the confucius institute at the uwi st....
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The Confucius Institute at the UWI St. Augustine
Student Handbook 2016 - 2017
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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
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Opening hours
The Confucius Institute (CI) is located on the 2nd 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
8:00 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) 662-2002 Ext. 83213/83278
E-mail: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Confucius.UWI/
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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 23rd, 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.
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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) 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
HSK Test Preparation HSK Prep 1 HSK Prep 2 HSK Prep 3 HSK Prep 4 HSK Prep 5 HSK Prep 6
Chinese Corner N/A
Chinese Conversation TBD
Intensive Mandarin Chinese Beginner Intermediate
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.
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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
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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.
Teaching resources used for these courses include Basic Business Chinese (BBC) (《初级实用商务汉
语》), published by Peking University Press, and other materials prepared by the instructor.
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 Upper Intermediate) Pre-requisites
Business Mandarin Level 1.1 At least 50 hours of Mandarin Chinese Study
Business Mandarin Level 1.2 At least 50 hours of Mandarin Chinese Study
Business Mandarin Level 2.1 At least 100 hours of Mandarin Chinese Study
Business Mandarin Level 2.2 At least 100 hours of Mandarin Chinese Study
Business Mandarin Level 3.1 At least 200 hours of Mandarin Chinese Study
Business Mandarin Level 3.2 At least 200 hours of Mandarin Chinese Study
Business Mandarin Level 4.1 At least 300 hours of Mandarin Chinese Study
Business Mandarin Level 4.2 At least 300 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.
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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
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 sessions on select topics related to China and Chinese
culture. Participants benefit from the exceptional opportunity to learn about Chinese history and
culture, while also acquiring thematic vocabulary and phrases in Mandarin Chinese.
A Certificate of Participation is awarded to persons who attend more than 75% of the scheduled
sessions.
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.
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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
Mandarin 3.2 At least 250 hours of Mandarin Chinese Study
Mandarin 4.1 At least 300 hours of Mandarin Chinese Study
Mandarin 4.2 At least 350 hours of Mandarin Chinese Study
Mandarin 5.1 At least 400 hours of Mandarin Chinese Study
Mandarin 5.2 At least 450 hours of Mandarin Chinese Study
Mandarin 6.1 At least 500 hours of Mandarin Chinese Study
Mandarin 6.2 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.
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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.
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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 4 13 weeks 52
Chinese Calligraphy 2 13 weeks 26
Tai Chi 2 10 weeks 20
HSK Prep 4 3-8 weeks 12 – 32 hours
Chinese Corner 1.5 7 sessions per semester
10.5 hours
Intensive Mandarin 6 13 weeks 78
Chinese Conversation 4 13 weeks 52
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.
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Tuition Fees
Please refer to the table below for a breakdown of our tuition fees:
Course Fee*
Mandarin Chinese Business Chinese
Intensive Mandarin
TT $1,000 (new students) TT $800 (returning CI students, UWI students and UWI staff)
Calligraphy TT $500
Tai Chi TT $600 TT$100 (UWI students)
Chinese Conversation TT $500
HSK Test Preparation COST VARIES
Chinese Corner FREE
*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
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$50.
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Grading Scheme
Students are not awarded any specific grades (e.g., A, B, C …). Instead, results indicate a status of
either Pass (P) or Fail (F), as illustrated in the table below. In the context of all courses, a minimum
score of 50% must be obtained in order to qualify for a Pass (P).
姓名 (Name)
口语成绩 (Oral Test )
笔试成绩 (Written Test)
总评成绩(Overall)
是否通过 Pass/Fail
Jane Doe 34 44 78 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 Hours of Study
Level 1 100 hours of study (cumulative)
Level 2 200 hours of study (cumulative)
Level 3 300 hours of study (cumulative)
Level 4 400 hours of study (cumulative)
Level 5 500 hours of study (cumulative)
Level 6 600 hours of study (cumulative)
Please note that eligibility for an academic certificate is subject to completion of the final course
assessment.
Certificates of Participation are awarded to those who engage in the Chinese Corner activity. 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.
Transcripts
Students may request official transcripts for Chinese language and culture courses (with the exception
of HSK Prep courses). Requests must be submitted to [email protected] and include the
following information:
Full name of student,
Telephone contact,
Semester and academic year of enrolment,
Relevant course name(s).
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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
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, make-
up 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.