Aims

In consonance with the overall aims and objectives of the degree programme:

1) To develop a knowledge of traditional Confucian cultural beliefs and social binaries in Chinese life.
2) To develop a knowledge of rural-urban and regional differences in Chinese culture and society.
3) To develop knowledge of specific sub-groups within Chinese society (women, ethnic minorities, sexual minorities, religious minorities).
3) To develop an understanding of key challenges to Chinese society in the present and future.
4) To develop independent, critical thinking skills in respect of core topics in Chinese culture and society.

Outline Of Syllabus

Lecture themes will include:

Topic 1. Individual, Family, Society, State
Topic 2. Woman
Topic 3. Population and Fertility
Topic 4. Environment
Topic 5. The Rural-Urban Divide
Topic 6. Internal Migration
Topic 7. Social Inequality
Topic 8: Sexuality
Topic 9. Ethnicity
Topic 10. Religion

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

In-person Lectures will cover each of the 10 Module Topics, supported by a Powerpoint presentation.

Online materials will allow students to do some pre-reading or listen to a podcast / watch a video ahead of the two in-person Seminars.

Students will explore, discuss and debate the critical issues covered in the lecture, as well as the online materials they have consulted, within the Seminar setting.

One seminar slot will be used to deliver an essay writing workshop mid-semester.


THIS MODULE IS TAUGHT AND ASSESSED IN ENGLISH.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

A 90-minute Mid-Term exam (50%) will test students’ understanding of Chinese cultural and social topics by requiring them to produce 1 x Critical Commentary on an unseen source text selected from among three choices.

The Assessed Essay (1750-2000 words) (50%), based on classroom learning as well as extensive independent study, encourages students to foster individual initiative and project management skills. A successful essay will require the development and application of library and research skills, the acquisition of word-processing skills, demonstration of a high level of understanding of the chosen topic, and evidence of skills of critical analysis and discourse organisation.

The assessment structure provides Stage 1 students with the necessary foundation to take further cultural context modules at Stages 2 and 4, including the UG dissertation option (SML4099).