Chinese Language and Studies

What is this Structured Elective about?
This Structured Elective in Chinese Language and Studies offers a wide range of modules helping students who have no previous Chinese learning experience to command basic skills to communicate in Chinese as well as gain an understanding of China, in various aspects. If a student successfully completes Elective modules amounting to a minimum of 15 credits, which constitute the Structured Elective in Chinese Language and Studies during their degree, their official transcript will state that, in addition to their degree, they have also been awarded a 'Structured Elective in Chinese Language and Studies'.

Why should I take this Structured Elective?
This Structured Elective is aimed at both the “General Elective” students with an interest in Chinese studies and the ones who are aiming to be able to communicate in the Chinese language. The Chinese studies modules include society, culture, politics, law, economy and doing business in China. Modules are chosen to complement their ongoing studies or personal interests. The language modules aim to develop language skills in all four areas: listening, speaking, reading and writing. The class is organised around interactive and communication activities that will allow students to build all skills in the most efficient way. We believe the provision of Electives within this structured manner, supports the spirit of UCD Horizons allowing students to direct their own journey of academic and personal progress.

How would this Structured Elective benefit me?

On successful completion of Structured Elective in Chinese Language and Studies, students will:

1. Understand phrases, sentences or short conversations on topics such as daily routines, campus life, learning routines, when speech is clearly audible.
2. Communicate in routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on topics given above.
3. Understand and fluently use everyday expressions and phrases in predictable situations.
4. Improve their understanding and knowledge of China with a particular focus on Chinese culture; have a better understanding of Chinese deep-rooted cultural tradition which significantly influences the way Chinese people develop their business relationships with the West. (CHN10050 Chinese Culture)
5. Understand the context, processes and issues relating to politics and media in contemporary China, and China's role in the international arena. (CHN10100 Chinese Politics and Media)
6. Get to know the legal system in China generally as well as some core legal rules governing and regulating the operation of business in China, familiarise themselves with the operation of China’s contemporary legal system, so as to deal with legal issues while doing business in China. (CHN20050 Chinese Law)
7. Demonstrate a good knowledge and understanding of China, in particular in the aspects of contemporary Chinese society. (CHN20120 Contemporary Chinese Society)
8. Develop the ability to comprehend and analyse major theoretical and policy issues in China's economic development and transformation and their implications for the business environment and practices; have greater familiarity with the key economic magnitudes and institutional settings of the contemporary Chinese economy. (CHN30060 Chinese Economy)
9. Develop a comprehensive understanding of the contemporary environment of doing business in China and an appreciation of some of the implications for firms seeking to undertake business there;  be able to critically examine the major components, determinants and practices of running enterprises in China and to develop a practical awareness of doing business in China. (CHN30050 Doing Business in China)

How do I take the modules in this Structured Elective?

• In order to earn this Structured Elective you must take the specified modules in or after 2019/20.
• To receive this Structured Elective you must take the required modules as Elective modules and not as Core or Option modules.
• Students must take at least 15 credits from the following modules during their degree. Note that these modules can be taken in any order and at any stage as none is a pre-requisite for any other. The stages detailed below are the recommended stages at which to take each module.
• Students will NOT register for this Structured Elective in advance. It will be awarded post hoc based on the electives they have chosen during their undergraduate degree.
• No guarantee will be given to students that it will be possible to take 15 credits from the set. This will depend on module places being available and on the exigencies of the timetable.
• Pre-requisites apply to some modules.