercises	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	Course Review and Exercises	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Consecutive Interpreting Test	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	Consecutive Interpreting Test	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	Multimedia Bilingual Project Presentation	Presentation (1 hr)
Week 13	Multimedia Bilingual Project Presentation	Presentation (2 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 the LMS. 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 (studying, homework, 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

Interpreting exercise materials will be provided prior and/or during classes.

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. Able to analyse and interpret a variety of Chinese spoken materials with advanced lexical items
LO2. Apply basic principles of bilingual interpreting
LO3. Choose linguistically and culturally appropriate methods of interpreting between Chinese and English of materials of general and specialised topics.
LO4. Demonstrate useful and practical interpreting skills in bilingual real-life communication settings
LO5. Develop greater bilingual (English and Chinese) linguistic and cultural competence
LO6. Demonstrate a better understanding of interpreting as a key cross-lingual and cross-cultural communication tool

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.

The course content has been updated to reflect the USS feedback in 2023.

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

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

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

CHNS3650: Chinese Interpreting

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

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