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CHNS3021: Chinese Historical & Literary Texts

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Type Open
Level 3
Credits 20
Availability Available in 2024/2025
Module Cap 18
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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