Tsieinëeg Fodern (BA)

Most of our modules consist of a mixture of lectures, seminars and language classes that enable you to develop communication and analytical skills, and to develop critical thinking in a supportive environment.

Lectures provide an overview of the key concepts and frameworks for a topic, equipping you to carry out independent research for the seminars and to develop your own ideas.

Seminars provide an opportunity for you to engage critically with key ideas and explore the ideas outlined in lectures in a small group environment, usually consisting of around 15 students and the seminar leader (a member of the teaching team). Seminars may take various formats, including plenary group discussion, small group work and student-led presentations.

Language classes are taught in groups to enhance confidence and active learning. A varied timetable includes oral expression, aural comprehension and writing skills, which are taught in small groups to enhance confidence and active learning. These vital communication skills are practiced and developed through regular classwork exercises and written work. Our teaching methods allow you to engage with a range of language-learning technologies. Materials including textbooks, videos, films, novels, audio files and websites are supported by online resources that compliment classroom activities and promote and enable independent learning. Class materials include a range from literary and historical to contemporary journalistic texts, providing a broad insight into language and culture.

How will I be supported?

You will be allocated a personal tutor when you arrive. Personal tutors are members of the academic staff who will be on hand to provide advice, guidance, help and feedback.

A reading week each semester allows for guided study and a chance to catch up on assessed work, reading and revision. These weeks are also used by staff to visit students on their year abroad. 

You will have access through the Learning Central website to relevant multimedia material, presentations, lecture handouts, bibliographies, further links, electronic exercises and discussion circles.

Our undergraduate Professional Services Team provides academic and student support for all programmes. The team are located in a dedicated ‘student hub’ within the school and provide information and guidance in response to any queries you may have. We also have a dedicated Student Support Administrative Officer within the School, who can provide you with the necessary advice and guidance in a supportive, caring and confidential environment.

We pride ourselves on the level of engagement we have with our student body, giving you the opportunity to express your opinions and be partners in School decision-making where possible. We survey students regularly to make sure we are always working in your best interests.   

Beyond the School, the University offers a range of services including the Careers Service, the Counselling Service, the Disability and Dyslexia Service, the Student Support Service, the Academic Skills Development Centre and excellent libraries and resource centres.

Due to the unique nature of the BA in Modern Chinese significant support is built into this programme to ensure that you have as much preparation as possible before travelling to China for your second and third years.

You will attend pre-departure meetings with the Academic Co-ordinator for Chinese as well as visiting scholars from BNU, the International Exchange and ERASMUS office at the School.  The meetings will provide important cultural information on manners and conduct in China, travelling, food and shopping, staying safe, Christmas and other practical matters.

You will also have access to your Student Case Officer whilst in Beijing Normal University. The Student Case Officer will be your first point of contact for any issues and will provide you with any guidance that you may need whilst in China. This will be clearly explained. You can email your Cardiff University tutor to discuss any issues that you are having .You will also have access to a Professional Services member who can communicate in Chinese in case of specific issues requiring Chinese.  Any extenuating circumstance that requires special attention can be brought up to the Student Case officer and this will be taken to the BNU academic council to review and address. This is done on a weekly basis so a prompt and attentive response will always be guaranteed

You will be allocated a personal tutor by Beijing Normal University while studying there. Support is also available from other structures, as described above. You will also have access to all online support and help provided by Cardiff University whilst in China. Academics will also have pastoral care over their students who are at BNU and you will have contact with named academics who will also perform pastoral care duties when visiting in China.

Feedback 

We’ll provide you with frequent feedback on your work. This comes in a variety of formats including oral feedback, personalised feedback on written work and general feedback in relation to examinations. You will also be able to discuss your overall performance with your personal tutor.

What skills will I practise and develop?

You will acquire and develop a range of valuable skills, both those which are discipline specific and more generic ‘employability skills’. These will allow you to:

• develop your linguistic skills, as well as a broad appreciation of the culture, literature, and history of China
• grasp complex issues with confidence
• ask the right questions of complex texts
• have an imaginative appreciation of different views and options and analyse these critically
• identify and apply relevant data
• develop practical research skills
• propose imaginative solutions of your own that are rooted in evidence
• communicate clearly, concisely and persuasively in writing and speech
• work to deadlines and priorities, managing a range of tasks at the same time
• learn from constructive criticism and incorporate its insights
• work as part of a team, developing a collaborative approach to problem-solving
• use IT programmes and digital media, where appropriate
• take responsibility for your own learning programme and professional development