ASIA 2021 - Cultures and Identities in Contemporary China

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2015

This course gives students an insight into the complexity of China's past and present and highlights the continuity of a "living tradition" by applying the analytical principles that can be applied more or less universally in the field of humanities and social sciences. Key socio-political and religo-cultural ideas, together with institutions underpinning the bases of the myriad of Chinese identities are examined. Some of the key ideas shaping Chinese identities, including ('Han') Chineseness, ethnic and other minorities and the fact of how ideas of 'Confucianism' distorted Western analysis are also investigated. Chinese cultural variety is highlighted by showing how important Buddhism, Daoism, as well as popular beliefs, which include beliefs in fate, ghosts, fengshui and divination shape much Chinese thinking. More recent influences such as Christianity and Islam, Communism under Mao Zedong, nationalism and modern syncretic movements may be scrutinised to show how boundaries between politics and religions can become blurred in the light of religious tradition. Many of these ideas remain evocative and relevant both in China and in international relations when governments or others appeal to or against them.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code ASIA 2021
    Course Cultures and Identities in Contemporary China
    Coordinating Unit Asian Studies
    Term Semester 2
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 3 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange N
    Prerequisites At least 12 units of level 1 undergraduate study
    Incompatible ASIA 2016 or ASIA 3016
    Course Description This course gives students an insight into the complexity of China's past and present and highlights the continuity of a "living tradition" by applying the analytical principles that can be applied more or less universally in the field of humanities and social sciences. Key socio-political and religo-cultural ideas, together with institutions underpinning the bases of the myriad of Chinese identities are examined. Some of the key ideas shaping Chinese identities, including ('Han') Chineseness, ethnic and other minorities and the fact of how ideas of 'Confucianism' distorted Western analysis are also investigated. Chinese cultural variety is highlighted by showing how important Buddhism, Daoism, as well as popular beliefs, which include beliefs in fate, ghosts, fengshui and divination shape much Chinese thinking.

    More recent influences such as Christianity and Islam, Communism under Mao Zedong, nationalism and modern syncretic movements may be scrutinised to show how boundaries between politics and religions can become blurred in the light of religious tradition. Many of these ideas remain evocative and relevant both in China and in international relations when governments or others appeal to or against them.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Gerry Groot

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    At the successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1 Obtain knowledge and understanding of contemporary Chinese culture and identity issues
    2 Learn how to interpret and analyse Chinese society in detail
    3 Integrate theoretical knowledge with empirical evidence
    4 Learn to engage with the ideas and perspectives of other learners
    5 Learn to analyse issues in Chinese culture and identity critically and creatively
    6 Learn analytic skills for developing and defending an argument
    7 Develop skills in synthesising and contextualising new information
    8 Develop skills and confidence in participating in public discussion
    9 Develop essay writing skills
    10 Acquire research training skills
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 1-10
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 4, 8
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 2, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10
    An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 1,2, 4
  • Learning Resources
    Online Learning
    Weekly lecture notes will be available on MyUni prior to the start of each week’s lecture. Other information such as course-related announcements, assessment details and the electronic course profile will also be available through MyUni.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    The lectures introduce critical aspects of particular identity issues in contemporary China, themed around the broad topics of religion, politics, and contemporary culture China. Lectures will include audio-visual materials relevant to the theme when appropriate. In tutorials, students will have the opportunity to discuss what they have seen and heard in the lecture as well as to do their own individual presentations as part of the assessment for this subject.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    1 x 2-hour lecture (or equivalent) per week 24 hours per semester
    1 x 1-hour tutorial (or equivalent) per week 12 hours per semester
    6 hours reading per week 72 hours per semester
    2 hours research per week 24 hours per semester
    2 hours assignment preparation per week 24 hours per semester
    TOTAL WORKLOAD HOURS 156 hours per semester
    Learning Activities Summary
    Schedule
    Week 1 Introduction
    Religion and ethical identities
    Week 2 Confucian identities
    Week 3 Daoist and Buddhist identities
    Week 4 Christian and Islamic Identities
    Political identities
    Week 5 Nationalist Identities
    Week 6 Communist identities
    Contemporary identities
    Week 7 Female Identities
    Week 8 Male Identities
    Week 9 Minority ethnic identities
    Week 10 Media-influenced Identities
    Week 11 Popular culture-influenced Identities
    Week 12 Summary of course content
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment Task Task Type Weighting Learning Outcome
    Attendance and participation Formative and Summative 10% 1-10
    Tutorial presentation Formative and Summative 15% 1-10
    1500 word analytical essay Formative and Summative 30% 1-10
    Take home exam Summative 45% 1-10
    Assessment Related Requirements
    Students should attend all lectures and tutorials. Medical or other supporting documentation may be required for absences.
    Assessment Detail
    Attendance and participation: students are expected to attend and participation in both lectures and tutorials - 10% weighting

    Tutorial Presentation:
    students will submit a presentation on a specific topic chosen from a list - 15% weighting

    1500 word Analytical Essay:  students submit a 1500 word essay, based on a chosen topic - 30% weighting

    Take home exam: students complete an exam (2000 words per question) and provide a reference list - 45% weighting
    Submission
    All assignments are submitted electronically via MyUni.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
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