This course introduces students to a range of key writings in modern Chinese thought. The course serves three objectives. First, it fills a role as an intermediate Chinese language course between upper intermediate and advanced language learning. Second, it provides knowledge of key issues in modern Chinese thought. Third it provides training in reading representative styles of Chinese academic writing. Skill in reading Chinese academic texts is essential for studies at the Honours level and beyond and for general research purposes.

As a language course, this course is primarily a readings course focusing on improving students? ability to read a variety of styles of Chinese academic writing. The course emphasises Chinese-English understanding and expression. The course is neither a spoken Chinese language course nor an English-Chinese translation course, although both formats will be explored to the extent they develop the core goals. By the conclusion of the course, the student should be familiar with the Chinese language tools available to assist in reading and translating Chinese academic writing; with the basic structure and vocabulary of academic writings; and with key concepts and developments in modern Chinese intellectual history.

This course is taught by a leading international specialist in Chinese intellectual history.

This course focuses on:

• improving students' ability to read a variety of styles of Chinese academic writing.
• familiarity with the Chinese language tools available to assist in reading and translating Chinese academic writing; with the basic structure and vocabulary of academic writings; and with key concepts and developments in modern Chinese intellectual history
• knowledge of key issues in modern Chinese thought.
• training in reading and translating representative styles of Chinese academic writing.
• Understand key concepts in Asian Studies and Chinese Intellectual History
• Acquire a different cultural perspective from which to view oneself, one's culture and one's society
• Integrate theoretical knowledge with empirical example
• Learn to engage with the ideas and perspectives of other learners
• Learn to think critically
• Learn analytic skills for developing and defending an argument
• Develop skills in synthesising and contextualizing new information
• Develop skills to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources, both Western and Asian
• Develop an ability to work in cooperative groups on key issues in Asian Studies and communicate findings to other course members

Assessment will be based on (1) two short translations (15% each), (2) end of semester examination (30%), (3) a translation project (20%), (4) homework (10%) and (4) classroom participation and preparation of in-class readings (10%). 

The two short translations will be done in Weeks 5 and 10.  The lecturer will select a text, appropriate in length and difficulty, for translation by the class.  Class attendance and participation is required.  Participation will be marked on attendance, willingness to participate, preparation and performance of oral reading and responding to questions.

• Attendance is required. Unexcused absences may affect the final grade, and students missing more than four classes may not receive credit for the course.

Thirty-seven hours per semester

Permission of Coordinator

Delivery Mode:

On Campus