The Confucius Institute at the UWI St. Augustine. Student Handbook P a g e

Transcription

1 The Confucius Institute at the UWI St. Augustine Student Handbook P a g e

2 Contents Opening Hours 3 About Us 4 Available Courses 5 Course Schedule 5 Textbooks 6 Outline of Courses 7 HSK Chinese Language Proficiency Test 10 Location of Classes 11 Class Timetable 11 Contact Hours 11 Registration 11 Tuition Fees 12 Refund Policy 12 Grading scheme 13 Certification 13 Transcripts 13 Cancellation of Classes 14 Absence from Tests 14 2 P a g e

3 Opening hours The Confucius Institute (CI) is located on the 2 nd Floor of the Centre for Language Learning Building at the UWI St. Augustine Campus. The Administration Office of the Confucius Institute is open: Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. The Office is CLOSED on weekends (Saturdays and Sundays). Closure of the Confucius Institute The Confucius Institute is closed on all official public holidays, as well as on Carnival Monday and Tuesday. The CI Office may also close to accommodate external cultural activities, or any special events in accordance with its annual calendar. Facilities The Reading Room at the Confucius Institute offers a wide variety of learning resources to anyone seeking to learn more about China s culture, language and history. Notwithstanding, only registered Confucius Institute students are permitted access to the Reading Room, from Monday to Friday, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Books and other materials may be loaned to registered students at the sole discretion of the Confucius Institute. Contact Us Telephone: (+1868) Ext / Confucius@sta.uwi.edu Facebook: Website: 3 P a g e

4 About Us The Confucius Institute at the UWI St. Augustine Campus is a non-profit educational organisation, committed to the teaching of the Mandarin Chinese language and the promotion of Chinese culture. It is operated in partnership with Confucius Institute Headquarters (Hanban) and China Agricultural University (CAU). Officially launched on October 23 rd, 2013, it was the first institute of its kind in Trinidad and Tobago and only the second in the greater Caribbean region. Our goals are to teach and to provide educational resources to learners of the Mandarin Chinese language, while encouraging and strengthening inter-cultural exchange and cooperation between China and Trinidad and Tobago. As our organisation grows, we will become a focal point for culture, as well as a fully-functional, HSK (Chinese Proficiency Test) examination centre and training hub for Chinese language instructors. 4 P a g e

5 Available Courses The Confucius Institute offers various language (Mandarin Chinese) and culture courses, the following of which are currently available: Course name Levels Mandarin Chinese Level 1 (Mandarin 1.1 & Mandarin 1.2) Level 2 (Mandarin 2.1 & Mandarin 2.2) Level 3 (Mandarin 3.1 & Mandarin 3.2, Mandarin 3.3) Level 4 (Mandarin 4.1 & Mandarin 4.2) Level 5 (Mandarin 5.1 & Mandarin 5.2) Level 6 (Mandarin 6.1 & Mandarin 6.2) Business Mandarin Level 1 (Business 1.1 & Business 1.2) Level 2 (Business 2.1 & Business 2.2) Level 3 (Business 3.1 & Business 3.2) Level 4 (Business 4.1 & Business 4.2) Chinese Calligraphy N/A Tai Chi Tai Chi Level 1 Tai Chi Level 2 Tai Chi Fan Tai Chi Sword HSK Test Preparation HSK Prep 1 HSK Prep 2 HSK Prep 3 HSK Prep 4 HSK Prep 5 HSK Prep 6 Chinese Culture Corner workshops N/A Chinese Conversation Beginner Intermediate Advanced Intensive Mandarin Chinese Beginner Intermediate Advanced Martial Arts Basic (Meihua Zhuang) Advanced Course Schedule Semester I - September to December Semester II January to April Summer Cultural Programme During the months of June and July, the Confucius Institute organises short interactive workshops on Chinese culture and language, as well as special activities to spotlight Chinese culture, such as Chinese Movie Nights. 5 P a g e

6 Textbooks Mandarin Chinese Language Classes New Practical Chinese Reader (Books 1-3) The New Practical Chinese Reader (NPCR) book series is designed to support native English speakers in their efforts to learn Mandarin Chinese. The series aims to promote the learner s ability to communicate via the study of language structure, language function and related cultural knowledge, in conjunction with the development of listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. The New Practical Chinese Reader series a key resource for the Mandarin Chinese and Intensive Mandarin Chinese courses. Replacement texts: TT$200 Additional exercise books: TT$10 6 P a g e

