The course aims provide a reasonably paced introductory course over three terms in basic Chinese with the accent on practical spoken and written Chinese including coverage of basic grammar and essential vocabulary. By the end of the course, students should be able to communicate within a limited range of situations. They will be introduced to around 600 simplified characters in 36 weeks and the course includes instruction on using a Chinese dictionary.
Instruction is given on the method of writing characters and on character structure.
Some homework will be set each week and there will be regular informal assessments. Students will be expected to learn 15-20 characters per week. Class size is limited to twelve to allow close involvement. Dates and Times Classes will be held at SOAS in central London on Saturdays from 10am to 12.00pm for 36 weeks, divided into three 12-week terms. See our timetables pages.