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Course review
Review by: Jenny D
University: Oxford University
Course: Chinese
Year of study: 3rd
Level of Study: Undergraduate
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The course in general
How many contact hours do you have in the average week?
20
Ideally, what 3/4 subjects would you recommend doing in order to be in the best position for your course?
At least one modern language (not Chinese), History, Latin and a Science
Why did you decide to study your degree programme?
Desire to gain fluency an ability in Mandarin.
Explain the things you wish you'd known about your degree before you applied:
How much work it was. Really. It takes over your life. You better be committed if you are wanting to apply. My course has the highest drop-out/failure rate in Oxford - and tutors will not tolerate poor work ethic.
Describing your average day
Explain how your day is made up. For example, do you have labs/seminars/tutorials/lectures?
Varies year to year:
First year: classes everyday in small groups (under 15) from 10am until lunch, with history lectures in the afternoons twice a week. Rigorous work schedule in both modern and classical Chinese with a Language lab once a week.
Tests Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (and I had Thursdays too).
One language tutorial with a tutor in a group of two, for further testing. One 2000 word essay in history/civilisation every two weeks, with a tutorial one on one with your tutor after submission to discuss your work. Final year exams.
Second year: classes nearly everyday in modern and classical Chinese, further Language Lab sessions. More difficult translation classes on modern literature (20 century). Exams at end of second term. Third term abroad.
Third Year: Weekly tutorial in groups of two translating newspaper articles with tutor. Daily Language Lab session offered. Interpreting class in groups of three once a week. Option to start Japanese and Korean, or more politics/literature. Politics option includes a 2000 word essay every two weeks. History essays compulsory, 2000 words every two weeks. Weekly history lecture. Compulsory Classical Chinese class (less than 15 people).
How much extra work/reading are you required to do out of lectures?
Yes!
Is there anything else you think is relevant or that you would like to add in respect of your course?
Its a fantastic course, but not for the light-hearted.
The best and worst parts of the course
What do you like least about your degree programme?
It's intense work load in first and second year.
Academics and course content
What do you think of your university's academics and facilities?
Outstanding.
Explain how you expected your course to be and how it compares to how it actually is. Give an outline of the content of the course.
A lot of self-taught language work, you are expected to work long hours in your own time, and consult tutors only when you do not understand.
You are expected to reach A level standard by the end of first year (you are a beginner to start). There is rigorous language work.
Equal parts to the course are modern and classical Chinese, which separates Oxford from less academically selective universities. The course is much more broad than simply learning Mandarin and I would not recommend to someone looking simply for a quick-fix for CV points. Classical Chinese is compulsory and extremely difficult.
Overall, to someone with a strong work ethic, and a flair for languages as well as academic debate/essay writing, I believe Chinese is the most rewarding and challenging course available at Oxford.
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University review
Review by: Jenny D
University: Oxford University
Course: Chinese
Year of study: 3rd
Level of Study: Undergraduate
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Describing your university
Sum up your university in one paragraph:
The most challenging yet rewarding university in England, with unrivalled opportunity for rigorous academic work. But it's a bit like being in a bubble.
What is the academic life like at your university?
Intense but rewarding.
Describe your Freshers' Week - was it as you expected, better or worse? Why?
Average, as expected.
Are there any other notes you would like to add about life in general at university or anything else which would be relevant to a prospective student?
Make the most of your time at Oxford, it goes very quickly. And be prepared to work.
What is the best and worst thing about your university?
Research and library facilities. Tutorial system is unrivalled. Scope for rigorous academic work at even an undergraduate level. Also reputation opens many doors both at an academic and career level. Overal, it's just a very enjoyable but challenging place.
Sport and extra curricular
What are the sport and other activities on offer like at your university?
Excellent sports facilities and opportunities, particularly at a Varsity level (competitions with Cambridge). Rugby, rowing, hockey, and lacrosse are all particularly strong. But tutors get angry if you are sporty, and your work suffers. Its a balancing act. Or just do it in secret!
The social scene
What is the social scene (and/or nightlife) like at your university? Is it particularly alcohol orientated?
Four or five main clubs, where Oxford nights run separate to Brookes (the other University in Oxford) nights. This is however limited in comparison with other universities. You will see the same people in the same place every week.
What do you think of the city your university is based in or near (as a city)?
Love it.
Accommodation
Do you live in a halls of residence or a student house (or college)? What would you suggest is best in your opinion?
Lived in college first year. Lived in student house second and third year. Planning to live out in fourth. If your college accommodation is good I recommend living in for finals and first year, maybe out for second year if you want to.
If you are in a hall or college, is it catered or self catered? Which is better for the first year in your opinion and why?
Colleges are all catered. And everyone lives in college in first year.
Approximately, what is the average cost of accommodation per week in your first year for catered and non-catered halls/colleges?
About £75/80pw?
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