Chinese Language

Structured Elective in Chinese Language
China, with a population of 1.35 billion people and a GDP of over €8 trillion, is the world’s most populous country and is set to become its largest economy. According to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, total trade between Ireland and China was worth over €8 billion in 2014. Exports to China by Irish-owned companies increased by over 49% in 2014, while a total of 92 Irish companies employ over 10,000 people in China.

What is this Structured Elective about?
Structured Elective in Chinese Language offers a list of modules helping students who have no previous Chinese learning experience to command basic skills to communicate in Chinese. If a student successfully completes Elective modules amounting to a minimum of 15 credits, which constitute the Structured Elective in Chinese Language during their degree, their official transcript will state that in addition to their degree, they have also been awarded a “Structured Elective in Chinese Language”.

Why should I take this Structured Elective?
Structured Elective in Chinese Language is designed as an introduction course to Chinese language. It aims to bring beginners up to a standard in which they are able to communicate in Chinese in a simple and direct manner. These modules aim to develop language skills in all four areas: listening, speaking, reading and writing. The class is organised around interactive and communicative activities that will allow students to build all skills in the most efficient way.

How will this Structured Elective sequence benefit me?
On successful completion of Structured Elective in Chinese Language, students will:
1) Understand phrases, sentences or short conversations on topics such as daily routines, campus life, learning routines, when speech is clearly audible.
2) Communicate in routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on topics given above.
3) Understand and fluently use everyday expressions and phrases in predictable situations.
4) Achieve CEFR level A2, which is equivalent to HSK level 2.

How do I take the modules in this Structured Elective & what are they?

• Structured Electives are available to undergraduate students only.
• In order to earn this Structured Elective you must take the specified modules in or after 2017/18.
• To be awarded this Structured Elective you must take 15 credits from the list of modules outlined below. You will not be awarded this Structured Elective if you are graduating with a major or minor listed in the Eligibility section below.
• Students can choose one of the following three routes to obtain their Structured Elective. You must take all 3 modules listed in your chosen route progressively during your degree. It is recommended that students complete the 3 modules in three consecutive trimesters.

Route A

Route B

Route C

1. Students will NOT register for this Structured Elective in advance. It will be awarded post hoc based on the modules they have chosen during their undergraduate degree.
2. No guarantee will be given to students that it will be possible to take 15 credits from the set. This will depend on module places being available and on the exigencies of the timetable.
3. Pre-requisites apply to some modules.

Eligibility

You will not be awarded this Structured Elective if you are graduating with a major or minor listed below.