Utrecht, Netherlands

Intensive Chinese Language and Culture for Beginners

The Chinese language is the most widely spoken language in the world. Learning Chinese can open a new door for you to explore the culture and society of this rapidly developing country. Starting from zero, you will be able to conduct simple conversations and learn 150 new words (including the characters) at the end of this four-week intensive course. In addition, you will earn 7.5 ETCS after successful completion of this course and be qualified to take the official Chinese proficiency test, HSK 1.

Why would you learn Chinese?

China is a rapidly developing country with a growing global influence. The Chinese language is the most widely spoken language in the world (1.1 billion speakers), while being one of the oldest languages still in use. Besides, the Chinese culture, history, politics, economy and society are drawing more and more interest worldwide and are also becoming popular research topics among academics.

What is the HSK test?

The Chinese Proficiency Test, HSK, which stands for Hànyǔ (Chinese) Shuǐpíng (level) Kǎoshì (test), is an international standardized exam that tests and rates Chinese language proficiency. It assesses non-native Chinese speakers’ abilities in using the Chinese language in their daily, academic and professional lives. The HSK testing system consists of six levels: HSK I to HSK VI.

Please see our website for more information.

What will you be able to do with HSK level I?

Learners who reach HSK level I will be able to understand and use simple Chinese words and phrases, meet basic needs for communication and possess the ability to further their Chinese language studies;
You can continue your study of Chinese (or China Studies) at University College Utrecht in the following academic year and join the Chinese Language and Culture II course;
The test result is recognized worldwide by universities, institutions and companies.
Which language aspects will we cover in the course?

Listening, speaking (Mandarin), reading and writing characters (including typing), although the official HSK only tests listening and reading;
Knowledge about Chinese culture and society behind the language.
What will you learn from the course?

The Chinese pronunciation system;
More than 150 commonly used words;
Around 50 key grammar points;
Daily conversation topics including greetings, self-introduction, the date and time, ordering food and drinks, the weather, shopping, transportation, et cetera;
Knowledge about Chinese culture and society.
Schedule:

18 July - 12 August

We will have online classes every day except on Wednesdays (Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri) at 08:30-10:00 a.m.

In total: 16 meetings including the final exam.

Contact hours: 24.

Self-study hours: >40 (>80 for ECTS receivers with extra reading of a Chinese cultural book in English and writing an essay about Chinese culture/society).

Books:

*Please purchase the books yourself before the course starts.

HSK Standard Course 1 - Textbook

Author: Jiang Liping | Publisher: Beijing Language & Culture University Press, China | ISBN 9787561937099

HSK Standard Course 1 - Workbook

Author: Jiang Liping | Publisher: Beijing Language & Culture University Press, China | ISBN 9787561937105

(Optional: only for ECTS receivers)

China in the 21st Century: What Everyone Needs to Know (3rd edition)

Authors: Jeffrey N. Wasserstrom and Maura Elizabeth Cunningham | Publisher: Oxford University Press | ISBN-13 : 978-0190659080

Min. 5 participants

Course leader

Dr. Meiyi Bao

Fee info

EUR 545: Course fee