Modern Languages and Cultures

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title REPRESENTING CHINA IN TWENTIETH-CENTURY FRENCH AND FRANCOPHONE CULTURES.
Code MODL313
Coordinator Prof CRA Forsdick
Modern Languages and Cultures
C.Forsdick@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2020-21 Level 6 FHEQ Second Semester 15

Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):

 

Modules for which this module is a pre-requisite:

 

Co-requisite modules:

 

Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours   22

        22
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 128
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Written exam comprising two essays. Work will be marked anonymously. Reassessment, where required, will take the form of the original assessment.  2 hours    50       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Essay Standard UoL penalties will apply. This work will be marked anonymously. Reassessment, where required, will take the form of the original assessment.  -3000 words    50       

Aims

To provide an understanding of the historical and cultural contexts of relations between France and China from the early twentieth century to the present day;

To introduce students to a range of literary genres (travel writing, fiction) and cultural forms (film, comics) in which China is represented by French, Francophone and translingual writers;

To give students an insight into the diversity and contrasts in intercultural representations of the modern and contemporary period;

To encourage students to reflect on the issues presented by the texts and cultural artefacts in the light of recent theories developed to conceptualise intercultural representation, cultural exchange, cultural difference and alterity;

To provide the opportunity to develop analytical approaches that are comparative and / or translational;

To develop students’ subject-specific and transferable skills including the ability to read in French or to understand the challenges of reading a translation from French; the ability to use digital resources such as the internet; presentational, organisational, analytical, time management, problem-solving, research and writing skills.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Read unfamiliar and challenging literary texts, showing specific knowledge about the contexts in which those texts were produced (considering in particular issues of exoticism, alterity, Orientalism, politics and travel).

(LO2) Appreciate the diversity of French-language material that represents China, by considering a variety of differing approaches to representations of a specific continental zone.

(LO3) Evaluate critical approaches to representations of China, and select those likely to be pertinent and fruitful, explaining and defending choices when asked to do so either by other students or the course tutors.

(LO4) Discuss the problems involved in tackling relatively unfamiliar value-systems, literary conventions, socio-cultural contexts and ideas;

(LO5) To understand the various societies and historical contexts from which the prescribed texts emerge and to which their authors belong.

(LO6) To detect affinities between the prescribed texts by analysing common themes whilst making cross comparisons between authors and contexts.

(LO7) To complete coherent, focused and structured assignments on topics related to the set texts.

(LO8) Students will demonstrate an awareness of the intercultural sensitivity required for a successful understanding of the material and themes under consideration.

(LO9) To enable students to contribute to and (where appropriate) lead tutorial discussion, analysing material with regard to their broad themes, significant detail, and literary, socio-cultural, historical and ideological context.

(LO10) To enable students to make competent use of secondary literature and achieve the proper integration of such material into an original argument.

(S1) Ability to read and understand intercultural representations across a range of genres and forms.

(S2) Ability to analyse the historical and cultural factors pertinent to intercultural representations linking France and China.

(S3) Identification of the generic, stylistic and thematic features of the works studied

(S4) Ability to compare and contrast the set works and to understand the transnational connections linking them

(S5) Understanding theories of exoticism and alterity and ability to apply them to the prescribed material where appropriate.

(S6) Library and bibliographical skills – including the use of digital resources – required to discover secondary literature relating to the chosen texts, including that available on the internet.

(S7) Ability (i) to contribute to tutorial discussion, analysing material with regard to its broad themes, significant detail, and socio-cultural, historical and ideological context; (ii) to complete coherent, focused and structured assignments on topics related to the set texts; and (iii) to make full use of secondary literature and achieve the proper integration of such material into an original argument


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Seminars
Description: The principal aim of the module is to encourage independent study outside formal contact hours.
Attendance Recorded: Yes.

Skills / other attributes 1:
Ability to read and understand intercultural representations across a range of genres and forms.
How is this developed:
Seminars and personal study.

Skills / other attributes 2:
Ability to analyse the historical and cultural factors pertinent to intercultural representations linking France and China.
How is this developed?
Seminars and personal study.

Skills / other attributes 3:
Identification of the generic, stylistic and thematic features of the works studied.
How is this developed?
Seminars and personal study.

Skills / other attributes 4:
Ability to compare and contrast the set works and to understand the transnational connections linking them.
How is this developed?
Seminars and personal study.

Skills / other attributes 5:
Understanding theories of exoticism and alterity and ability to apply them to the prescribed material where appropriate.
How is this developed?
Seminars and personal study.

Skills / other attributes 6:
Library and bibliographical skills – including the use of digital resources – required to discover secondary literature relating to the chosen texts, including that available on the internet.
How is this developed?
Seminars and personal study.

Skills and other attributes 7:
Ability (i) to contribute to tutorial discussion, analysing material with regard to its broad themes, significant detail, and socio-cultural, historical and ideological context; (ii) to complete coherent, focused and structured assignments on topics related to the set texts; and (iii) to make full use of secondary literature and achieve the proper integration of such material into an original argument.
How is this developed?
Seminars and personal study.


Syllabus

 

Topics covered during the module may include:

Prise de contact / introduction to the module / bibliographical references;

Segalen, Victor, Equipée;

Segalen, Victor, Equipée;

Hergé, Le Lotus bleu;

Film Screening: Balzac et la petite tailleuse chinoise;

Maillart, Ella, Oasis interdites;

Maillart, Ella, Oasis interdites;

Hergé, Tintin au Tibet;

Sijie, Dai, Balzac et la petite tailleuse chinoise;

Sijie, Dai, Balzac et la petite tailleuse chinoise;


Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.