110-457 Chinese Research Methods

Formerly available as 110-055. Students who have completed 110-055 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

110-163 Introductory Chinese 3B, 110-123 Chinese 2B or equivalent.

This subject is an introduction to the discipline of sinology, that is, the methods required to access and interpret data from Chinese-language texts pre-dating the republican era (before 1911) as well as the modern period. Students will be given a systematic introduction to the intellectual foundations of Chinese systems of knowledge as well as a practical skills component that will enable you to access and interpret data from texts and other media. Topics covered will include the history of sinology in the West, the Chinese language and dictionaries, Chinese concepts of time, the Chinese calendar and historical records, Chinese biographical writing and concept of the personality, notions of the family and the construction of genealogies, notions of space, cartography and the interpretation of maps, the role of the Chinese state in the compilation and categorisation of knowledge. Topics dealing specifically with the 20th century include ethnographic approaches, researching socialist China and the investigation of politically sensitive subjects such as minority and marginal groups.

• be able to outline and undertake simple and concise research tasks;

• have competent use of information resources;

• acquire skills to critically think and analyse;

• understand cultural context.

A class paper of 1200 words 25% (due mid-semester), thesis problem and literary review 1200 words 40% (due late semester), open book review test 1-hour 25% (due end of semester) and class participation and exercises 800 words 10% (due throughout the semester).

Materials prepared by the Institute.