110-183 Chinese Studies: Culture and Empire

Formerly available as 110-027. Students who have completed 110-027 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

This introductory subject examines Chinese society and culture by looking at the relationship between cultural systems and imperial power. It addresses the long-term development of social and intellectual structures in China in relation to empire as a political order and a system of territorial domination. Students should gain a foundation for further study of Chinese society and culture and specific skills in the writing of essays.

• 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 of 800 words 15% (due a week after presentation in class), an essay of 1200 words 30% (due mid-semester) and an essay of 2000 words 45% (due during the examination period) and continuous tutorial participation 10%.

• Patricia Buckley Ebrey, The Cambridge Illustrated History of China. Cambridge University Press,1996.