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.

• acquire written 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.

A reflective essay of 2000 words 40% (due mid-semester), a research essay of 2000 words for 3rd year and 3000 words for 4th year 50% (due during the examination period) and a class presentation 10%.