Bachelor of Arts Honours in Chinese

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to contribute to the number of graduates in South Africa who are able to demonstrate high levels of proficiency in Mandarin which is the main language in China and who, in addition, are able to demonstrate an understanding of the culture from which the language emerges and in which it is used. In addition, the qualification aims to contribute to the research capacity in South Africa whereby learners will complete a research project of 30 Credits.

Rationale

Chinese Studies at Honours level will open up career and study opportunities for graduates. As South Africa is now part of the Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) block of nations, it is expected that the interaction between South Africa and the Orient will gradually increase in the foreseeable future. This will inevitably result in the creation of work opportunities requiring knowledge of the Chinese language and culture. In addition to opening up opportunities for work, an honours level qualification in Chinese could also be expected to prepare learners for further study opportunities in Asia, Europe, North America and Oceania where universities offer numerous programmes in Asian and Oriental Studies.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Candidates will be granted credit for equivalent prior learning and experience as determined by the University rules governing the RPL and experience. RPL is also used to grant access to the qualification as laid down in the University's RPL rules.

Entry Requirement

The minimum entrance requirement is

• A Bachelor's Degree with Chinese as a major subject.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules: 90 Credits

• Upper Intermediate Chinese, 30 Credits.
• Advanced Chinese, 30 Credits.
• Research, 30 Credits.

Elective Modules: 30 Credits (Choose one)

• Classical Chinese, 30 Credits.
• Chinese for Specific Purposes, 30 Credits.
• Chinese Culture, 30 Credits.
• Classical Chinese Philosophy, 30 Credits.

1. Use Mandarin to communicate orally (by speaking and listening) in a range of situations with a high level of fluency and spontaneity such that the language use is perceived as requiring little effort.
2. Read a wide range of texts written in Mandarin recognising implicit meanings.
3. Produce well-structured, accurate texts in Mandarin on a range of topics.
4. Demonstrate a broad understanding of the way Mandarin is reflective of the context in which it is used.
5. Plan and execute a small research project of limited scope on some aspect of Mandarin and/or Chinese culture under supervision.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria are assessed in an integrated manner across all the Exit Level Outcomes

• Communicate in Mandarin in a manner appropriate to context.
• Understand meanings expressed in Mandarin without asking for clarification or repetition.
• Listen and demonstrate understanding of Mandarin without needing to ask for repetition or clarification.
• Write using the conventions of contemporary Mandarin in a manner which is appropriate to context.
• Identify an appropriate research problem and associated questions.
• Identify appropriate literature in which the research is located.
• Produce a research report which is logically structured and which meets the conventions of the genre.

Integrated Assessment

Integrated assessment is appropriately used to ensure that the purpose of the qualification is achieved. This means that Assessment:

• Procedures adhere to the University's Assessment Policy.
• Is used to develop as well as measure learning.
• Opportunities provide a wide array of oral and written tasks intended to allow students to demonstrate competence against the specific outcomes and associated criteria of modules and the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria of the qualification.
• Criteria are published as tasks are provided.
• Feedback is provided against criteria.