Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Languages & Cultures School
Practice in reading, translation and simple composition based on graded series of up-to-date specimens of modern Chinese from a variety of sources. Further practice in simple letter-writing.
This course carries on from CHIN3001 to further develop the learners' skills in reading and writing Chinese. The course broadens the learners' knowledge of common vocabulary and modern Chinese grammar, consolidates reading and character recognition strategies in learners, provides further training in dictionary use, and extends writing practice from simple to more complex narrative forms and practical genres such as letter writing. Learners gain practice in the use of a wide range of expressions and increasingly complex grammatical structures. Materials are drawn from textbooks, authentic print, audiovisual and Internet sources. Along with developing written language skills through structured thematic progression, information on relevant attendant cultural issues should also be gained.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Learners should have successfully completed CHIN3001 or equivalent. They should possess basic skills in Chinese character writing, Chinese to English translation, and dictionary use.
NB: The course convenor has the right to approve enrolments in CHIN3020 on the basis of knowledge or abilities which prospective students have gained other than by study at the University of Queensland, e.g. by study elsewhere, residence in a Chinese-speaking country, Chinese-speaking background. As a logical corollary of this right, the convenor may also refuse enrolments on the basis of such knowledge or abilities, and recommend enrolment in a different course.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
CHIN3001
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
CHIN2211
Course staff
Course coordinator
Lecturer
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Students are expected to attend both tutorial classes on Monday and Thursday from teaching week 1.
Public holidays:
Alternative arrangements for affected students will be announced through the Blackboard site.
Class allocation:
In order to optimise the student experience, it may be necessary to reallocate students to a different class from their first choice.
Before this happens, every effort will be made to enable students to voluntarily change into an alternative class that is suitable.
Please note: Teaching staff do not have access to the timetabling system to help with class allocation. Therefore, should you need help with your timetable and/or allocation of classes, please ensure you email hass.mytimetable@uq.edu.au from your UQ student email account with the following details:
- Full name,
- Student ID, and
- the Course Code
Additional information and support can be found here.
Aims and outcomes
This course carries on from CHIN3001 to further develop the learners' skills in reading and writing Chinese. The course broadens the learners' knowledge of common vocabulary and modern Chinese grammar, consolidates reading and character recognition strategies in learners, provides further training in dictionary use, and extends writing practice from simple to more complex narrative forms and practical genre such as letter writing. Learners gain practice in the use of a wide range of expressions and increasingly complex grammatical structures. Materials are drawn from textbook, authentic print, audiovisual and Internet sources. Along with developing written language skills through structured thematic progression, information on relevant attendant cultural issues should also be gained.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Read and comprehend familiar language in a written text.
LO2.
Translate short passages from Chinese into English, as well as from English into Chinese.
LO3.
Complete narratives and letters in colloquial language.
LO4.
Employ contextual and associational strategies to manage unfamiliar language.
LO5.
Learn to build up the attribute of persistence in doing something challenging like learning the target language.
LO6.
Demonstrate respect for cultural and social diversity and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and perspectives.
LO7.
Demonstrate knowledge and respect for ethics and ethical standards in completing assessment tasks.
LO8.
Lead self and others in group activities.
LO9.
Be confident dealing with ambiguity and uncertainty.
LO10.
Present persuasive oral and written arguments.
LO11.
Be empathetic of other people, cultures, and knowledge systems.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz, Tutorial/ Problem Set |
Weekly dictation
|
15% |
4/08/2025 11/08/2025 18/08/2025 25/08/2025 1/09/2025 8/09/2025 15/09/2025 22/09/2025 13/10/2025 20/10/2025
WEEK 2 - WEEK 12 Weekly based, 10-minute dictation during Monday tutorial class. Week 10 Monday is a public holiday (no class, no dictation). |
| Examination |
In-Semester exam
|
30% |
11/09/2025
WEEK 7 in Thursday tutorial |
| Essay/ Critique |
Writing task
|
10% |
17/10/2025 5:00 pm
Friday, WEEK 11 |
| Examination |
Final exam
|
45% |
End of Semester Exam Period 8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Weekly dictation
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz, Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
4/08/2025
11/08/2025
18/08/2025
25/08/2025
1/09/2025
8/09/2025
15/09/2025
22/09/2025
13/10/2025
20/10/2025
WEEK 2 - WEEK 12
Weekly based, 10-minute dictation during Monday tutorial class. Week 10 Monday is a public holiday (no class, no dictation).
