166-034 An/Other China:Theorising Everyday Life

Usually 25 points of first-year politics. For cultural studies students 50 points of first-year arts including at least 25 points from a specific list of subject areas, see Prerequisites.

This subject is built around glimpses of, and insights into, the lives of ordinary Chinese people and the rules and rituals that govern their existence. Students will discuss the ways everyday life was governed under socialism and the ways that control is now breaking down with the emergence of a consumer culture, enabling a close scrutiny of the politics of everyday life. Picking up on themes as diverse and quirky as Mao badge fetishists, hoodlum slang, and the role of the tattoo, the subject examines the way a range of people not only live but resist dominant social discourse. This subject also employs an array of new critical thinking from Western social theorists to highlight these themes. Hence students gain a grounding not only in the politics of everyday life in China but also in Western theoretical engagements with the everyday. Students who complete the subject should be able to offer an insight into Asian values by taking up the issue of culturally different ways of making sense, and gain a different view of Asia by examining things at street level. They will gain a grounding in certain schools of social, cultural and political theory.

• be able to research through the competent use of the library and other information sources, and be able to define areas of inquiry and methods of research in the preparation of essays;

• be able to conceptualise theoretical problems, form judgements and arguments and communicate critically, creatively and theoretically through essay writing, tutorial discussion and presentations;

• be able to communicate knowledge ideologically and economically through essay writing and tutorial discussion;

• be able to manage and organise workloads for recommended reading, the completion of essays and assignments and examination revision;

• be able to participate in team work through small group discussions.

A book review essay of 1500 words 40% due in the early part of the semester and a research essay of 2500 words 60% due in the examination period.

A subject reader will be available.