Objectives
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To produce specialists in China and Chinese who will be able to take up posts in the professional world of business and tourism both in China (interpreter-guides, executives in representation offices and other commercial or industrial sites, etc.) and in France (welcoming Chinese tourists, import-export, etc.)
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To produce specialists in China and Chinese who will be able to pass competitive teaching examinations and take up positions in development in French high schools (in Western France, in particular) and in continuing education institutions
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To produce specialists in China and Chinese who will be able to teach French as a foreign language to Chinese learners in France or China.
Skills
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Proficiency in oral and written modern Mandarin Chinese. The creation of a bachelor’s degree for beginners has led to an in-depth reflection on the possibility of an adapted programme for students to become proficient in oral and written Chinese as quickly as possible, particularly with regard to teaching reading. We have calculated that a teaching-learning rate of about 500 characters per year will raise students’ proficiency from level A2 to level B2 (autonomous, in which learners need to know approximately 1500 characters) in the first two years and then to level C1 (fluent) by the end of year 3.
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Good general knowledge of Chinese literature and civilization, with the related vocabulary and a sinological and scientific approach.
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Introduction to the classical language to give access to pre-1920 writings and to provide a high level of proficiency in the modern written language.
Course Content
Two pathways are available in year 1 (L1), beginners and advanced, depending on whether students have studied the topic at high school. Gateways are possible at the end of year 1 and year 2 of the vocational bachelor’s degrees. Discovery and Complementary minor options are taken by year 1 and year 2 students, respectively. Classes take place over the six semesters, enabling a progressive specialization. This means that students learn approximately 2500 characters over the three years. The introduction to classical Chinese in year 2 allows students to achieve a higher level of written comprehension. The civilization courses generally follow a chronological progression and an increasing technicality in the analytical approach to documents.
