97110 Twentieth Century Chinese Fiction

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular semester, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Handbook description

This subject is designed for students who have successfully completed Chinese 9, Chinese Ceremonies and Festivals, Chinese Film, Chinese Mass Media, or who are native speakers of Modern Standard Chinese. It develops students towards a high level of communicative competence in reading and writing, and an understanding of modern and contemporary Chinese society. It does this by exposing them to a range of texts of twentieth-century Chinese literature and history, language and culture, as well as documentaries and films. Students gain a general understanding of modern Chinese literature and are able to acquire language varieties in Modern Standard Chinese with the ability to use them appropriately. Students also develop a critical way of thinking and write reviews and essays of about 3000 characters.

Subject objectives/outcomes

By the time you have successfully completed this subject, you should be able:

• to conduct both oral and written communication confidently and effectively in social and professional interactions in MSC;
• to have a general insight of modern Chinese literature with the background knowledge of modern Chinese history;
• to have an awareness of language varieties in Modern Standard Chinese and the ability to use them appropriately;
• to have a working knowledge of the language, culture and society in preparation for a year of study in China.

Contribution to course aims and graduate attributes

Students who complete UTS: INTERNATIONAL STUDIES Language and Culture subjects should have the following capabilities drawn from the UTS: INTERNATIONAL STUDIES Graduate Capabilities:

• Capacity to communicate in a range of contexts, in the relevant language;
• Sensitivity to intercultural difference, a respect for other cultures and a commitment to international citizenship;
• Preparedness for lifelong learning about international languages, societies and cultures.

Teaching and learning strategies

The pedagogical key concept we adopt in our curriculum development is Blended Learning which incorporates independent learning and classroom instruction into a coherent program to provide students with a steady progression in language proficiency to enable them to gain full literacy skills in the target language and to equip them with the skills of self-directed learning. The main approach to classroom teaching instruction is communicative. This approach stresses the development of communication skills in a meaningful context (such as activities one might endeavour in the host country or with individuals from the target culture), using authentic materials (newspapers, news clips, films etc.) and situations (role-plays, interviews etc.). In classroom activities students are engaged in real-life communication exchanges in the target language. Language is studied in context and topical items are often used. In any lesson students may be required to work individually, in pairs or in groups on a variety of language learning tasks. Student participation in these activities is an essential element of language development and learning at UTS: INTERNATIONAL STUDIES. The communicative approach is a generic approach. It is intended as an umbrella term covering a variety of methods, which individual teachers will use. Both fluency and accuracy are key elements of this approach. The communicative approach focuses on functional aspect of language – presenting oneself, reserving a room, asking questions etc. – as well as structural (lexical, grammatical) features. The focus is not only on the language, but also the context of language, the (social) purpose of language, cross-cultural learning and the development of independent language learning strategies. As an 8 credit point subject the approximate time commitment expected from students is 16 hours per week. 2 hours of this will be class time, meaning students are expected to do around 14 hours of independent study outside class each week. Independent study includes homework, going to the library, preparing assignments, studying for tests, reading subject materials and preparing for class. In order to make the most of this subject, students need to set aside enough time each week to complete all of these tasks.

Assessment

Assessment Item 1: Seminar Presentation: Modern Chinese literature and writers

Assessment Item 2: Review of Readings: Lao She and Lu Xun

Assessment Item 3: Final Assessment

Assessment Item 4: Participation and Homework

Minimum requirements

In order to pass this subject, you must earn an overall total of 50 marks or more for the subject. ATTENDANCE A minimum of 80% attendance is required to pass this subject. This means attending at least 11 of the 13 classes (1x13 weeks) held during the semester. Students who miss more than 2 classes because of illness or other reasons must consult with the subject coordinator. This subject has a significant self-study component but it is still very difficult to pass the subject without attending at least 80% of classes. Students who miss more than 2 classes without providing documented evidence of illness or misadventure will not be eligible for special consideration in this subject.

Required texts

There is no prescribed textbook for this subject. All texts are available at UTSOnline.

References

Literature and History: They are available at UTSOnline.

Language and culture :

• Wu Xiaolu, 1994. Shuo Hanyu Tan Wenhua = Talking of Chinese Culture with cassettes, Beijing Language and Culture University Press, Beijing
• Yang Hesong, 1994, Zhongguo Jiachang = Chinese Chitchat, Beijing University Press, Beijing
• Irene Liu with Li Xiaoqi, 1998, A New Text for a Modern China, Cheng and Tsui Company, USA

Feature films :

• Luo Tuo Xiang Zi, Beijing bei ying lu yin lu xiang gong si, 1999.
• Lan Fengzheng ( The Blue Kite), Australia: 21st Century Pictures, 1997.
• A Q zheng zhuan, Beijing: Beijing bei ying lu yin lu xiang gong si, 1997.
• Jia, Beijing: Beijing bei ying lu yin lu xiang gong si, 199-.

Dictionaries :

• Beijing Foreign Languages Institute, 1980, Times English-Chinese Pinyin Dictionary, &. Times Chinese-Eglish Dictionary, The Commercial Press, Singapore.
• Beijing Foreign Languages Institute, 1987, Chinese-Eglish Dictionary, The Commercial Press, Beijing
• Department of Linguistics, Institute of Socio-Scientific Studies, China, 1983, Modern Chinese Dictioanry, The Commercial Press, Beijing

Other resources

Chinese newspapers:

• Renmin ribao Haiwai Ban (People's Daily Overseas Edition)
• Zhongguo Jiaoyu Bao (China Education Daily)

Websites: Students should consult this subject's UTSOnline site for links to websites relevant to your level of study.

Libraries: Students are also encouraged to use the resources in the Centre of Information and Culture, UTS Library, and the Oriental Library, level 7, Fisher Library, University of Sydney.

SBS Chinese TV / Radio programs: Students are encouraged to watch/listen to news in modern standard Chinese (Putonghua) or watch Chinese movies. Please consult your teacher for advice.

Assessment: The National HSK Committee Office, Zhongguo Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi Dagang: The Chinese Proficiency Test Guide with cassettes, Beijing Language Institute Press, Beijing