7 Outline of Courses Business Chinese As the basics of Mandarin Chinese are examined in these courses, students also simultaneously learn how to apply the language in a business scenario, while being introduced to the unique aspects of Chinese business culture and etiquette. From Levels 1-4, students gradually learn about business greetings, business interaction, business-related trips, business negotiations, etc. Upon completion of each course level, students are required to pass an assessment test in order to advance to the next tier. Throughout these courses, students will also be able to prepare for the Business Chinese Test (BCT), an international standardised examination to assess the non-native Chinese speakers ability to use the Chinese language, in the context of real business or in common working environments. Levels (Beginner to Intermediate) Business Mandarin Level 1.1 Business Mandarin Level 1.2 Business Mandarin Level 2.1 Business Mandarin Level 2.2 Business Mandarin Level 3.1 Business Mandarin Level 3.2 Business Mandarin Level 4.1 Business Mandarin Level 4.2 Pre-requisites At least 26 hours of Mandarin Chinese Study At least 26 hours of Mandarin Chinese Study At least 52 hours of Mandarin Chinese Study At least 78 hours of Mandarin Chinese Study At least 104 hours of Mandarin Chinese Study At least 130 hours of Mandarin Chinese Study At least 156 hours of Mandarin Chinese Study At least 182 hours of Mandarin Chinese Study Chinese Calligraphy The Chinese Calligraphy course aims to improve students understanding and appreciation of Chinese arts and culture, providing an introduction to Chinese calligraphy as an art-form and its associated philosophy. Not only do students learn more about the Chinese writing system, they are also taught how to reproduce Chinese characters with a writing brush to create their own calligraphy masterpieces. Some of the topics to be covered in this course include: An introduction to Chinese Calligraphy. Key tools used in Chinese Calligraphy. Basic strokes of Chinese characters. Chinese Calligraphy styles. At the end of the course, the students own works of art will be featured in a final exhibition. Since no textbook is required for this subject, all handouts or resource materials are provided by the instructor. The requisite instruments are supplied by the Institute and distributed to students on the first day of class. Chinese Conversation With a focus on improving a student s ability to use Mandarin Chinese for communication, this course is only open to students who have completed a minimum of 50 hours of study. It is offered at the 7 P a g e

8 elementary (Beginner) to the lower intermediate levels. At the end of the course, students are required to pass an oral evaluation in order to progress to the next stage. Teaching of this module integrates grammar with the communication function, examining the most essential and useful topics of daily conversation, such as family life, work, study, travel, shopping, doctor s visit, etc. Textbooks used for this course include Conversation Chinese 301 ( 汉语会话 301 句 ), Experiencing Chinese Oral Course ( 体验汉语口语教程 ) and additional materials prepared by the instructor. Chinese Corner The Chinese Corner activity consists of cultural workshops on select topics related to China and Chinese culture. HSK Prep Courses The Confucius Institute s HSK Prep courses are designed to help students prepare for the HSK Chinese Proficiency Examination. Furthermore, each of the HSK Prep courses corresponds to the equivalent test level of the actual HSK examination. For example, HSK Prep 1 is appropriate for a student preparing to sit the HSK Level 1. Thus, in the respective Prep classes, students are taught the relevant vocabulary and aspects of grammar required at the specific HSK test level for which they intend to register. Intensive Mandarin Chinese The Intensive Mandarin Chinese courses are designed to maximise the number of contact hours per week, with a view to ensuring rapid language acquisition. Each level (Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced) is divided into two, 13-week semesters. During each semester, students receive 78 hours of Mandarin Chinese in total, divided into six classroom hours per week. The courses explore the four key language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. At the Beginner level, greater emphasis is placed on the listening and speaking components. At the end of each phase, students are required to pass an assessment test in order to continue to a higher module. Mandarin Chinese Levels 1-6 Mandarin Chinese is a non-intensive language programme, divided into six levels, designed for students who would like to learn Mandarin Chinese. The programme seeks to develop the four core language skills (i.e., listening, speaking, reading and writing), with a heightened focus on listening and speaking at the most basic course level. On completion of each stage of the course, students are required to pass an assessment test in order to pursue more advanced studies. Through these courses, students are also able to prepare for the HSK test, the Chinese language proficiency test to assess non-native Chinese speakers ability to use the language in their daily social, academic and professional lives. Levels Pre-requisites Mandarin 1.1 No prior knowledge of Mandarin Chinese Mandarin 1.2 At least 50 hours of Mandarin Chinese Study Mandarin 2.1 At least 100 hours of Mandarin Chinese Study Mandarin 2.2 At least 150 hours of Mandarin Chinese Study Mandarin 3.1 At least 200 hours of Mandarin Chinese Study 8 P a g e

