coursemapLoading course
School of Culture History and Language · ANU College of Asia and the Pacific
This course builds on skills learned in Burmese 3 and provides students with extensive opportunities to review, practice, and expand their knowledge of spoken-style Burmese. The course content enables students to access authentic Burmese materials across both print and online platforms, including newspapers, magazine articles, governmental documents, short stories, poems, and excerpts from literary works. A rich variety of listening comprehension materials, including news, podcasts, and engaging discussions on academic topics, will enhance the development of students' speaking skills. Fascinating topics include Myanmar history, economics, anthropology, mythology, and practical conversations such as negotiations and problem-solving in business/academic contexts. These diverse topics significantly deepen students' understanding of Myanmar culture and society. Students will create Burmese compositions and speech scripts in spoken-style Burmese on both assigned topics and self-selected research topics of their interest related to Myanmar. The course regularly features Burmese native speakers and Myanmar specialists as guest speakers to enhance students' speaking abilities and provide authentic language exposure. Students will deliver presentations to these guests based on the topics covered throughout the course, creating valuable real-world communication experiences.
Participation
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Weekly Online Quizzes (10 x 1.5 % each)
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 4, 5, 6
Midsemester Written and Reading Assessment (Students will complete two writing tasks totaling 160 words in Burmese script.)
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 4, 5, 6
Midsemester Listening Comprehension and Oral Assessment
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Final Written and Reading Assessment (Students will complete two writing tasks totaling 320 words in Burmese script.)
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 4, 5, 6
Final Listening Comprehension and Oral Assessment
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
The total workload for the subject is 130 hours over 12 weeks of class and the examination period. Each week students are expected to study for 6 hours as follows: 1. 90 minutes in total, before each online class, working on the written and audio materials for the week, and, memorising the written and spoken forms of that week’s vocabulary 2. 180 minutes in total, participating in two 90-minute online classes 3. 90 minutes in total, completing online follow-up exercises regarding listening, speaking, reading and writing skills and vocabulary It is also expected that students should spend at least 4 hours of individual study practicing the week’s written and spoken language forms and vocabulary and reviewing feedback on their work. Other Information Equivalent to CEFR A2-B1; MLT Myanmar Language test M1-2 On successful completion of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to engage at a Pre-Intermediate level of Burmese. Students with native speaker proficiency (may include cognate languages and dialects) must review the language proficiency assessment site and contact the CAP Student Centre for appropriate enrolment advice. Students with previous “language experience or exposure” are required to take a language placement test to ensure enrolment at the most appropriate level. Relevant past experience includes: - Previous study of the language (both formal and informal, for example but not limited to, at school, or, home, or through online activities, etc.) - Being exposed to the language in childhood via a family member or friend - Travel or living in a country where the language is spoken - The language being spoken in your home (even if you do not speak it yourself) Students who are not sure if they need to take a placement test should seek advice from the course or language convenor. Students who intentionally misrepresent their language proficiency level may be investigated under the Academic Integrity Rule 2021 as having failed to comply with assessment directions and having sought unfair advantage. This may result in a penalty such as reduced grades or failure of the course.
Original ANU weekly teaching materials will be available on the BURM2002 - Burmese 4 Wattle site. Students are strongly recommended to obtain this dictionary. Pocket Burmese Dictionary (Burmese-English / English-Burmese) Publisher: Periplus, Edition: 2008, eBook (2014) is also available. Recommended Resources: Burmese by Ear or Essential Myanmar Author: John Okell Notes: Available for free download from here. https://www.soas.ac.uk/bbe/ Burmese: An Introduction to the Spoken Language Book 1 Author: John Okell (Northern Illinois University Press, 2010) Burmese: An Introduction to the Spoken Language Book 2 Author: John Okell (Northern Illinois University Press, 2010) Burmese: An Introduction to the Literary Style Author: John Okell (Northern Illinois University Press, 2010)