Undergraduate Unit Guide
Department of International Studies
CHN209 Intermediate Chinese for Background Speakers II
Credit Point Value: 3
Students in this unit should read this unit guide carefully at the start of semester. It contains important information about the unit. If anything in it is unclear, please consult one of the teaching staff in the unit.
TEACHING STAFF
Shirley Chan is Senior Lecturer in Chinese Studies, Department of International Studies and a member of the Macquarie University Ancient Cultures Research Centre. She has a BA (Asian Studies) and a Master in International Studies from the University of Sydney. She was awarded a PhD from the Department of Chinese Studies at Sydney University, where her thesis was on early Confucianism and the http://www.ukassignment.org/azdxassignment/ Confucian Analects. She has taught various courses in Chinese studies conducted in English and Chinese, including the Chinese Classics, Chinese Civilization, Chinese History, Introduction to Classical Chinese, and Traditional Chinese Thought. Her major research interests are traditional Chinese thought, Chinese philosophy, the classical Chinese texts and Chinese intellectual history. Her current research is on early Chinese thought as found expressed in the excavated Chu Guodian bamboo manuscripts dated to the fourth century BCE.
CLASSES
For lecture times and classrooms please consult the MQ Timetable website: This website will display up-to-date information on your classes and classroom locations.
Changes made to previous offerings of the unit
We are in the process of redeveloping the curriculum, in response to the needs of background students who aim not merely to develop their language/literary skills, but to deepen and extend their knowledge of Chinese culture and tradition. Apart from assigned readings in Chinese, this unit has been revised to introduce to students representative works in English in the fields of traditional Chinese culture and society, to explore the emergence and characteristics of Chinese culture. This will facilitate academic discussions that will take on different perspectives/approaches from Sinologists in the West and Chinese scholars and will better prepare students for further studies in Chinese history, philosophy and literature at a more advanced level by fostering a more stimulating and challenging academic environment; likewise, it will enhance and strengthen students’ critical, analytical and integrative thinking and similar skills promoted by the Faculty and the university.
ABOUT THIS UNIT
Description
This is the continuing unit of CHN208. It is designed for students who are Chinese background speakers or those who possess similar level of Chinese to the HSC Chinese for background speakers. In CHN208/209, we will examine the themes of Chinese archaeology, writing system, mythology, body, ritual practice, kinship and family; social relationships; morality, political thinking and power; land and space; beauty of aesthetics, cosmology and spirituality. Using a social scientific approach to Chinese culture, the course aims to explore what the Chinese cultural and social experience can teach us about what it means to be human, and to critically evaluate what Chinese culture can contribute to an emerging global civilization. It will give students opportunity to become more confident and fluent in conducting research on ancient China and related topics by guided readings, weekly lecture and tutorial; to create an atmosphere of inquiry, confident learning, interest and engagement. This course will help you as you reflect on the place of Chinese traditional values in your own worldview and, your understanding of other people and other culture. Students will read and analyse sources in Chinese and English on the relevant topics, although class discussions will mainly be in Chinese.
Upon completion of this course, students are expected to 1) understand key concepts of Chinese culture and society; 2) show appreciation of, and respect for, cultural diversity, thereby contributing to an informed "global citizenship"; 3) develop skills in locating, analysing, evaluating and synthesising information from a wide variety of sources, both Chinese and English; 4) develop effective communication skills.
Students will also acquire other generic skills promoted by the Faculty and the university: 1) the capacity for analytical and critical thinking; 2) the ability to engage with the ideas and perspectives of other learners; 3) the acquisition of independent and reflective learning skills through assessing and responding to new ideas.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
All academic programmes at Macquarie seek to develop graduate capabilities. These are:
1. Discipline-specific knowledge and skills;
2. Critical, analytical and integrative thinking;
3. Problem-solving and research capability
4. Creative and innovative ;
5. Effective communication ;
6. Engaged and ethical local and global citizens;
7. Socially and environmentally active and responsible;
8. Capable of professional and personal judgement and initiative;
9. Committment to continuous learning.
Note: The numbers listed at the end of each Learning Outcome indicate how it is aligned with the Graduate Capabilities.
The learning outcomes of this unit are (link to graduate capabilities in brackets):
A. Enhanced knowledge of traditional Chinese culture and society (1, 2, 3, 6, 9)
B. Improve understanding of the key values and practices in shaping Chinese culture, people and their ways of living; (1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 9)
C. Students will gain familiarity and facility with concepts, themes and theoretical perspectives on traditional Chinese culture (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9)
D. Show capacity for analytical and critical thinking as well as appreciation of, and respect for cultural diversities (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9)
E. Be able to engage in independent and reflective learning through assessing and responding to ideas (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9)
F. Develop an ability to work in cooperative groups on key issues in Chinese Studies and communicate findings to other fellow students (2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9)
G. Demonstrate an understanding of the elements shaping Chinese history, people and culture
UNIT REQUIREMENTS AND EXPECTATIONS
The prerequisite of this unit is CHN208. Students admitted to this course are expected to have a level of Chinese equivalent to HSC Chinese for Background Speakers.
Classes will be composed with lecture followed by tutorial discussion that strongly emphasis student engagement.
To benefit the most from the course, students are required to be active, responsible participants in their own learning; and to develop analytical and research skills in Chinese culture and society by reading and analysing both Chinese and English sources which should not be confined to the recommended reading list. Students should complete assessments on time by following instructions. Essays and assignments will be written in Chinese and English although class discussions will be in Chinese and explained in English if necessary.
Brief description:
Class attendance and participation in discussion is required. Participation will be marked on attendance, willingness to participate in class discussion, preparation and performance of reading and responding to questions. Students are expected to be well prepared in order to participate in class discussion – this will ensure good use of class time as well as improving your learning skills and sharing your knowledge with others. Class attendance and participation is expected and will be part of the assessment. This means you not only come and sign in the class but come well prepared and participate in class discussion. You need to read the assigned reading material and think about the topics and share your thought with others. Your marks for class attendance and performance will be determined by
a) Whether you attend class regularly or not;
b) How much effort you have taken to prepare for the class;
c) How actively you participate in class discussion; and
d) How helpful your comments are on the work of our fellow students.
Brief description:
Students will submit two written assignment, one in Chinese and one in English on a chosen topic which needs to be approved by the convenor. Details will be posted in Blackboard.
These assignments should be your own original work. Plagiarism is not acceptable (For further information and advice, see ). You marks will be determined by but not limited to:
a) Grasp of the task and focus. Are you really answering the question(s)? Is there a well-defined framework or scope of argumentation?
b) Knowledge of content and research. For example, is there a well-developed argument/critique? Does the essay reflect a clear insightful knowledge of the topic in a clear and critical analysis? Does the written work reflect a substantial and skilful research effort? The essay may incorporate text materials linked together with your own commentary and conclusions. This will involve research activities such as locating materials, books and journal articles.
c) Creativity and judgement. Does the essay show good judgement in the selection or arrangement of materials? Is there an evidence to support your argument/thesis?
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