This course is for students interested in China. It is a precursor to the core course Introduction to Chinese Society (ASIA1067). The course focuses on 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: Geography and Environment, The Written and Spoken Word, Cultural Heroes, Cultural Villains, Philosophy and Thought, and Religion and Belief. The course assumes no background knowledge of China or the Chinese language.

This is a core course for a major in Chinese Studies (or alternatively for a China-rich concentration of later-year courses) and may also be taken by students from other Faculties. Once you have successfully completed this course and its sequel (Introduction to Chinese Society) you will be well prepared to undertake the study of Chinese history, culture and society at intermediate and then advanced levels. You will also be in a better position to identify topics that are of interest to you in that vast world called "Chinese Studies."

1. Understand key concepts about Chinese culture and thought

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 sources, 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 précis (min 500 words; 15%)

Tutorial Participation (10%)

Major Essay (Min 2,000 words; 40%)

Final Examination (35%)