Classic Chinese Civilisation

Subject 110-052 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbookSearch for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Undergraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 2, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

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Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 1.5-hour lecture and a 1-hour tutorial per week
Total Time Commitment: .
Prerequisites: Any two second-year subjects from the core subjects listed in the Asian Studies major or equivalent. For pre-2008 students: Usually 50 points of 1st year study in the Faculty of Arts.
Corequisites: .
Recommended Background Knowledge: .
Non Allowed Subjects: .
Core Participation Requirements: .

Coordinator

Assoc Prof Anne McLaren
Subject Overview: In this subject students will be introduced to the distinctive characteristics of Chinese civilization from a comparative East-West framework. The focus will be on how the ancient Chinese found solutions to universal human problems, such as how to set up social and political organizations, the operations of kinship systems, and the impact of human settlement on the environment. The focus will be on Chinese ideas relating to government, religion, belief systems and law. Students will read and interpret key primary texts in English translation and assess the value of ancient Chinese material culture (including art, technology and architecture) in understanding the past. On completion of this subject students will have an overview of key notions in Chinese civilization and an appreciation of the relevance of these to contemporary beliefs and practices.
Assessment: Participation (10%) based on contribution to class discussion in tutorials. No marks are given for attendance solely but students are required to attend at least six tutorials as a hurdle requirement. One class paper of 1,500 words presented in class and submitted one week after presentation (40%), one research essay of 2,500 words (60%) due during the examination period.
Prescribed Texts: Materials supplied by the Institute.
Recommended Texts: Paul S. Ropp,
Heritage of China: Contemporary Perspectives on Chinese Civilization.
University of California Press, 1990
Breadth Options: This subject is a level 2 or level 3 subject and is not available to new generation degree students as a breadth option in 2008.
This subject or an equivalent will be available as breadth in the future.
Breadth subjects are currently being developed and these existing subject details can be used as guide to the type of options that might be available.
2009 subjects to be offered as breadth will be finalised before re-enrolment for 2009 starts in early October.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills: # acquire written communication skills through essay writing and seminar discussion;
# show attention to detail through essay preparation and writing;
# acquire time management and planning skills through managing and organising workloads for recommended reading, essay and assignment completion;
# acquire public speaking skills through tutorial and seminar discussion and class presentations.
Notes: .
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Arts
Diploma in Arts (Asian Studies)
Graduate Diploma in Arts (Asian Studies)

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