Great Chinese Classics

Subject 110-133 (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 1, - 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


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 2-hour lecture and a 2-hour tutorial per week
Total Time Commitment: One 2-hour lecture and one 1-hour tutorial per week.
Prerequisites: or equivalent as determined by the coordinator.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Prof David Holm
Subject Overview:

This subject offers an introduction to literary Chinese (wenyan) which was the formal written language of imperial China and the foundation of modern written Chinese. A knowledge of literary Chinese is thus indispensable in attaining higher level literacy in Chinese. Literary Chinese also includes texts written in classical Chinese in antiquity. In this subject students will read masterpieces of Chinese philosophy and literature from antiquity to the Tang period. Students will develop skills in reading texts written in full-form characters and acquire a basic knowledge of the particles and syntax of literary Chinese. They will also explore the origin and meaning of Chinese proverbs and the function of wenyan in contemporary usage.

Assessment: A class presentation and paper of 1500 words 20% (during semester, the paper is due one week after the presentation), a 1-hour review test in class equivalent to 500 words 20% (due in week 6) and a 2-hour examination 60% (during the examination period).
Prescribed Texts: Prescribed Texts:Gateway to the Chinese Classics: A Practical Introduction to Literary Chinese (J L Faurot), China Books and Periodicals, 1995
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:

Students who have completed , , and are not eligible to enrol in this subject. Available at 2nd year for students beginning Chinese at Chinese 4A level; 3rd year for students beginning at Chinese 1A or 2E levels.

Related Course(s): Bachelor of Arts
Diploma in Modern Languages (Chinese)
Graduate Diploma in Arts (Chinese)

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