Aims

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

1) To develop a knowledge of the role of traditional Chinese philosophical/religious beliefs in Chinese life.
2) To develop a knowledge of the modern transformation of Chinese culture and its impact on Chinese life today.
3) To develop an understanding of key elements of Chinese culture such as history, language, governmentality, self-cultivation, aesthetics of life, nationalism, cosmopolitanism, communism, identity and soft power.
4) To develop critical faculties relating to the humanity and modernity of Chinese culture.

Outline Of Syllabus

Lecture themes will include:

1. Chinese History and Language
2. The Chinese Model of Government
3. Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism
4. Chinese Poetry and Aesthetics
5. Modern Chinese Nationalism
6. A Cosmopolitan World
7. Radical Revolutions
8. Rise of China and Its Cultural Factors
9. To Be or Not to Be a Chinese

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The Lectures will cover critical issues such as history, language, governmentality, self-cultivation, poetry and aesthetics, nationalism, cosmopolitanism, communism, rise of China.

For small group teaching, students will explore the critical issues covered in the lectures in seminar setting. An essay writing workshop will also be held by the end of the semester.


For lecture materials, students will be able to take advantage of the new textbook authored by the instructor, titled: Chinese Culture: Its Humanity and Modernity. Students will read the chapters in the book, as well as some additional readings of source materials.

The instructor will be available for individual consultation and advice during the course of study and particularly in preparing for the essay writing.

THIS MODULE IS TAUGHT AND ASSESSED IN ENGLISH.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

An exam by the end of Semester will test students’ command of the Chinese cultural knowledge. This will not only include factual historical knowledge but also short interpretive narratives on key cultural notions, events or texts, based on the required readings.

The assessed essay, 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 prepares Stage 1 students to take further cultural context modules at Stages 2 and 4, including the dissertation option (SML4099).