- Other conditions
- Secure.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L05
Task description
From WEEK 2 to WEEK 12, for each new unit, you are required to do an in-class dictation at Monday 's tutorial class. This task is to test the mastery of the new vocabulary for each unit to be learnt. This means that you need to self study the new vocabulary at home before coming to class on Monday. In the first 10 minutes of your Monday tutorial class, the instructor will read 10 words from the new vocabulary list. You are required to write down each word in character. Each word will be read three times. A hardcopy of the worksheets will be provided to you in class. Your instructor will collect it each time after you complete the task, mark it and return to you in the following week for you to use it again. WEEK 1 will run a practice in class. Each week's dictation full score is 1.5 points. In total, the weighing for this sequence task is 15%.
Statement on Generative AI & MT
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Dictation sheet is required to be submitted in class immediately after the task is completed. Marking criteria are based on the accurate writing of each character of a word.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
This maximum extension length of 7 calendar days will allow for students' suitable progression with their sequence of learning and preparation for the following assessment submission.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
In-Semester exam
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
11/09/2025
WEEK 7 in Thursday tutorial
- Other conditions
- Secure.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
In-Semester exam is held in WEEK 7. Students are tested on their knowledge of grammar, word usage and their ability to use language in a culturally appropriate manner. Items in the exam will include correcting erroneous sentences, multiple choice questions, making sentences with key words, measure words usage and composition, etc.
The exam lasts for roughly 90 minutes with 10 minutes reading time before the exam starts.
Statement on Generative AI & MT
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Submission is required immediately when the invigilator announces the end of the exam.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Writing task
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
17/10/2025 5:00 pm
Friday, WEEK 11
- Learning outcomes
- L03, L04, L05
Task description
You are required to write a self-introduction in Chinese that includes your birth place, birthday, family members, what majors you study, what hobbies you have, and what your plans are for the future. Or include any information you believe important for people to get to know you.
The length should be minimum 250 characters.
You are required to submit it on to Blackboard by or before 5pm on Friday in WEEK 11.
The full mark of this writing task is 10 points.
Statement on Generative AI & MT
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
This maximum extension length of 14 calendar days will allow for students' suitable progression with their sequence of learning and preparation for the following assessment submission.
Final exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 45%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025
- Other conditions
- Secure.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Final exam will include items such as correcting erroneous sentences, rearranging word order, multiple choice questions, and making sentences with key words. It will also include reading comprehension, passage writing, letter-writing, or essay-writing tasks. The final exam will run during the examination period.
Statement on Generative AI & MT
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
Students must obtain a minimum score of 40% on this final assessment task in order to pass this course.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 24 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Student has not completed the required assessment items. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student displays an extremely narrow range of structures and expressions and with frequent errors. The meaning of the text as a whole is fragmented and little meaning is conveyed. Length of text is insufficient. The student has difficulty in accurately reproducing familiar characters. Comprehension of familiar written text is extremely limited. The student has rarely participated in required tasks. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: The student displays a narrow range of structures and expressions and with frequent errors. The meaning of the text as a whole is fragmented and limited meaning is conveyed. Length of text is insufficient. The student has difficulty in accurately reproducing some familiar characters. Comprehension of familiar written text is very limited. The student has rarely participated in required tasks. