Great Chinese Classics

Subject CHIN20006 (2010)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 2 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

Semester 1, Parkville - 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 1 hour tutorial per week
Total Time Commitment: 3 contact hours/week , 5 additional hours/week. Total of 8 hours per week.
Prerequisites: Chinese 2B, Chinese 3B, Chinese 4B or equivalent as determined by the coordinator.
Corequisites: None.
Recommended Background Knowledge: None.
Non Allowed Subjects: None.
Core Participation Requirements: None.

Coordinator

Prof David Holm

Contact

A/Prof Anne McLaren

mclaae@unimelb.edu.au

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.
Objectives:
  • develop skills in reading Chinese texts written in full-form characters;
  • have mastered the basic structural principles of Classical Chinese;
  • be able to understand the function of most particles commonly used in guwen texts;
  • have gained some confidence in translating and interpreting material written in classical Chinese;
  • be able to contextualise judgements;
  • be able to critically analyse another culture;
  • acquire logical thinking skills.
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:
  • Gateway to the Chinese Classics: A Practical Introduction to Literary Chinese (J L Faurot) China Books and Periodicals, 1995
Recommended Texts: None.
Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

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 Chinese 5A , Chinese 5B , 110043 and 110044 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): Diploma in Modern Languages (Chinese)
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Chinese
Chinese Language
Chinese Language Major

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