Objectives

As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:

• • To develop and maintain Chinese language competence in all four skills areas and be able to engage in tasks on topics related to science and technology.
• • To explore different genres of writing and develop a more nuanced understanding on the history and culture of the Chinese speaking world.
• • To understand the concept of reflexivity and put it into practice by developing the ability to reflect on their own position and process.
• • To develop sensitivity to others’ position and process.
• • To develop awareness of the relational dynamic in a group and their own input.

Content

This course is aimed at heritage and advanced speakers of Chinese who have an advanced or near native level of language competence.  The curriculum aims to fulfil two purposes.  One is to continue improving language proficiency and cultural knowledge by introducing authentic texts that cover a variety of topics and genres; the other is to introduce the concepts of reflexivity and subjectivity during the language learning process.    The aim is to enable learners to develop an awareness of themselves and others hence building the capability to work with differences.

Apart from the study of language items, experiential exercises are introduced to encourage the learners to explore the impact of each topic area on themselves. This is followed by a reflective journal after each session.