Chinese and English Language BA (Hons)

Program Overview

This comprehensive program blends Chinese and English language acquisition with cultural and historical contexts. It equips students with advanced language proficiency, intercultural understanding, and employability skills for careers in language-related fields, international relations, education, or business. The program includes a year abroad placement in China, providing immersive language practice and cultural exposure. Graduates are well-prepared for successful careers in a globalized world where communication and cultural awareness are highly valued.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This course offers a comprehensive study of Chinese and English language, blending language acquisition with cultural and historical contexts. It is designed to equip students with advanced language proficiency, intercultural understanding, and employability skills.

Objectives:

• Develop proficiency in both Chinese and English language skills.
• Gain a deep understanding of Chinese culture, history, society, and politics.
• Enhance critical thinking, analytical, and research skills.
• Foster intercultural competence and global citizenship.
• Prepare students for careers in language-related fields, international relations, education, or business.

Outline:

• Program Content:
• Chinese:
The program includes modules focused on Mandarin Chinese, covering all four language skills (speaking, listening, reading, and writing) at various levels. It also incorporates modules on Chinese culture, history, and society, offering students a comprehensive understanding of China.
• English Language: The program delves into the structure, theoretical principles, and analysis of English language and discourse.
Modules cover areas like phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, discourse analysis, language acquisition, historical linguistics, and dialectology.
• Program Structure:
• The program is a 4-year full-time program, with the option to study part-time over 7 years.
• The curriculum is divided into three years, each year featuring specific modules.
• Year 1: Focuses on foundational language acquisition in both Chinese and English, along with introductory modules on culture and history.
• Year 2: Enhances language fluency, deepens cultural understanding, and prepares students for placements abroad.
• Year 3 (Level 6): Offers specialized modules for students to develop their interests further and includes the option for an English Language dissertation.
• Course Schedule:
• The course starts in September of each year.
• Specific module content and schedule may vary annually, but the overall program structure and key themes remain consistent.
• Individual Modules:
• Chinese:
• Mandarin Chinese Beginners:
Introduces foundational Chinese language skills, including pronunciation, tones, characters, basic grammar, and daily conversation.
• Additional Development of Mandarin Chinese: Designed for students with prior Chinese learning experience, expanding vocabulary, fluency, and understanding of contemporary Chinese.
• Chinese Culture and History: Provides a chronological overview of Chinese history, philosophy, culture, politics, and society.
• Year Abroad Placement: Includes preparation for a six-to-eight-week placement in China at the end of Year 2, followed by a semester or full year placement in China.
This placement provides immersive language practice and cultural exposure.
• Continuing Development of Mandarin Chinese: Builds upon prior knowledge to further develop linguistic proficiency and cultural awareness.
• Chinese Culture and Society: Explores contemporary Chinese cultural, social, political, and economic issues.
• Mandarin Chinese Intermediate: Expands upon language skills and deepens understanding of Chinese culture and society.
• China Short Study or Work Placement: Provides a shorter placement opportunity in China, allowing students to gain practical experience and immerse themselves in the Chinese language and culture.
• Spreading the word: Crafting texts for public engagement: Focuses on creating engaging texts for a wider audience, using a range of formats and digital platforms.
• Split Year Abroad Placement: Allows students to undertake placements in two different countries, combining study at partner universities, language assistant roles, or work placements.
• Virtual Year Abroad: Offers a flexible alternative for students who are unable to participate in a traditional year abroad, providing online learning opportunities and a tailored program.
• Developing Intercultural Literacy and Cross-Cultural Skills: Examines aspects of global citizenship, ethical engagement, intercultural communication, and prepares students for potential work abroad.
• Introduction to TESOL/TEFL: Introduces students to the fundamentals of teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL), including grammar, communication approaches, and practical teaching techniques.
• Enhancing your Employability through Work Based Learning: Offers a work-based learning experience, providing practical workplace skills and insights into career paths.
• Advanced Chinese Studies: Continues to develop linguistic proficiency and cultural understanding at an advanced level, building on the knowledge acquired during the year abroad.
• Translation Techniques and Application (Chinese): Focuses on translation techniques, strategies, and practice, improving students' ability to translate Chinese into English for intercultural communication.
• Subsidiary Language Project: Allows students to explore a specific topic related to their target language in more depth through research and writing.
• Languages in the Business World: Introduces the target language's business world and explores the specialised language and register used in various business contexts.
• Voicing Global Identities: Examines how identity and diversity are represented in contemporary global societies through a range of literary, visual, and cinematic texts.
• Dissertation: Offers an opportunity for students to conduct independent research on a topic of their choice within the field of Chinese studies.
• English Language:
• Language and Text:
Analyzes spoken and written English discourse, exploring concepts like genre, register, cohesion, and foregrounding.
• Foundations of English: Introduces core descriptive frameworks in linguistics, such as phonetics, phonology, morphology, and syntax, providing a foundation for further study.
• Creativity in English: Investigates the concept of creativity in English discourse, examining textual styles and techniques across various genres and discourses.
• The Power of Language: Examines how language can be used to influence, manipulate, inspire, and oppress, exploring various discourses and analytical concepts.
• Roots and Development of English: Traces the development of the English language from its origins to its global significance today.
• Language, Identity and Popular Culture: Examines the relationship between language, identity, and popular culture, exploring how popular texts encode and represent identities.
• Advances in English: Builds upon core knowledge of English language structures and introduces advanced approaches to analysis, preparing students for more specialized modules.
• English at Work: Offers work-based learning opportunities, allowing students to apply their English language skills in a relevant workplace context.
• Language Acquisition and Development: Investigates child language acquisition and the development of language skills in educational settings.
• Experiential Overseas Learning: Provides an opportunity for students to engage in experiential learning activities abroad, enhancing cultural awareness, intercultural competence, and global citizenship skills.
• Year abroad study exchange: Offers the opportunity to undertake a full year of study at a partner university abroad, immersing students in a new culture and academic environment.
• Introduction to TESOL/TEFL: Provides an introduction to the field of teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL), covering theories, methods, and practical skills.
• Experiential Project: Enables students to work on a major project in a professional setting, gaining practical experience and applying their knowledge to real-world situations.
• Enhancing your Employability through Work Based Learning: Provides students with work-based learning opportunities, enhancing their employability skills and preparing them for the workplace.
• Language Debates: Explores contemporary controversies and debates within the fields of English language and linguistics, examining various perspectives and critical arguments.
• Beyond English: Expands students' understanding of language and communication beyond English, examining typological differences and applying this knowledge to diverse contexts.
• Discourse and Ideology in the News: Analyzes news discourse, exploring genres, functions, values, and ideology, and examining how news media represents individuals, groups, and events.
• Forensic Linguistics: Introduces students to the field of forensic linguistics, applying linguistic tools and methods to analyze language evidence in legal cases.
• Dissertation: Offers students an opportunity to conduct independent research on a topic of their choice within the field of English language.
• Developing Professional Practice: Focuses on developing students' professional competencies and skills, preparing them for careers in the creative industries.

