Course overview:
At Westminster we train competent linguists in modern languages ready to enter graduate employment. We place particular emphasis on employability and the contemporary cultural context, and offer high-quality teaching in all language skills.
This course will enable you to achieve a good or high level of linguistic competence in Chinese in all four skill areas (reading, writing, listening and speaking). You will study Chinese language, culture and linguistics in an integrated and interdisciplinary way, exploring the connections between them and the broader historical and cross-cultural contexts that frame their study. You will be able to function in different cultural situations and acquire the generic qualities and skills of a humanities graduate. You will also gain the transferable and cognitive skills necessary for lifelong personal and professional development.
Our Chinese courses are only available to beginner or 'false beginner' entrants – false beginners are students who may be able to read and write a limited number of Chinese characters, and/or have the equivalent to one or two years' part-time study. Please note that we may need to test you to determine your entry point.
Course content:
You will study an integrated curriculum with a focus on applied language skills and cultural studies, supported by a rigorous development of your foreign languages skills in all areas.
You will develop a high level of competence in oral and written communication in Chinese, proficiency in language transfer skills, a thorough knowledge of Chinese culture, and the ability to function linguistically in diverse cultural situations.
The Linguistics component of your combined degree will develop your understanding and knowledge of language to an advanced and sophisticated level, while fostering and enhancing your skills in using English. This degree offers a rare combination of formal language study and theoretical approaches to discourse analysis, alongside an opportunity to learn about the history of the English language and the ways in which it currently varies around the British Isles and the world as a global language.
Teaching methods include lectures, tutorials, practical sessions, seminars and workshops, but most of your learning is independent, conducted beyond the classroom (individually and in groups) in the library, at home, and via online learning. Assessment methods include essays, exams, individual and group presentations projects, and critical analysis.
You will have the opportunity to spend a full academic year abroad at a partner institution and/or approved form of employment in a country where Chinese is the of?cial language. You can also study an elective module from across the University in each year.