History of China, discussion session 3600-KHCH-OG(Z)

Conversation classes in Chinese history for first-year Sinology students are designed to introduce them to the country's rich history. During these classes, students will have the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of key periods and events in China's history, while developing skills in analytical thinking and interpretation of historical facts.
The following activities will be undertaken during the class:

Analysis of source texts: Students will have the opportunity to read and analyze various source texts related to Chinese history. They will consider the historical context, authors and their perspectives, and make inferences about key events and their consequences. Texts discussed may include historical documents, travelers' accounts, diplomatic letters and more.

Case studies: Through case studies, students will explore a specific historical topic related to China. These may include important events, historical figures or eras that are significant to understanding Chinese history. Students will analyze sources, examining different perspectives and factors influencing an event or period, and analyze the effects and consequences.

Debates: Students will be encouraged to participate in debates on controversial topics related to Chinese history. These may include discussions about controversial political decisions, international conflicts, or different interpretations of historical events. Students will be required to apply their knowledge, analyze arguments, and present their position in a constructive manner.

Group Presentations: Students will be divided into groups and will be responsible for preparing presentations on specific topics related to Chinese history. Topics presented may include important dynasties, prominent historical figures, revolutions or reforms. Presentations will be preceded by research, source analysis and inference, and will be followed by an in-depth discussion.

Visual Analysis: Students will analyze visual materials such as paintings, photographs, documentaries or multimedia materials to better understand specific periods and events in Chinese history. They will consider various elements of these materials, such as historical context, iconography, artists' perspectives and the message of the content, to draw conclusions

Prerequisites (description)

The classes are a substantive extension of lectures on Chinese History. During them, participants will learn about selected historical sources for the historical events discussed in the lectures.

Course coordinators

Włodzimierz Cieciura

Type of course

obligatory courses

Mode

Classroom

Learning outcomes

Knowledge:
- has basic knowledge in the range of theory of humanities (literary studies or linguistics or history) necessary to understand chosen cultural aspects K_W04, H1A_W03, H1A_W07
- has detailed and organized knowledge of history of China and Taiwan K_W06, H1A_W04
- has detailed and organized knowledge of socio-cultural issues in China and Taiwan within the scope of natural environment and ethnic, demographic and political situation K_W09, H1A_W04
- has organized knowledge of natural, geopolitical and economic environment and their importance for the historical and contemporary situation of China and Taiwan K_W11, H1A_W04
- knows and understands basic analysis and interpretation methods of various products of culture characteristic of chosen theories and schools of research within the scope of cultural and literary studies, linguistics, philosophy and religion studies and history K_W18, H1A_W07
Skills:
-can indicate sources of cultural differences between the countries of the Orient or Africa K_U02, H1A_U05
- can use the knowledge of history of China and Taiwan to analyze and interpret events taking place in the modern world K_U04, H1A_U02, H1A_U05
- can appropriately place China and Taiwan in the context of circumstances pertinent to natural, geopolitical and economic environment K_U05, H1A_U05
- can use the knowledge of socio-cultural issues of China and Taiwan in typical professional situations K_U09, H1A_U04
- has a skill in presenting detailed aspects within the scope of cultural issues of China and Taiwan in Polish and in standard modern Chinese taking into consideration the intellectual tradition of China K_U21, H1A_U09
Social competences:
-understands the need to learn all one’s life K_K01, H1A_K01
- can set appropriate goals and ways to achieve them in the context of academic, professional and social activity K_K04, H1A_K03 - has awareness of the cultural distinctness and its religious, philosophical, traditional and historical roots and its significance for understanding modern world K_K05, H1A_K04, H1A_K05
- sees the need of dialogue between cultures K_K06, H1A_K04, H1A_K05
- is aware of significance the culture of China has for the culture of the world K_K07, H1A_K05
- acts in aid of sharing and promoting cultural and linguistic heritage of China K_K08, H1A_K05, H1A_K06

Assessment criteria

The evaluation is based on the fulfillment of the following criteria, each of which will account for 25% of the final grade:
1. active participation:
- Participating in discussions, asking questions and providing answers.
- Demonstrating active listening and respect for different perspectives.
- Asking key questions and offering new insights.
2 Analyzing sources and texts:
- Preparing for class by reading and analyzing source texts.
- Understanding the historical context, authors and their perspectives.
- Making inferences based on available information and arguing your position.
3 Presentations and case studies:
- Preparing a group presentation on a selected historical topic.
- Providing a clear structure, providing accurate information and arguments.
- Ability to explain, answer questions and lead discussions.
5 Research skills:
- Ability to research, collect and use various sources of information.
- Identifying reliable sources and evaluating their value in a historical context.
- Using appropriate research techniques and using sources responsibly and ethically.

Class attendance is mandatory, the number of unexcused absences allowed per semester is two.

Bibliography

1. Selected chapters from The Cambridge History of China, vols. I, III, VI-X.
2. Bai Shouyi, An outline history of China, Beijing 2002.
3. Blunden C., Elvin M. Chiny, przekład z ang. Mieczysław Jerzy Künstler, Warszawa : Świat Książki, 1997.
4. Dillon M., Chiny: historia współczesna, przekład z ang. Leszek Otrębski, Warszawa 2012.
5. Dikötter F., Tragedia wyzwolenia: historia rewolucji chińskiej 1945-1957, przekł. z ang. Barbara Gadomska, Wołowiec 2016.
6. Ebrey P.B., Ilustrowana historia Chin, przekład z ang. Irena Kałużyńska, Warszawa 2002.
7. Fairbank J.K. Historia Chin, nowe spojrzenie, przekład z ang. T. Lechowska, Z. Słupski, Gdańsk 1996.
8. Granet M, Cywilizacja chińska, przekład Mieczysław Jerzy Künstler, Wyd. 2, Warszawa 1995.
9. Pawłowski J. Państwo we wczesnej filozofii konfucjańskiej, Warszawa 2010.
10. Pimpaneau J. Chiny. Kultura i tradycje, Warszawa 2001
11. Rodziński W., Historia Chin wyd. II, Wrocław 1992.
12. Rossabi M., A History of China, Wiley Blackwell 2014.
13. Rowe W.T., China's last empire: the great Qing, The Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, 2009.
14. Shaughnessy E. L., z ang. przeł. Anna Katarzyna Maleszko, Chiny: życie, legendy, sztuka, Warszawa, 2009.
15. Sidichmienow W., Ostatni cesarze Chin, tłum. J. Abkowicz i R. Sławiński, Katowice 1990.
16. Słupski Z. Wczesne piśmiennictwo chińskie, Warszawa, 2001.
17. Słupski Z. Wczesne piśmiennictwo chińskie, wybór tekstów, Warszawa, 2004.
18. Spence J., The Search for Modern China, Norton, 1991.
19. Sy-ma Ts ́ien. Syn Smoka. Fragmenty zapisków historyka. Przekład Mieczysław Jerzy Künstler, Warszawa, 2000
20. Wilkinson E., Chinese history: a new manual, Harvard University Press, 2015.

The extended bibliography and list of specific sources will be provided during the lectures.

Additional information

Information on level of this course, year of study and semester when the course unit is delivered, types and amount of class hours - can be found in course structure diagrams of apropriate study programmes. This course is related to the following study programmes:

Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system:

Description of 3600-KHCH-OG(Z) in USOSweb