CTL2502 Cultural Literacy in the Asian Context

Part I

Course Duration:
One Semester
Credit Units:
3
Level:
B2
Medium of Instruction:
English
Prerequisites:
Nil
Precursors:
Nil
Equivalent Courses:
Nil
Exclusive Courses:
Nil


Part II


Course Aims:

This course aims to
1) provide students with a comprehensive understanding about common and diverse cultural bodies of knowledge in the Chinese and Asian context, and 2) to impart a critical cultural literacy that enables students to reflect upon cultural practices and to communicate them effectively.

Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs)

Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

No.

CILOs

Weighting
(if applicable)

1.

Understand the dynamics that form a common body of knowledge in a given culture;

 

2.

Reflect critically on specific mainstream and non-mainstream cultural beliefs, values, and sensibilities in the Chinese and Asian world, including minorities;

 

3.

Analyze a variety of cultural texts on topics in Asian cultural literacy;

 

4.

Identify the expressions of (or against) specific cultural norms in cultural artefacts and cultural institutions;

 

5.

Identify the sources and influences of popular cultures in today’s Asian cultures.

 

Teaching and learning Activities (TLAs)
(Indicative of likely activities and tasks designed to facilitate students’ achievement of the CILOs. Final details will be provided to students in their first week of attendance in this course)

CILO No

TLAs

Hours/week
(if applicable)

CILO 1-5

Lectures and readings of primary texts regarding cultural literacy in the Asian context

 

CILO 2-5

Lectures and readings of secondary texts regarding formation of cultural beliefs in Asia; group discussions; guest lectures (if possible)

 

CILO 3-4

Readings of secondary texts and group discussions;

 

CILO 5

Lectures and readings regarding popular culture; group discussions

 

CILO 1-5

Movies and other media

 

Assessment Tasks/Activities
(Indicative of likely activities and tasks designed to assess how well the students achieve the CILOs. Final details will be provided to students in their first week of attendance in this course)

CILO No

Type of assessment tasks/activities

Weighting
(if applicable)

Remarks

CILO 1-3

Written assignment on specific items of Chinese and/or Chinese minority culture. This essay (800 words) should reflect knowledge of at least one cultural area (art, literature, film, etc.) and its representational value.

20%

 

CILO 4-5

Written assignment on critical cultural knowledge from China or one other Asian country. This essay (800 words) should also incorporate materials from one or two theory-related secondary readings.

30%

 

CILO 1-5

Final examination (2 hours)

50%

 

Grading of Student Achievement:
Grading pattern: Standard (A+, A, A-, … F). Grading is based on students’ performance in assessment tasks
and activities. Final details will be provided to students in their first week of attendance in this course.

Excellent
A+ A A-

Good
B+ B B-

Adequate
C+ C C-

Marginal
D

1.  Excellent command of knowledge in all areas of Asian cultural literacy

2.  Excellent understanding of key issues related to cultural literacy in general and in the Asian context

3.  Excellent demonstration of research and writing skills in the area of Chinese and minority cultural literacy

4.  Excellent demonstration of writing skills and critical thinking about cultural literacy in two or more other Asian countries

5.  Active and excellent contributions to class in form of regular attendance, group discussion, and miscellaneous assignments
 

1.  Good command of knowledge in all areas of Asian cultural literacy

2.  Good understanding of key issues related to cultural literacy in general and in the Asian context

3.  Good demonstration of research and writing skills in the area of Chinese and minority cultural literacy

4.  Good demonstration of writing skills and critical thinking about cultural literacy in two other Asian countries

5.  Active and useful contributions to class in form of attendance, group discussion, and miscellaneous assignments

1.  Adequate command of knowledge in all areas of Asian cultural literacy

2.  Adequate understanding of key issues related to cultural literacy in general and in the Asian context

3.  Adequate demonstration of research and writing skills in the area of Chinese and minority cultural literacy

4.  Adequate demonstration of writing skills and critical thinking about cultural literacy in one other Asian country

5.  Adequate contributions to class in form of attendance, group discussion, and miscellaneous assignments

1.  Familiarity with the subject matter.

2.  Marginal command of course materials, with the ability to describe a few important issues in the area of cultural literacy in Asia

3.  Marginal ability and skills in conducting research work and in writing.

4.  Marginal participation in class, group discussion, and miscellaneous assignments


Part III

Keyword Syllabus:

China, Chinese minority cultures, Asia; cultural literacy, cultural theories (e.g. Pierre Bourdieu’s concept of cultural capital), belief systems, mythology, cultural norms; popular culture, literature, film, art.

Related Links
Department of Chinese, Translation and Linguistics