9 Mandarin 3.2 Mandarin 3.3 Mandarin 4.1 Mandarin 4.2 Mandarin 5.1 Mandarin 5.2 Mandarin 6.1 Mandarin 6.2 At least 250 hours of Mandarin Chinese Study At least 300 hours of Mandarin Chinese Study At least 300 hours of Mandarin Chinese Study At least 350 hours of Mandarin Chinese Study At least 400 hours of Mandarin Chinese Study At least 450 hours of Mandarin Chinese Study At least 500 hours of Mandarin Chinese Study At least 550 hours of Mandarin Chinese Study Tai Chi Tai Chi is an ancient, Chinese martial art involving a series of slow, meditative body movements, originally designed for self-defence purposes and to promote inner peace and serenity. Tai Chi also offers many physical and psychological health benefits and is said to improve balance, strength, endurance and aerobic capacity, as well as providing relief from stress, depression and high blood pressure. The Yang style, one of the five major techniques of Tai Chi, is the principal method featured in this course. 9 P a g e

10 HSK Chinese Language Proficiency Test The HSK test levels correspond to those defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL), as follows: New HSK Acquired Vocabulary CEFRL HSK (Level 6) Over 5,000 words C2 HSK (Level 5) 2,500 words C1 HSK (Level 4) 1,200 words B2 HSK (Level 3) 600 words B1 HSK (Level 2) 300 words A2 HSK (Level 1) 150 words A1 Students who are able to pass the HSK (Level 1) can understand and use very simple Chinese words and phrases, meet basic needs for communication and possess the ability to further their Chinese language studies. Students who are able to pass the HSK (Level 2) have an excellent grasp of basic Chinese. They can communicate during easy and routine tasks requiring the simple and direct exchange of information about familiar matters. Students who are able to pass the HSK (Level 3) can communicate in Chinese at a basic level in their daily social, academic and professional lives. Furthermore, they can manage most essential communication in Chinese while travelling in China. Students who are able to pass the HSK (Level 4) can converse in Chinese on a wide range of topics and are able to communicate fluently with native Chinese speakers. Students who are able to pass the HSK (Level 5) can read Chinese newspapers and magazines, enjoy Chinese films and plays, and even deliver a full-length speech in Chinese. Students who are able to pass the HSK (Level 6) can easily comprehend information provided in Chinese, both written and spoken, while also capable of effectively expressing themselves in Chinese, both orally and in writing. Results of the HSK test are published online. Approximately one month after the test, successful candidates are awarded certificates, as issued by the Confucius Institute s Headquarters (Hanban) in Beijing, China. Concerned persons are duly notified by the Confucius Institute at UWI St. Augustine when certificates are ready for collection. 10 P a g e

11 Location of Classes Classes are offered in three main zones: Port of Spain, San Fernando and St. Augustine (The Confucius Institute Reading Room). Class Timetable Our classes are held on weekdays (5:00 7:00 p.m.) and on Saturdays (8:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. OR 1:30 5:30 p.m.). Contact Hours Course Hours per week Duration Total contact hours Mandarin Chinese 4 13 weeks 52 Business Mandarin 2 13 weeks 26 Chinese Calligraphy 2 10 weeks 20 Tai Chi weeks 15 Tai Chi Sword/ Martial Arts 2 10 weeks 20 HSK Prep weeks hours Chinese Corner Varies Varies Intensive Mandarin 6 13 weeks 78 Chinese Conversation 4 13 weeks 52 Chinese Heritage Class 2 13 weeks 26 Registration To register for a course at the Confucius Institute, please follow the steps indicated: Step #1 Complete the online registration form, available only during the established registration period. Step #2 Collect the payment chit at the CI Administration Office. Step #3 Pay the corresponding tuition fees at the UWI Bursary, located on the UWI St. Augustine Campus. The Bursary is open on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and accepts all forms of payment. Step #4 Present the official payment receipt at the CI Administration Office. The CI will retain a photocopy of the document, with the original receipt returned to the student. NB: Persons are considered to be fully registered only after completion of the online form and payment of relevant tuition fees. 11 P a g e

