This course is for students interested in China. It is a sequel to the core course Introduction to Chinese Culture and Thought (ASIA1066) (not offered in 2008). It introduces key historical, social and cultural topics essential to understanding modern China and the influence and legacy of traditional society. The course is structured on the following themes: From Sinology to China Studies, Literature, Education, Identity, Gender, and Contemporary Social and Political Issues. 

Together with Introduction to Chinese Culture and Thought, this course serves as a core course for a major in Chinese Studies (and also for a China-rich concentration of later-year course) and may also be taken by students from other faculties.

1.  Understand key concepts about Chinese society

         2. Acquire a different cultural perspective from which to view oneself, one's culture and one's society

         3. Integrate theoretical knowledge with empirical example

         4. Learn to engage with the ideas and perspectives of other learners

         5.  Learn to think critically

         6.  Learn analytic skills for developing and defending an argument

         7.  Develop skills in synthesising and contextualizing new information

8.  Develop skills to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide   variety of soucres, both western and Asian     

9. Develop an ability to work in cooperative groups on key issues in Chinese Studies and  communicate findings to other course members

One tutorial precis (min 500 words; due before 30 Oct) - 15%

Titurial participation - 10%

Major essay (min 2,000 words; die 12 Oct) - 40%

Final examination - 35%

The first and second forms of assessment listed above (tutorial précis and participation) are designed to develop learning outcomes 2, 4, and 9; the essay is designed to develop learning outcomes 1-3 and 5-8; the final examination is designed to consolidate learning outcome 1.

Two lectures and one tutorial per week.