The course introduces students to works of Chinese literature ranging from the pre-Qin period until the late 18th century. As a culture that conceived of the ability to write poetry and prose as the distinctive characteristic of its elites, China boasts one of the largest and most diverse bodies of literature in the world. Since Western classifications of literature hardly suit Chinese typologies, the course approaches traditional Chinese literature according to its own generic classifications, using them as a guideline while tracing their modification and growth through time.
Aside from receiving an overview of certain periods, authors, and genres, students will also study a wide variety of examples of literature in English translation. Not only will they investigate the formal attributes that may qualify a text to be part of a particular genre; they will also engage reflectively with the backgrounds, contents, structures, meanings and intentions of the presented works. The aim of the course is therefore to enable students to understand and reproduce the major developments and genres of traditional Chinese literature as well as to classify works, previously unknown to them, according to genres. The course is taught in English. Knowledge of traditional Chinese is not required.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Read carefully with attention to detail and to the way literary texts are constructed.
- Critically analyse literary texts of a range of forms and genres in translation.
- Classify Chinese literary works according to genre and approximate dating.
- Identify and present evidence to support claims of genre classification and approximate dating.
- Communicate their knowledge effectively both orally and in writing.
Indicative Assessment
- Active Participation (10) [LO 1,2,3,5]
- 2 short presentations (with two-page handout) (20) [LO 1,2,3]
- Tutorial paper 1: “Author, work & genre” (1500 words) (15) [LO 2,3,4,5]
- Tutorial paper 2: “Textual analysis of translations of a literary work” (1500 words) (20) [LO 1,2,4,5]
- Final Examination: "Genre history and typology, classification and interpretation of works" (35) [LO 3,4,5]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
The standard workload for a 6-unit course is 130 hours including in class time and independent study.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
The weekly reading materials will be provided online.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 1
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.