12 Tuition Fees Please refer to the table below for a breakdown of our tuition fees: Course Fee* Mandarin Chinese Intensive Mandarin TT $1,000 (new students) TT $800 (returning CI students, UWI students and UWI staff) Calligraphy TT $500 Business Chinese Tai Chi, Martial Arts TT $600 TT$100 (UWI students) Chinese Conversation TT $500 HSK Test Preparation COST VARIES Chinese Corner TT$30 (public and UWI staff) / TT$20 (UWI students) Chinese Heritage Class TT $500 *All fees are inclusive of textbooks (where applicable) and other learning materials. HSK Chinese Language Proficiency Examination: Level Fee HSK Level 1 TT $400 HSK Level 2 TT $500 HSK Level 3 TT $600 HSK Level 4 TT $700 HSK Level 5 TT $800 HSK Level 6 TT $900 HSKK Beginner TT$400 HSKK Intermediate TT$500 HSKK Advanced TT$600 Refund Policy Any student may apply for a refund of tuition fees, if unable to continue attending classes. To request a refund, the original receipt issued by the UWI Bursary must be presented to the CI Administration Office. No refund can be issued without presentation of the original receipt for payment of tuition fees. A refund cheque is usually issued within three to four weeks from submission of the receipt. Refund cheques may be collected on weekdays at the UWI Bursary, UWI St. Augustine Campus, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Refund applications should be made within three weeks of the start of the respective classes. All refund applications made beyond this period will be subject to a processing fee of TT$ P a g e

13 Grading Scheme Courses are graded Pass (P) or Fail (F). Scores of 50% and over receive a passing grade. 姓名 口语成绩 笔试成绩 总评成绩 是否通过 (Name) (Oral Test ) (Written Test) (Overall) Pass/Fail Jane Doe P Certification Academic certificates are issued only for language-based courses (inclusive of cumulative hours earned in Business Mandarin, Mandarin Chinese and Intensive Mandarin). The certificates are issued according to the number of contact hours accumulated at the Confucius Institute: Level Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Level 5 Level 6 Hours of Study 100 hours of study (cumulative) 200 hours of study (cumulative) 300 hours of study (cumulative) 400 hours of study (cumulative) 500 hours of study (cumulative) 600 hours of study (cumulative) Please note that eligibility for an academic certificate is subject to completion of the final course assessment. Only participants with at least a 75% attendance of the sessions will be entitled to receive these certificates. Certificates are not issued for completion of the Tai Chi, Chinese Calligraphy or HSK Prep classes. Official Records Students may request official records for Chinese language and culture courses (with the exception of HSK Prep courses). Official records are generally available five (5) working days after they have been requested. Requests must be submitted to Confucius@sta.uwi.edu and include the following information: Full name of student, Telephone contact, Semester and academic year of enrolment, Relevant course name(s). Cancellation of Classes The Confucius Institute at the UWI St. Augustine campus reserves the right to cancel any class, if the minimum quota of 10 students has not been fulfilled. Cancellations may also occur due to unavoidable 13 P a g e

14 circumstances, such as those liable to directly affect the conduct of a class, as in the case of a public holiday or a major cultural event hosted by the Institute, for example. In this event, make-up classes are scheduled by mutual agreement of students and teachers. Absence from Tests Assessment tests are normally held at the end of the teaching element (i.e., during the last class in Week 13). Test schedules are fixed and cannot be adjusted to suit individual student timetables. As a general rule, no make-up test sessions are offered. However, at the sole discretion of the instructor, a student who is absent for the listening, speaking, reading or writing components of tests may be accommodated in another group of the same course level. Such make-up tests can only be arranged at the UWI St. Augustine campus location. However, students who are absent for authorised, makeup tests will automatically receive a grade of zero for the incomplete modules. If no accommodation is possible for the listening, speaking, reading and writing sections, an instructor may either award an adjusted grade, or allow the student to be tested at 100 % during the end-of-semester examinations. The Confucius Institute reserves the right to make any changes to the information presented in this handbook. 14 P a g e