110-048 Modern Chinese Literature

110-161 Chinese 1B, 110-029 Introductory Chinese 2B or equivalent.

This subject examines developments in modern Chinese literature from the Literary Revolution to the present. Students will study Chinese texts in class as well as read widely in English for the lecture. By the end of the subject students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the major developments in modern Chinese literature since the Literary Revolution and of the ideological issues involved. They should also be able to demonstrate an acquaintance with the works of a number of significant 20th century writers.

• acquire communication skills through essay writing and seminar discussion;

• show attention to detail through essay preparation and writing;

• acquire time management and planning skills through managing and organising workloads for recommended reading, essay and assignment completion;

• acquire public speaking skills through tutorial and seminar discussion and class presentations;

• acquire critical thinking and analysis skills through recommended reading, essay writing and tutorial discussion, and by determining strength of an argument;

• be able to research through competent use of the library, and other information sources and the definition of areas of inquiry and methods of research.

A book review of 400 words 10% (due mid-semester), a translation assignment of 100 words 10% (due one week after completion of first text), an essay of 1500 words 30% (due late semester) and a 2-hour examination 50% (due during the examination period).

• T H Chang & D E Manwaring, Easy Readings in Modern Chinese. MIALS, The University of Melbourne, 2001.