Prospectus

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Asian Studies Master Class: Issues and approaches in Modern China Studies

Course
2011-2012

Admission requirements

None

Description

This course discusses some of the key issues and questions driving the study of China, putting these in a general disciplinary or comparative context. The course is not simply an introduction to China, but revolves around key concepts, theories and ideas that the students are expected to make their own. The emphasis will be on the current state of the field and on modern China, but many of the issues that we will be discussing have their roots in traditional China and ample attention will be given to the continuities of China as a society and culture.

Course objectives

  • Designing research strategy and research proposal

  • Conceptual and independent thinking

  • Oral presentation

  • Understanding key issues in Modern China Studies

Timetable

First semester. Timetable

Mode of instruction

  • One two-hour seminar a week

Assessment method

  • Four short essays (maximum 2,000 words) (10 % each, or 40% total)

  • One research proposal (maximum 5,000 words) (40%)

  • Oral presentations (10% for the essays and 10% for the paper, or 20% in total)

Blackboard

Readings and other course materials will be made available on Blackboard.

Reading list

For each lecture 2-4 English-language articles (about 100 pages) will have to be read. For each essay paper topic an additional 500 pages will have to be read. All set readings for the lectures and papers will be made available on Blackboard.

Registration

Enrollment through uSis is mandatory.

Contact information

Frank Pieke.