Course overview
This course introduces major issues in the study of Chinese society and culture. It caters for the special needs of international students with native or near native Chinese language proficiency who are studying in an English language environment. The course is designed to help bridge the gaps between Chinese and Australian education systems and improve students' learning experiences. It aims at providing Chinese-speaking international students with a fully formed, language rich and research rigorous alternative directly relevant to their experiences and futures. It focuses on key social and cultural issues in modern China and examines the influence of traditional society on them. The instructing languages will be in both Chinese and English. By the end of the semester students will be familiar with some of the central concerns of Chinese culture and hopefully possess a different cultural perspective on their own culture and society.
Course learning outcomes
- Engage with the ideas and perspectives of other learners
- Develop the ability to set appropriate goals and to work independently and/or cooperatively
- Develop skills in synthesising and contextualising new information
- Develop skills and confidence in participating in public discussion
- Develop essay writing skills and the ability to communicate ideas effectively
- Acquire research training skills, and the ability to argue from evidence
- Gain an understanding of and respect for cultural differences and diversities in transcultural communication
- Develop an awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities
- Acquire a different cultural perspective from which to view oneself, one’s culture and society
- Acquire discipline specific knowledge and specialised understanding of cross-cultural theories and debates