110-435 Chinese Classical Texts

Formerly available as 110-061. Students who have completed 110-061 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

37.5 points of second/third year subjects in Chinese language and/or studies, including 110-163 Introductory Chinese 3B, 110-123 Standard Chinese 2B or 110-040 Chinese 2B.

This subject involves selected readings in classical Chinese. Selections will include passages from the classical philosophers and the early dynastic histories, and may also include more recent writings in the literary language (wenyan). Detailed attention will be given to at least one classical text, and to the ways in which the contemporary meaning of the text may be reconstructed. Students who complete this subject should gain familiarity with the stylistic and linguistic features of classical Chinese prose; ability to translate and comment on the stylistic and linguistic features of selections studied; an understanding of the ways in which the Chinese scholarly tradition has shaped and changed the received meaning of classical texts; and an appreciation of the continued relevance of classical Chinese in contemporary China.

• acquire written communication skills through essay and assignment preparation and writing;

• acquire attention to detail through close reading and textual analysis;

• acquire time management and planning skills through managing and organising workloads.

Class work totalling 1000 words for third year students and 1500 words for fourth year students 30% (due weekly in class), written assignments totalling 1000 words for third year students and 1500 words for fourth year students 30% (due at intervals during semester) and major essay of 2000 words 40% (due late semester).