Topics in Chinese Studies (CHIN90003)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

You’re viewing the 2025 Handbook:
Or view archived Handbooks

Overview

Availability
Semester 1
FeesLook up fees

This subject involves a series of regular meetings between the supervisor and students to discuss topics of contemporary or special interest in the field of Chinese studies. Topics will vary from year to year, depending on the interests of the cohort of students and their study needs. The subject is designed to offer students the opportunity to conduct independent research in their respective disciplines in areas of interest to them and present the findings in a scholarly manner. Students can choose topics of study that interest them, and students need to contact the subject coordinator in the first week of semester regarding a topic and appointing a supervisor. 

Intended learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this subject should:

  • Deepen their understanding of current developments in China and in the discipline of Chinese Studies
  • Take part in an academic forum where honours students can debate issues in Chinese Studies.

Generic skills

Students who successfully complete this subject should:

  • Develop research skills through frequent and systematic use of the library and other information sources, the definition of areas of inquiry, and familiarisation with research methods
  • Be trained in critical thinking and analysis through required and recommended reading, essay writing and tutorial discussion, and by assessing the arguments expressed in the reading materials
  • Learn to think in theoretical and analytical terms: through lectures, tutorial discussion, essay writing and engagement in the methodologies of the humanities and social sciences
  • Acquire an understanding of social, political, historical and cultural contexts and an international awareness of the world. They will do so by developing critical self-awareness, contextualising judgements and knowledge, opening themselves to new ideas and new aspects of Chinese culture, and formulating arguments
  • Be able to communicate knowledge clearly and economically, through essay and assignment writing, tutorial discussion and class presentations. They will be trained to give attention to detail through close reading, textual analysis, and essay writing. The class presentations and tutorial participation will train them in public speaking and enhance their confidence in self-expression
  • Learn to plan and manage their time through organising their workloads for required reading and meeting deadlines for essays and assignments.

Last updated: 4 March 2025