Contemporary Chinese Literature (CHIN10019)
Undergraduate level 1Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This subject examines developments in contemporary Chinese literature, seeking to place these in the context of cultural discourses that emerged in China after 1949.
The texts studied in the subject will be primarily selected from representative contemporary literary works, but will also include political and other writings from different stages in the history of the People’s Republic of China, which form a context for the present. Through the study of these texts, students will develop their ability to understand both Chinese language at an advanced level and also different forms of contemporary Chinese literature, as well as becoming familiar with a variety of social and cultural issues in contemporary China and how these relate to developments after 1949.
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this subject, students should:
- Be able to analyse contemporary Chinese literary texts on a wide range of topics at a high level of complexity from original works and newspapers
- Be able to deploy more specialised vocabulary and complex sentence structures to discuss contemporary Chinese literary works and their social and cultural backgrounds orally and in writing
- Be able to write Standard Chinese in a variety of styles
- Have acquired a deeper understanding of contemporary Chinese literature
- Be able to understand and analyse important social and cultural issues in Post-1949 China
- Have developed research skills to find information from various sources, including library and the internet.
Generic skills
Students who successfully complete this subject should be able to:
- Developed critical thinking and analytical skills in the study of social and cultural issues in contemporary Chinese society
- Acquired communication and public speaking skills through class discussion
- Acquired some skills in social and cultural analysis
- Acquired attentiveness to detail through essay preparation and writing
- Acquired time management skills through managing their workload.
Last updated: 14 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Admission into or selection of one of the following:
- Chinese Studies major in the B-ARTS Bachelor of Arts, Chinese Studies minor minor in the B-ARTS Bachelor of Arts
- D-LANG Diploma in Languages
OR
All students enrolling in Chinese for the first time are required to complete the online language questionnaire/placement test at the link below. This applies to all students, from total beginners through to formal study, such as VCE or equivalent, or informally through family or overseas travel. Upon completion of the placement test, students will receive an email with the outcome and entry point. Within 5 working days of receiving the email, study plans will be updated and students will be able to self-enrol into the first subject of their entry point. The results of the test are binding and enrolment can only be changed with approval from the coordinator of the language major.
It is recommended that students undertake the language placement test at least two weeks prior to the commencement of semester.
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
All students enrolling in Chinese for the first time are required to complete the online language questionnaire/placement test
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 14 March 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Mid-term essay (in Chinese)
| Week 6 | 25% |
Oral presentation (in Chinese)
| Week 12 | 25% |
Final exam (in Chinese)
| During the examination period | 50% |
| Hurdle requirement: 1. Attendance hurdle requirement: This subject has a minimum requirement of 80% attendance at tutorials, seminars, or workshops. | Throughout the teaching period | N/A |
| Hurdle requirement: 2. Late Penalty and Assessment hurdle requirement: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at five per cent (5%) of the possible marks available for the assessment task per day or part thereof. All pieces of assessment must be submitted to pass the subject. Each submitted assessment must be complete, constitute a genuine attempt to address the requirements of the task and will not be accepted after 20 University business days from the original assessment due date without written approval. | Throughout the semester | N/A |
Last updated: 14 March 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Coordinator Shaoming Zhou Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 36 hours: 1 x 1 hour seminar and 1 x 2 hour tutorial per week for 12 weeks. Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 26 February 2024 to 26 May 2024 Last self-enrol date 8 March 2024 Census date 3 April 2024 Last date to withdraw without fail 3 May 2024 Assessment period ends 21 June 2024 Semester 1 contact information
Time commitment details
170 hours across the semester, including class time.
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Additional delivery details
Please note: All students enrolling in Chinese at The University of Melbourne for the first time are required to use the online Language Placement Test.
This applies to all students, including total beginners and those who have experience with the language, whether through formal study, such as VCE or equivalent, or informally through family or overseas travel. The results of the test are binding and enrolment can only be changed in consultation with the relevant course coordinator.
Last updated: 14 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
- Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Bachelor of Biomedicine
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Design
- Bachelor of Environments
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art)
- Bachelor of Music
- Bachelor of Science
- Links to additional information
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Additional information for this subject
Language Placement Test required
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 14 March 2025