Assessment:

• Assessment methods:
• Essays:
These are common assessment methods, allowing students to demonstrate their critical thinking, analytical, and writing skills.
• Presentations: Students may present their research or analysis orally, enhancing their communication and public speaking skills.
• Assignments: These may include various forms of written work, projects, or practical applications of concepts.
• Data collection and analysis: Some modules may involve collecting and analyzing linguistic data, requiring students to apply research methodologies.
• Exams: Exams may be used to assess students' understanding of key concepts, theories, and language proficiency.
• Reflective writing and portfolios: Students may be asked to reflect on their learning experience, develop a portfolio of their work, or engage in self-assessment.
• Assessment Criteria:
• Academic rigor:
Assessments typically require students to demonstrate a deep understanding of course content, apply theories and concepts, and support their arguments with evidence.
• Clarity and coherence: Writing and presentation should be clear, well-structured, and logical.
• Language proficiency: Assessment criteria will include aspects of language usage, grammar, vocabulary, and appropriate communication style.
• Research methodology: If modules involve research, assessments may evaluate the appropriateness of methods, data collection, and analysis.

Teaching:

• Teaching methods:
• Lectures:
These provide an overview of key concepts and theories.
• Seminars: Interactive sessions for discussion, critical analysis, and problem-solving.
• Tutorials: Smaller group sessions for more personalized feedback and support.
• Practical workshops: Provide hands-on experience, training in specific skills, or the application of theoretical concepts.
• Independent study: Students are expected to engage in independent learning, research, and preparation for assessments.
• Faculty:
• The program is taught by experienced and qualified faculty members with expertise in Chinese and English languages, linguistics, and related fields.
• They bring a combination of academic knowledge and practical experience to the program, providing students with a comprehensive and engaging learning experience.

Careers:

• Potential career paths:
• Language-related roles:
Translator, interpreter, language teacher, content creator, localization specialist, foreign language correspondent.
• International relations and development: Diplomat, foreign affairs officer, international development worker, policy analyst.
• Education: Teacher, lecturer, researcher, educational consultant, curriculum developer.
• Business and industry: International business development, marketing, sales, customer service, global communication roles.
• Opportunities:
• The program provides students with the skills and knowledge to pursue a variety of careers in both the public and private sectors.
• The year abroad placement offers valuable practical experience and international exposure, enhancing students' employability prospects.
• The University's award-winning Careers and Employability service provides support with career planning, job searching, and interview preparation.
• Outcomes:
• Graduates of the program are well-equipped with language proficiency, cultural understanding, and analytical skills.
• The program prepares students for successful careers in a globalized world, where communication and cultural awareness are increasingly valued.

Other:

• Location: The program is delivered at Exton Park, located near the city center of Chester.
• Modern learning resources: Students have access to dedicated resources and IT services, including the Seaborne Library, multimedia rooms, computer labs, and The Hub study zone.
• Support services: Exton Park houses central support services, such as Disability and Inclusion, Careers and Employability, and Student Support.
• Fitness facilities: Exton Park offers a range of indoor and outdoor sports facilities, including a swimming pool, gym, squash and tennis courts, a running track, and floodlit pitches.
• Accommodation: Most student accommodation options are located on or near Exton Park.
• Catering: Various catering outlets are available on campus, offering a variety of food options to students and visitors.

Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

Home Students

Our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for Home students entering University in 2024/25 are £9,250 a year, or £1,540 per 20-credit module for part-time study. The University may increase these fees at the start of each subsequent year of your course in line with inflation at that time, as measured by the Retail Price Index. These fee levels and increases are subject to any necessary government, and other regulatory, approvals. Students from the UK, Isle of Man, Guernsey, Jersey and the Republic of Ireland are treated as Home students for tuition fee purposes.

International/EU Students

The tuition fees for international students studying Undergraduate programmes in 2024/25 are £13,950. This fee is set for each year of study. All undergraduate students are eligible for international and merit-based scholarships which are applicable to each year of study. For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section. Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes.