Language Centre

Chinese (Mandarin) Upper-Intermediate Course

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Key information

Duration
1 term per sub-level; 10 weeks per term
Attendance mode
Part-time, online/blended learning

Course overview

The course is designed to further develop to intermediate level the Chinese language competencies students have already acquired. 

Learners will deepen their understanding of Chinese grammar and vocabulary and become able to communicate with greater ease and fluency. 

Comprehension and communication skills are developed through customized HSK 4 standard short dialogues and articles which are very practical and relevant to current Chinese society. There will be aspects deep rooted in the rich ancient culture for students to learn, discuss and compare. This course is delivered by the Language Centre.

Method

The course is taught in English and Chinese and includes coverage of the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing and a good balance between understanding the systems of Chinese grammar and vocabulary, developing the skills of comprehending and producing Chinese in speech and writing, guided practice in language usage and use and authentic communicative activities.

This will be achieved through 20 hours of blended learning: this is composed of 15 hours of online structured lessons with the teacher. This is supplemented by a minimum of 5 hours of guided independent learning supported by complementary material. The course objective will be achieved within the 10-week course.

Materials

Upper-Intermediate 1

Textbook: HSK Standard Course 4A, Author: Jiang Liping 
- ISBN-10‏: ‎9787561939031 
- ISBN-13: ‎978-7561939031 

Upper-Intermediate 2 & 3

Textbook: HSK Standard Course 4B, Author: Jiang Liping
- ISBN-10: 9787561939307 
- ISBN-13: 978-7561939307 

Course materials, if not supplied, are not included in the fee.

We recommend waiting until your course is confirmed before purchasing materials.

Entry requirement and progression route

To be able to join Chinese Upper-Intermediate courses you need to have completed an Intermediate level course in Mandarin Chinese at SOAS Language Centre, or have an equivalent knowledge of guided learning hours (approximately 225 hours). The progression route from Chinese Upper=Intermediate 1 is to Chinese Upper-Intermediate 2; from Upper Intermediate 2 to Upper-Intermediate 3. Upon successful completion of Chinese Upper Intermediate 3 you will be able to progress to Pre-Advanced level course in Mandarin Chinese. 

Entry requirement for Upper-Intermediate 2

To be able to join Chinese Upper-Intermediate 2: you need to have either completed Upper-Intermediate 1 course in Mandarin Chinese at SOAS Language Centre, have an equivalent knowledge of guided learning hours (approximately 245 hours, mastered 800-900 Chinese characters), have already passed HSK 3 exam and are in preparation for HSK4 exam, or you have learnt all the grammar and language points up to the end of HSK Standard Course 4A book. Please refer to the Upper-Intermediate 1 topics in Structure section below to check whether you are comfortable discussing any of them at the placement assessment. The progression route from Chinese Upper-Intermediate 2 is to Upper-Intermediate 3. Upon successful completion of Chinese Upper-Intermediate 3 you will be able to progress to Pre-Advanced level course in Mandarin Chinese. 

Entry requirement for Upper-Intermediate 3

To be able to join Chinese Upper-Intermediate 3: you need to have either completed Upper-Intermediate 2 course in Mandarin Chinese at SOAS Language Centre, have an equivalent knowledge of guided learning hours (approximately 265 hours, mastered around 1000 Chinese characters), have already passed HSK 3 exam and are in preparation for HSK4 exam, or you have learnt all the grammar and language points up to half way of HSK Standard Course 4B book. 

Please refer to the Upper-Intermediate 2 topics in Structure section below to check whether you are comfortable discussing any of them at the placement assessment. Upon successful completion of Upper Intermediate 3 you will be able to progress to Pre-Advanced level course in Mandarin Chinese. 

Please note, that each term, courses are subject to quorum requirements.

For course dates and information, please see our timetables.

Structure

Chapters and topics discussed

Upper-Intermediate 1

HSK Standard Course 4A (chapters 6-9)

  • attitudes towards shopping  
  • shopping habits and experience  
  • quality and customer service 
  • sales  
  • “green” food 
  • physical and mental wellbeing  
  • lifestyles and their impact on health 
  • the impact of climate on wellbeing 
  • gift-giving (what, when and how etc) 
  • chocolates/sweets and emotions  
  • ways of relieving tension and pressure  
  • road rage and any cure? 
  • colour connotations 
  • views and definition of success  
  • secrets to success? 

Upper-Intermediate 2 

HSK Standard Course 4A (Chapter 10)  
HSK Standard Course 4B (Chapters 11-14)

  • 幸福的标准 
  • 影响幸福指数的因素 
  • 怎么获取幸福 
  • “身在福中不知福“ 和“知足常乐” 
  • 阅读习惯和阅读的益处 
  • 中国古典名著 
  • 学习汉语的经验交流 
  • “规定是死的,人是活的” 
  • 天然洗涤剂,一物多用 
  • 因材施教 
  • 事半功倍 
  • 京剧 
  • 筷子文化 
  • 茶文化 
  • 保护地球环境 
  • 天人合一 

Upper-Intermediate 3  

HSK Standard Course 4B (Chapters 15-20)  

  • 教育孩子的艺术 
  • 习惯养成 
  • 时间管理 
  • 表扬的艺术 
  • 孟母三迁 
  • 出国留学 
  • 分享成功经验 
  • 如何说“不“ 
  • “天外有天,人外有人“ 
  • “只要功夫深,铁杵磨成针“ 
  • 人与自然 
  • 天气、宠物、动物 
  • 国宝大熊猫 
  • 科技与世界 
  • 电脑和互联网的发展 
  • 梦 
  • 微博与微信 
  • 申请表 
  • 租房子 
  • 生命在于运动 
  • 饺子 
  • 理想的旅行方式 
  • 中国的南北方 
  • 中国的少数民族  

The above is an indication of content that may be covered over the duration of the course but it could vary depending on the level and progress of students in the class.  

Contact us

Disclaimer

Important notice regarding changes to programmes and modules.

Related information

See the full list of Language Centre short courses in Chinese on the Chinese language homepage.