Mandarin Chinese Level 4 - January 2025

Course Dates: Thursday 16, 23, 30 January; 6, 13, 20, 27 February; 6, 13, 20 March 2025

Course Delivery: This is a blended learning class which will consist of a weekly, 2 hour, in-person class, together with supporting resources. These resources will include a 5-10 minute preparation video, focusing on a relevant language teaching point to the upcoming class and 30 minutes of online exercises to follow up on teaching in the online class. You will be expected to watch the video and complete the online exercises ahead of each weekly class.

Learning Objectives: Students taking the level 4 course should either have completed level 3, or be familiar with frequently used vocabulary and have a strong beginner’s knowledge of the language. The aim of level 4 is to build upon a solid beginner’s knowledge of the language and improve their ability to express themselves, constructing more complex sentences making use of new grammatical points such as the past tense. Students will also enhance their cultural awareness through class discussion.

Potential Topics: Talking about transportation; Talking about plans; Talking about health & Daily routine; Talking about places & position; Getting a job; Inviting people for an activity; Asking for reasons ; Talking about study & work; Negotiating with people; Talking about the first time

Suggested Grammar Coverage: Students should be provided with an expanding grammatical base which allow them to construct independent sentences and phrases. Past tense and simple future will be covered.

Learning outcomes: Students will aim to improve their spoken expression and vocabulary in the main topic areas sharing and defending opinions as well as voicing disagreement. Students will improve their descriptive competence, learning to give more detailed accounts of past events. Students will be able to use appropriate vocabulary to observe and discuss

Is there a minimum age to register for a Language Centre course?

You must be a minimum of 18 years old to register for an in person course and a minimum of 16 years old to register for any on-line Language Centre course.

What are the course fees?

There are different fees depending on registration type. All course fees are payable on enrolment. --Student fee: £20.00 --Staff fee: £20.00 --General Public: £88.00

Are these courses accredited?

A Queen's Certificate will be awarded to all students who attend regularly. A minimum of 70% attendance is required for certification.

In addition any current Queen's student can apply for Degree Plus accreditation. Degree Plus enables students to gain recognition from Queen’s for completing extra-curricular work related learning alongside their degree.

How often do I attend?

Classes, which usually last 2 hours, are held weekly, as far as possible outside normal university teaching hours (e.g. late afternoon, early evening, some are scheduled for Wednesday afternoon) and run for 10 weeks. You will also be expected to complete homework ahead of class.

Is my registration fee transferrable?

Yes, if you feel after your first class that the level of language is too high/low, you can transfer to another class, provided that there is available space.

What's the refund policy?

All refunds before the start of the course must be requested in writing. Refunds are paid as follows:

(Please note EVENTBRITE will charge 6% administration fee on all refunds)

Before (and including) 31 December 2024 – full refund

1 January to 8 January (inclusive) – 50% refund

No refunds available from 9 January (inclusive)

All requests for refunds need to be made in writing to the Language Centre Manager and must be related to reasons beyond your control and supported by written evidence. These refunds will be at the Language Centre Manager’s discretion. All refunds, where agreed, will be subject to an administrative fee of £10.00 for QUB staff and students and £40 for members of the public.

How can I contact the organiser with any questions?

You can email any queries you have to [email protected]

Host or Publisher The Language Centre at Queen's