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CHNS3021: Chinese Historical & Literary Texts

Please ensure you check the module availability box for each module outline, as not all modules will run in each academic year. Each module description relates to the year indicated in the module availability box, and this may change from year to year, due to, for example: changing staff expertise, disciplinary developments, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Current modules are subject to change in light of the ongoing disruption caused by Covid-19.

Type Open
Level 3
Credits 20
Availability Available in 2023/24
Module Cap
Location Durham
Department Modern Languages and Cultures (Chinese)

Prerequisites

  • Chinese Language 2A (CHNS2041) or Chinese Language 2B (CHNS2012) or equivalent

Corequisites

  • Chinese Language 4B (CHNS3062)

Excluded Combinations of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To develop higher level reading and translating skills based on literary and historical texts in Chinese

Content

  • The course will use a selection of 20th century and contemporary Chinese literary and historical texts for detailed reading, content analysis and discussion.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

  • Knowledge of some key texts with significant cultural impact on modern Chinese society
  • Knowledge of the vocabulary and rhetorical techniques used in such texts
  • Knowledge of the literary, social or political background to the texts

Subject-specific Skills:

  • The ability to understand and analyse written and spoken discourse in Chinese, and to mediate between Chinese and English in interpreting and translation
  • Ability to read high level texts for content comprehension purposes and appreciate their significance at different levels
  • Ability to place such texts in their literary / intellectual contexts and explain their significance

Key Skills:

  • Ability to analyse and use complex language
  • Ability to relate texts to their literary, political and social environments
  • Ability to carry out self-directed study and present the results both orally and in writing

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Language classes and seminars; students will be expected to read both Chinese texts and background material out of class. Assessment will be a summative essay and an independent research essay.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
Language Classes20Weekly 1 hour20 
Seminars10Fortnightly1 hour10 
Preparation 170 
Total200 

Summative Assessment

Component: Summative Assessment 1Component Weighting: 50%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Summative Essay 12500 words100 
Component: Summative Assessment 2Component Weighting: 50%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Independent Research Essay2500 words100 

Formative Assessment

Oral feedback in classes and seminars

More information

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