CHIN 5000 - Theories of Representation and China

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2014

This course will ground students in the core theoretical framework of transcultural representation through which they can analyse cultures and understand how communication is shaped by its contexts. In part one, students are provided with the tools by which they can analyse the theoretical representation of China both in the West and within China itself. These theories include myths, semiotics, orientalism, globalization, post-structuralist thought and ideologies. The course will illustrate these theories through exploring the representation of China in cultural texts and films in the West and how China represents itself to the world in its cultural forms, including the bilingual virtual realm of the Internet. In part two, students will be guided in the application of these theories to extensive research projects as developed with and approved by their supervisor. These projects will be summative in nature relating theories of representation to case studies of transcultural representations.

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Course Details

Course Code	CHIN 5000
Course	Theories of Representation and China
Coordinating Unit	Asian Studies
Term	Semester 1
Level	Postgraduate Coursework
Location/s	North Terrace Campus
Units	6
Contact	Up to 3 hours per week
Assessment	Participation (10%), presentation (15%), 2,000 word theory paper (25%), 6,500 word research essay (50%)

Course Staff

Course Coordinator: Dr Xianlin Song

Course Timetable

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

Course Learning Outcomes

1	obtain knowledge and understanding of theoretical approaches to representation and a transcultural dialogue with China
2	understand the cultural underpinnings of western research paradigms andmethodologies, and the rhetorical logic in which these are formally expressedin speech and writing
3	frame a research problem and devise appropriate andeffective ways of investigating it in contemporary social and cultural studiescontexts
4	appreciate conventional criteria for constructing convincing argument inEnglish
5	develop critical reading, research and then argument and evaluation skills
6	work cooperatively with others to solve research problems, analyse texts,present findings and critique presentations
7	engage with, and contribute to, diverse cultural perspectives and academictraditions
8	develop experience and confidence in participating in public discussion
9	increase knowledge and competence in deductive essay writing

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, 2, 4
The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner.	3, 4-6, 8
An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems.	1-9
Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication.	2, 3, 5-7
A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies.	1-9
A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life.	1, 3, 5-6
A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community.	1-9
An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities.	1-3, 7-9

Learning & Teaching Modes

This course takes the form of weekly seminars where students are expected to actively participate in group discussion and interrogate theoretical parameters. On-going support is provided within the curriculum by the bilingual team teaching in the classroom, and through MyUni.

Workload

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

1 x 3 hour seminar per week	36 hours per semester
10 hours reading per week	120 hours per semester
6 hours research per week	72 hours per semester
7 hours assignment preparation per week	84 hours per semester
TOTAL WORKLOAD	312 hours per semester

Learning Activities Summary

Schedule
Week 1	Introduction to the course
Week 2	Theories of Representation
Week 3	Semiotics and Deconstruction
Week 4	Orientalism, Occidentalism and Sinology
Week 5	Performing Gender
Week 6	Feminism and Femininities
Week 7	Nationalism and Globalisation
Week 8	Contemporary Global Literature: Reading Critically and Creatively
Week 9	Contemporary Global Art: Perspectives and Approaches
Week 10	Representation of Online Life
Week 11	Student presentations
Week 12	Student presentations

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

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

Assessment Summary

Assessment Task	Task Type	Weighting	Learning Outcome
6000 word Research Essay	Summative	50%	1-7, 9
Seminar participation and discussion	Formative and Summative	20%	1-4, 6-8
Seminar Presentation	Formative and Summative	15%	3,4,5,6,8
2000 word Theoretical paper	Formative and Summative	15%	5,9

Assessment Related Requirements

Seminar participation and discussion - 20% weighting. One must pass this component to pass the course.

Assessment Detail

Seminar participation and discussion: attendance and participation in seminars - 20% weighting.

Seminar Presentation: conduct a presentation on a research project from a chosen topic - 15% weighting.

2000 word theoretical paper: annotated bibliography of 5 readings (approx 300 words for each reading); at least 3 of these must be in English - 15% weighting.

6000 word research essay: submit an essay on a chosen topic - 50% weighting.

Submission

Research essay and theory paper 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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Maintained by:	Course Outlines Administrator