Module: Perspectives on Chinese Culture

Module Specifications..

Current Academic Year 2023 - 2024

Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Perspectives on Chinese Culture
Module Code	ZH421
School	SALIS
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: Qi Zhang Semester 2: Qi Zhang Autumn: Qi Zhang
Module Teachers	Qi Zhang
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

None
Array

Description

This module aims to introduce students to some aspects in the comparative study of Chinese and Western cultures through reading Chinese and English texts, observing current social phenomena through students’ personal experience in China and print/digital media, and discussing the cultural differences in-depth. It will enhance their understanding of Chinese culture and Chinese people’s way of life and belief through its past and present, in an interdisciplinary manner. The module will provide a foundation for students to develop their interests in Chinese studies.

Learning Outcomes

1. Understand the value and methods of comparing civilisations through exposure to Chinese and English texts, taking into account the importance of ethnocentrism as a human universal.
2. Lead an advanced discussion on the topical issues in contemporary Chinese society by extracting information from a variety of materials.
3. Identify the ideas behind dominant worldviews that have the most enduring effects on life in China and the West through textural and media analyses.
4. Understand contemporary worldviews Chinese people hold in modern society and how those perspectives differ from those of people in the West.
5. Evaluate critically the thinking that underlies Chinese actions in today’s world-how Western questions often miss the perspective behind Chinese policy.
6. Demonstrate research capabilities in investigating and presenting topics of learners’ interest.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	20	Synchronous timetabled sessions
Independent Study	80	Sychronous and asynchronous group work and individual study for class preparation, review content delivered synchronously (slides, recommended reading, documentary films, etc.), directed learning (e.g. directed discussions assigned).
Assignment Completion	25	Presentation 15 hours; Reflective Journal 10 hours.
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Indicative Content
The module will involve students in the exploration of education, family, “face” and relationship in social hierarchy, gender issues, medicine, values and worldviews, authority and governance in a culturally comparative manner between China and the West.

Learning Activities
● Lectures with Audio/Visual Presentations: A variety of texts and audio/visual materials, including selected classic literature, journal articles, and current social media in general, will be read, analysed and discussed. ● Group Tasks: Group work such as discussions, synchronous class preparation and CA preparation will be organised in and after class along with lectures and webinars. ● Webinars: In addition to the lectures, a series of webinars will provide students the opportunities to discuss the selected topics and deepen the understanding of Chinese culture.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Presentation	Presentation (10 min)	50%	n/a
Reflective journal	Two reflective journal entries (500 words each)	50%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

John G. Blair & Jerusha Hull McCormack: 2010, Western Civilization with Chinese Comparisons, 3rd Edition, Fudan University Press, Shanghai, 9787309075434
Jerusha McCormack and John G. Blair: 2015, !!!Book Not Found, Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Maryland,

Other Resources

None

Programme or List of Programmes

ALTS	BA in Applied Language & Translation Stu
BSSA	Study Abroad (DCU Business School)
BSSAO	Study Abroad (DCU Business School)
BSSCIN	BA Social Sciences & Cultural Innovation
HMSA	Study Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science)
HMSAO	Study Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science)
IESAO	Study Abroad (Institute of Education)
SHSAO	Study Abroad (Science & Health)

Date of Last Revision

27-JAN-12

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