Chinese - Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages (MATCSOL)

Course details

The programme aims to provide students with the theoretical knowledge and professional competences required to teach Chinese effectively to speakers of other languages in a variety of contexts globally and in Ireland.* Students develop an understanding of key issues in teaching Chinese as a linguistic system to a variety of learners. They become familiar with recent research and publications on theory and practice in teaching Chinese and they learn how to critically review this material. They gain practical professional experience by engaging in class observation and practice teaching and they learn how to evaluate their own professional competence and that of others. Their teaching internship placements are arranged for them by the School of Asian Studies. They also write a dissertation on a topic drawn from the field of Chinese language teaching. On leaving the programme they are prepared to teach Chinese in a wide range of contexts and they have the necessary professional and reflective competences to further develop their capacities and careers in Chinese language teaching or associated fields in Ireland or globally.

If studying full-time (Sept-August), you’ll take three modules in the Autumn semester and three in the Spring semester, with a dissertation completed over the summer months, as follows:

What happens in the programme? The MA TCSOL combines theory with hands-on practice. In class, you’ll find yourself discussing theories and concepts used in language teaching and how they are relevant to Chinese, and reviewing the pros and cons of different ways of teaching languages.  You’ll learn to analyse and explain Chinese as a linguistic system and to understand the varying challenges faced by learners of Chinese. You’ll observe successful teachers in action and discuss what you’ve learned, and in turn you’ll develop teaching materials and teach students, with others observing your classes and providing constructive feedback. Through written assignments and presentations to fellow-students you’ll learn the right professional terminology and gain experience in applying your theoretical understanding to effective lesson planning and delivery. Your teaching practice may also provide you with material for exploring a topic of special interest in your dissertation, in which all the knowledge and skills acquired during the course should come together. Throughout, as a UCC student you’ll enjoy access to a beautiful and historical campus and a great range of student services and facilities. 

Entry Requirements

Candidates should normally hold a Second Class Honours Grade 2 primary degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject area such as Chinese or Asian Studies (or in another relevant area if the candidate is a native speaker of Chinese).

Exceptionally, applicants who do not fulfil the usual entry requirements but have, for example, relevant professional experience in an educational setting may also be considered based on the information provided in a supplementary statement and may be invited for interview (in person or online) to satisfy the selection committee of their suitability for the programme. Strong references may be taken into consideration in deciding upon admissions. Admission of such applicants will be subject to the approval of the College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences.

Fluency in Chinese (minimum HSK level 5 or equivalent)

Candidates whose first language is not Chinese should hold an HSK (hanyu shuiping kaoshi/Chinese Proficiency Test) Level 5 certificate (or certified equivalent). Alternatively, they should have an approved undergraduate degree in which at least 50% of the credit weighting is in Chinese language and Chinese Studies. Candidates without these qualifications but who have a demonstrably strong proficiency in the Chinese Language may be exceptionally considered on a case by case basis subject to the approval of the College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences.

Fluency in English

• IELTS (or equivalent):  6.5

Garda Vetting

• All candidates on this programme will be subject to national regulations for Garda Vetting given that their teaching placement or subsequent career may bring them into contact with minors.

Course Practicalities

This is a 12-month programme (24 months part-time). UCC semesters run from September to early December and January to March/early April, with 12 teaching weeks per semester. Taught modules are typically 3hrs a week in the classroom (e.g. 2 lectures and a seminar), while language modules will involve up to 6hrs per week. The teaching internship module involves periods of time in different teaching settings preparing and delivering classes and reflecting on your teaching style and effectiveness. You do not have to find your own placement; the School of Asian Studies will arrange a sufficient number in a range of educational settings each academic year. MA level work involves a lot of reading and thinking so you’ll find that the year passes very quickly. You should be thinking about the topic of your Dissertation from early on in the year but you’ll devote most time to it during the summer months.

Assessment

Assessment is by a mixture of coursework and formal exams. You’ll be assessed in most cases by essays or other written assignments and by in-class presentations and other elements including classroom observation and teaching practice reports relating to the practice elements.