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student conveys essential meaning using familiar vocabulary and structures on predictable topics. There are frequent errors, though the essential meaning is conveyed. Where a limited range of simple structures is used, the student displays reasonable accuracy. Some major character errors but not in the majority. Range of characters may be restricted. The content of text is relevant to the task, although the length may be shorter than required. Comprehension and translation of familiar written text is often not accurate. The student has sometimes participated in required tasks. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student sometimes conveys meaning clearly using a range of vocabulary and structures on predictable topics. There are errors, though the general meaning is conveyed. Characters are used with reasonable accuracy (ie. Many minor errors) and frequency. There is an apparent attempt to organise the structure of text and to link some points. Text is mostly cohesive, relevant to the task in content and length. Comprehension and translation of written texts is fair, with some inaccuracies. The student has mostly participated in required tasks. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student usually conveys meaning clearly, attempting to use a wide range of familiar vocabulary and structures. Writing displays some flexibility in sentence structures with some use of complex sentences. Familiar language (characters) is generally accurate (ie. some minor errors). Although there may be isolated instances of breakdown in meaning, communication is clear. Text is cohesive, relevant to the task in content and length. Comprehension and translation of written text is generally accurate. The student has actively participated in required tasks. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student conveys meaning clearly using a wide and appropriate range of familiar vocabulary and structures. Writing displays flexibility in sentence structure and some originality. Familiar language (characters) displays a high degree of accuracy; script is used readily and accurately. Text is well organised and cohesive, relevant to the task in content and length. Comprehension and translation of written text is accurate. The student has actively participated in required tasks. |
Additional course grading information
Marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
NO dictionary is allowed during exams.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
- BILLETER, Jean François: The Chinese Art of Writing. Quarto NK3634.A2 B54 1990
- GAO, Mobo C. F.: Mandarin Chinese: An Introduction. PL1129.E5 G26 2000
- GAO, Mobo C. F.: A Reference of Modern Chinese. PL1129.E5 G36 2000
- LI, Charles N. and Sandra A. Thompson: Mandarin Chinese: A Functional Reference Grammar. ﾠPL1107.L5 1981
- LINDQVIST, Cecilia: China, Empire of the Written Symbol. DS721.L625 1991
- NEWNHAM, Richard: About Chinese. PL1111.N4 1971
- TIEE, Henry Hung-Yeh: A Reference Grammar of Chinese Sentences. PL1129.E5 T54 1986
- TUNG, P. C. and D. E. Pollard: Colloquial Chinese. PL1125.E6 T8 1982
- YIP Po-ching: Chinese: An Essential Grammar. PL1107.Y57 1996
- YIP Po-ching: Basic Chinese: A Grammar and Workbook. PL1111.Y56 1998
- YIP Po-ching: Intermediate Chinese: A Grammar and Workbook. PL1111.Y564 1998
Web Sites:ﾠﾠ
- http://www.csulb.edu/~txie/online.htm
- http://ChinaLinks.osu.edu
- http://www.zhongwen.com
- http://www.mandarintools.com
- http://tw.dictionary.yahoo.com
- http://www.ctcfl.ox.ac.uk
- http://mjchinese.wordpress.com/
- http://www.nciku.com
ﾠ
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (28 Jul - 03 Aug) |
Tutorial |
Week 1 Course Introduction Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 2 (04 Aug - 10 Aug) |
Tutorial |
W2 Vol 3, Unit 4 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 3 (11 Aug - 17 Aug) |
Tutorial |
W3 Unit 5 Wednesday is public holiday, no class. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 4 (18 Aug - 24 Aug) |
Tutorial |
W4 Unit 6 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 5 (25 Aug - 31 Aug) |
Tutorial |
W5 Unit 7 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 6 (01 Sep - 07 Sep) |
Tutorial |
W6 Unit 8 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 7 (08 Sep - 14 Sep) |
Tutorial |
W7 Monday tutorial revision Thursday tutorial In-semester exam Thursday Tutorial In-Semester exam 30% Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 8 (15 Sep - 21 Sep) |
Tutorial |
W8 Unit 9 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 9 (22 Sep - 28 Sep) |
Tutorial |
W9 Unit 10 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 10 (06 Oct - 12 Oct) |
Tutorial |
W10 Monday public holiday no class no dictation Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 11 (13 Oct - 19 Oct) |
Tutorial |
W11 Unit 11 Learning outcomes: L01, L05 |
Week 12 (20 Oct - 26 Oct) |
Tutorial |
W12 Unit 12 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 13 (27 Oct - 02 Nov) |
Tutorial |
W13 Revision Learning outcomes: L01, L04, L05 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
You'll also need to be aware of the following policies and procedures while completing this course: