CHIN 260, Fall 2013 Dr. Tim Xie FO INTRODUCTION TO CHINESE CIVILIZATION

ABOUT THIS COURSE Instructor: Tim Xie, FO3-315 Office hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays 2:30-5:00 Days and times: Tuesdays and Thursdays 12:30-1:45 Classroom: PSY-324 Course website:

SYLLABUS Course description This is a survey of the various aspects of Chinese civilization from its ancient beginning to the present. The emphasis of the course is not only on understanding China’s history in general chronological terms, but also on understanding the cultural qualities that have made China a great yet distinctive country.

SYLLABUS Goals of the course Upon completing this course, students should have a fairly good understanding of Chinese culture, including the historical processes and the fundamental factors that have shaped what is China today. Students should be able to think critically and should have the ability to interpret the many aspects of Chinese culture, its history, philosophy, literature, and social customs and habits. They will also acquire the increasingly more indispensable skill of utilizing the resources available on the Internet in their research and further study on the topics related to China and Chinese civilization. This course is designed as a foundation course for students who wish to continue to complete their Chinese Studies degree requirements or to further explore some of their interested topics on Chinese culture in general.

SYLLABUS Methods of Presentation A. Instructor's lecture: Each topic will begin with instructor's PowerPoint presentation that introduces the basic concepts, facts and related information to the topic. Supplementary handouts, slides, video and multimedia presentations will accompany the lectures. B. Students' discussion and research project: Subsequent to the lecture, the students will do internet search at home and discuss in class on the important issues pertinent to the presented topic. Groups of three or four students will be formed with the assistance of the instructor for conducting collaborative research using the Internet and make the list of key concepts and fact for each unit. The midterm and final will be made on the basis of these lists. C. Students' presentations and discussion: Students will be scheduled to make presentation and share the findings of online research.

SYLLABUS Grading Summary Reports (2) 20% Presentations (2) 20% Midterm 25% Final 25% Attendance 10% Total 100%

SYLLABUS TextbookS (optional) Ebrey, Patricia Buckley, ed. Chinese Civilization: A Sourcebook. New York: Free Press, Jacques Gernet. A History of Chinese Civilization. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. 2 nd ed.

SYLLABUS Web resources and online readins · Introducing China (video) [ · Facts and Details [ · Introduction to China [ · History of China [ · Chinese Cultural Studies: The Chinese Language and Writing [ · Chinese Philosophy [ · Chinese Literature [ · Art of China [ · Peking Opera [ · Chinese Tea Ceremony [ · National Palace Museum [ · China in Pictures [ · The Complete Reference to China and China Related Web Sites [ · China Beautiful [ · Internet Guide for China Studies [

Schedule (tentative and subject to change)

SYLLABUS University’s withdrawal policy: It is the students' responsibility to withdraw from classes. Instructors have no obligation to withdraw students who do not attend courses, and may choose not to do so. Withdrawal from a course after the first two weeks of instruction requires the signatures of the instructor and department chair, and is permissible only for serious and compelling reasons, such as documented illness and a change in work hours/schedule. Students should be aware that the definition of "serious and compelling reasons" as applied by faculty and administrators may become narrower as the semester progresses. During the final three weeks of instruction, withdrawals are not permitted except in cases such as accident or serious illness where the circumstances causing the withdrawal are clearly beyond the student's control and the assignment of an incomplete is not practical. Ordinarily, withdrawals in this category involve total withdrawal from the university. The College of Liberal Arts adheres to this policy strictly, and does not sign withdrawal forms in the final three weeks of class for other reasons.

Watch the video: Introducing China Please pay attention to the following three questions: 1. What are the basic facts about China? 2. List some dynasties in Chinese history and major historical persons. 3. Describe some aspects of modern China, e.g. economy, life, education, etc.

Assignment for August 27 Watch video again at html and prepare for discussion of the following questions: html 1. What are the basic facts about China? 2. List some dynasties in Chinese history and major historical persons. 3. Describe some aspects of modern China, e.g. economy, life, education, etc.

What are we going to do this week? Today - Tuesday, Sept 27 Course introduction Video watching Introducing China Thursday, Sept 29 Discussion of the video Introducing China Lecture: Chinese History and Dynasties

What are you going do to after today’s class? 1.Send an message to using you preferred . You will receive the assignment file through (discussion questions about Introducing China). 2.Briefly tell me why you choose to take this course and what you expect to learn in this class. 3.Prepare for the discussion on Thursday about the video Introducing China.

See you on Thursday September 29!