Course Description
It is an introductory course for students on the intellectual, cultural and historical traditions of China. Three key issues will be addressed: tradition & modernity, text & context, and intellectual & material life. Students are encouraged to re-think the continuity between traditional and modern culture, and the interactions between sociality and materiality in Chinese art and thought. Chinese culture is examined from the perspectives of intellectual, social and cultural histories, ritual performance, religious studies and daily life of the Chinese people. Students are encouraged to view Chinese culture with new critical visions.
Part One of the course examines the intellectual and cultural traditions of China. Major topics will cover Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism, the multi-stranded connections between Confucian values and elite rituals, the beliefs in supernatural forces and divination. Deriving from the discussions in the first part, which is the kernel of Chinese civilization; second part of the course will elaborate on the proliferation of Chinese popular culture and examine the changing identity of the Chinese people in the process of modernization and globalization. Areas of discussion include Chinese symbols, social life and entertainment, and the mentality of contemporary Chinese.
The module is structured on an intensive basis that includes classes both in Singapore and Beijing. It is offered in collaboration with the Yuan Pei School of the Peking University and students are required to spend two weeks in Beijing during the summer vocation. In Singapore, the students will be provided with basic knowledge of Chinese history and thought before their visit to China. In Beijing, they will attend lectures and discussions at the Peking University. Fieldtrips will also be organized in Beijing to complement with what they have learnt in class. After returning from Beijing, more seminars and project presentations will be conducted in August.
The following modes will be used for teaching and learning: lectures, seminars, IVLE, group discussions, fieldtrips, reading of recommended materials, library research, written assignments and fieldtrip reports. Suggested field activities include: visiting museums, historical sites, observing religious rituals in temples and attending vocal performances in teahouse in Beijing.
Students will receive a Certificate of Attendance from the Peking University after they have completed the 2-week programme in Beijing.
PRE-REQUISITES:
The course is intended for students who are interested in understanding more about Chinese culture and society. As guest lectures by Peking University professors will be in Mandarin, some knowledge of Chinese is required. Students who cannot attend the classes and seminars in Singapore before and after the Beijing trip should not apply.
MAXIMUM CLASS SIZE; 30
WORKLOAD HOURS PER WEEK:
| Lectures/Seminars: |
6 |
| Group discussions: |
6 |
| Fieldtrips: |
10 |
| Projects, assignments: |
6 |
| Preparatory work: |
8 |
| Total: |
36 |
|
