110-052 Chinese Thought

Fifty points of first year from any area of study within the Faculty of Arts or permission from the coordinator.

In this subject students will be introduced to the major issues in traditional Chinese thought within an East-West comparative perspective. Topics discussed will include the formation of Chinese cultural identity, Chinese notions of Chinese kinship, government and the law, Confucianism, Chinese religion, and Chinese scientific and medical concepts. Students will read and interpret key primary texts in English translation. On completion of this course students will have an overview of key notions in Chinese traditional thinking together with an appreciation of their relevance to contemporary beliefs and practices.

• 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 classpaper presented in class 10% (due in the relevant week), a 1000 word essay 15% (handed in one week after presentation), a textual analysis exercise of 1000 words 25% (due mid-semester) and an essay of 2000 words 50% (due during the examination period).

Materials supplied by the Institute.