Chinese

Courses

Chinese is offered as part of: 

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of International Studies
• Bachelor of Government and Public Management
• Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting)/(Finance) (minor sequence only)

Location

Only offered at University of Adelaide campus via cross-institutional study.

Why study Chinese?

The Chinese have created one of the great civilisations of the world. Their contributions to human society, at all levels, rival those of any other nation. Their country is rapidly gaining in contemporary political and economic importance and, reflecting this fact, contacts with Australia are expanding in all fields. It is therefore important for Australians to have a greater understanding of the Chinese people and their society and culture. The study of Chinese language is a vital part of that understanding.

In practice, students study Chinese for a variety of reasons. Some have a general interest in languages and wish to study an Asian language at tertiary level. Others see the study of the language as part of their work in other disciplines such as Asian Studies or International Relations. Their goal is to use their knowledge of Chinese as a key to understanding a particular aspect of Chinese society.

Study overview

Chinese 1A is a subject for beginners in the language, followed by Chinese 1B in semester 2 to build up basic knowledge and skills in Chinese. Students who have studied Chinese before should contact the lecturers concerned to decide the best level at which to place them. Chinese IA and Chinese IB teach the fundamental grammar and vocabulary of modern standard Chinese (formerly known as Mandarin). This is the educated speech of North China which is now the official national language. Simplified characters are taught. The vocabulary reflects usage in contemporary China.

Contact hours consist of 5 hours per week for lectures and 1 hour unsupervised session per week for language laboratory. The presentation of vocabulary and grammar follows the order of the prescribed textbook. This is supplemented by reading, and conversational and taped materials developed to accompany the texts.

Much of the teaching stresses oral performance and, when possible, Chinese is used in class. Nevertheless, there is also an emphasis on quickly building up reading and writing ability using Chinese characters. In order to keep classes to an optimum size, several classes of 20 students are organised each day.

Further information

Flinders Asia Centre, Flinders University
Tel (08) 8201 2404

Centre for Asian Studies, University of Adelaide
Tel (08) 8303 4288 or (08) 8303 5815

The Admissions/Prospective Students Office,
Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide SA 5001
Tel (08) 8201 3074 or 1300 657 671 (local call cost) Fax (08) 8201 2580.
Email: admissions@flinders.edu.au