110-470 Chinese Regional Cultures

12.5 points of second/third-year Chinese studies, Asian studies or other essay-based arts subject for third year. Admission to a postgraduate diploma or fourth-year honours in Chinese studies, Asian studies, or permission of the subject coordinator.

This subject explores the diversity of regional cultures in China. It looks at the distinctive social structures, belief systems, rituals, customs as well as the linguistic, artistic and literary systems found in various regions of what is now China. It combines the study of existing academic scholarship on Chinese local cultures with original research, examining different conceptual approaches to the question of regional cultural identity. On completion of this subject students should have developed an understanding of major issues in the analysis of Chinese regional culture, as well as skills of independent research and analysis.

Tutorial participation and written work totalling 4000 words for 3rd year, 5000 words for 4th year.