Module: Chinese Culture & Society

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Chinese Culture & Society
Module Code	CHN1002 (ITS: ZH191)
Faculty	SALIS	School	Humanities & Social Sciences
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

The purpose of this module is to introduce students to various aspects of Chinese history and culture. It also seeks to describe and analyse essential aspects of Chinese history and contemporary Chinese society with reference to core cultural values, e.g. Confucianism and Taoism. Through the participation in classroom seminars, students will develop their intercultural awareness of the differences between Chinese and Irish society, and gain a deeper understanding of some of the prevailing political and societal issues in China.

Learning Outcomes

1. Analyse essential phenomena of Chinese history and contemporary Chinese society with reference to core culture values.
2. Identify important developments in Chinese history and society.
3. Evaluate the main cultural differences that exist between Ireland and China.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the Chinese geography and ethnicity.
5. Demonstrate familiarity with important issues in China, such as the status of the Special Administrative Regions, and cross-strait relations.
6. Research and express their views on China-related topics.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	22	Synchronous timetabled classroom
Independent Study	78	Study of language and reading prescribed text and assignment work
Assignment Completion	25	Presentation (15 hours); Reflective Journal (10 hours)
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	20190	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Lijie Shao	Module Teacher	Mengdi Wang

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Presentation	Group presentation (10 minutes)	50%	n/a
Written Exam	Two reflective journal entries (500 words each)	50%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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 historical development of Chinese culture, traditional arts and folk customs.

The status of cultural values in contemporary Chinese society and life.

Learning Activities
Audio/visual materials will be used to support the study of Chinese culture and society.

Classroom seminars focus on the themes introduced by lecturers to deepen the understanding of Chinese culture and society.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

The Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council: 2007, Common Knowledge about Chinese Culture, Higher Education Press, Beijing,
Lang Ye, Liangzhi Zhu: 2008, Insights into Chinese Culture, Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press, Beijing,
The Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council: 2007, Common Knowledge about Chinese History, Higher Education Press, Beijing,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None