Unit Guide

General Information

Unit convenor and teaching staff	Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor Shirley Chan shirley.chan@mq.edu.au Contact via shirley.chan@mq.edu.au W6A226 Tuesday 2:00-3:00pm and Thursday 11:00-12:00pm
Credit points	Credit points 3
Prerequisites	Prerequisites 12cp
Corequisites	Corequisites
Co-badged status	Co-badged status
Unit description	Unit description Traditional Chinese thought has an enduring influence on Chinese culture and that of other east Asian countries. The aim of this unit is to introduce students to the development of the major schools of thought, Confucian, Daoist and Legalist in ancient China. On completion of this unit students have an overview of key notions in Chinese traditional thinking together with an appreciation of their relevance to contemporary beliefs and practices. Students of contemporary Chinese culture and society also benefit from the unit as it provides a relevant historical background. Classes and readings are in English.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

Enhanced knowledge of traditional Chinese thought
Improved understanding of the key notions in early Chinese philosophy
Familiarity and facility with concepts, themes and theoretical perspectives on traditional Chinese thought
Capacity for analytical and critical thinking as well as appreciation of, and respect for cultural diversities
Ability to engage in independent and reflective learning through assessing and responding to ideas
Improved ability to work in cooperative groups on key issues in Chinese Studies and communicate findings to fellow students

General Assessment Information

Extensions and Special Consideration

Short Term Extensions

Requests for assignment extensions due to unavoidable and unforseen circumstances of less than three days duration (eg short term illness or misadventure) must be made to the supervisor before the due date if possible, or immediately after the disruption. Approvals of extensions must be noted on the assignment cover sheet. Note that other assessment commitments will not be considered grounds for an extension.

Assignments that are handed in later than the due date, where no extension has been granted, or are handed in later than the extension date without being granted further extension or special consideration will be penalised.

Late submission of the essays will result in a penalty of 5% of the total value of the essay towards unit assessment each day (including weekends). The assessment will not be marked after a period of five calendar days of non-submission.

Serious Illness and Unavoidable Disruption

If your performance has been affected for a period of 3 days or more as a result of serious unavoidable disruption or illness, you are advised to inform the unit convenor and tutor of the problem at the earliest possible opportunity. You must supply documentary evidence of the extended disruption and submit an Application for Special Consideration. (see below).

No assessment work will be accepted for marking 1 week after the submission date unless you have submitted an Application for Special Considerationwith adequate and appropriate supporting evidence and have been granted special consideration. Please note that requests for special consideration for long term or serious reasons are not granted automatically, and are reserved for unforeseen and serious circumstances such as prolonged & chronic illness, hospitalisation or bereavement in your immediate family which have affected your performance over the course of the semester; or in cases of unavoidable disruption or misadventure during the formal examination period. If you believe that you qualify for special consideration, please contact the teaching staff as soon as is practically possible and lodge the application.

Special Consideration Policy

http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/special_consideration/policy.html

Required and recommended resources

Readings in research and translation methodologies, see also:

Writing a Research Paper

An excellent guide from Purdue University

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/658/03/

There are many more guides available online as well as in the library.

The university runs a series of workshop on learning skills and completing assignments. Please check up the details via the following link:

http://www.students.mq.edu.au/support/learning_skills/

Assessment Tasks

Name	Weighting	Due
Online discussion	30%	Friday, Week 7
Group presentation	30%	Weeks 4 - 13
In-class test	40%	Week 13

Online discussion

Due: Friday, Week 7
Weighting: 30%

Participation will be marked on preparation and discussion of readings and responding to questions. Students are expected to be well prepared in order to participate in discussion – this will ensure you play an active role in learning and sharing your knowledge with others.The discussion topic will be posted in week 5 and the assessment is due by Friday of Week 7.

You will be asked to provide a short reflective discussion (approx. 600 words) focusing on one of the topics on traditional Chinese thought we have covered from weeks 1 to 6. Your marks will be determined by

a) Whether you post your discussion by the due date; b) Clear writing and expression of ideas; c) Evidence of critical reflection and transformative engagement d) How helpful your comments are to your peers.

On successful completion you will be able to:

Enhanced knowledge of traditional Chinese thought
Improved understanding of the key notions in early Chinese philosophy
Familiarity and facility with concepts, themes and theoretical perspectives on traditional Chinese thought
Capacity for analytical and critical thinking as well as appreciation of, and respect for cultural diversities
Ability to engage in independent and reflective learning through assessing and responding to ideas
Improved ability to work in cooperative groups on key issues in Chinese Studies and communicate findings to fellow students

Group presentation

Due: Weeks 4 - 13
Weighting: 30%

There will be one group (two-people) presentation. In the beginning of the semester, you will be asked to choose a presentation topic according to the unit schedule. You are expected to lead a discussion on your chosen topic for that week. You will be given 15 minutes for presentation and an additional 5 minutes for discussion/response to questions from the class. You should be prepared for the rest of the class to raise questions. You have to finish your presentation within the time limit or marks will be deducted. The group project should reflect the collective efforts of every member of your group. You will need to prepare a 2 page report which needs to be submitted to online discussion forum a week before the presentation date so the rest of the class can read and prepare for the discussion.

- A 2 page report (10%)

The report will marked on coherence, critical analysis, clarity and argument.

- Actual presentation + visual aides, eg., PPT slides (20%)

In preparing to lead discussion, you may wish to consider the following questions:

1) What are the readings about?

2) What are the main points being argued?

3) What evidence is marshalled to support the author’s argument?

4) Do you agree/disagree with the arguments put forward in the readings?

5) What did you find most interesting about the topic or the reading?

6) How does this discussion contribute to your understanding/knowledge of traditional Chinese thought?

On successful completion you will be able to:

Enhanced knowledge of traditional Chinese thought
Improved understanding of the key notions in early Chinese philosophy
Familiarity and facility with concepts, themes and theoretical perspectives on traditional Chinese thought
Capacity for analytical and critical thinking as well as appreciation of, and respect for cultural diversities
Ability to engage in independent and reflective learning through assessing and responding to ideas

In-class test

Due: Week 13
Weighting: 40%

There will be a 1 hour in-class test in week 13. It will be in form of short answer questions.

You marks will be determined by but not limited to:

a) Grasp of the task and focus. Are you really answering the question(s)? Is there a well-defined framework or scope of argumentation?

b) Knowledge of content and argumentation. For example, is there a well-developed argument? Does your answers reflect a clear, insightful knowledge of the topic in a clear and critical analysis?

c) Creativity and judgement. Do you show good judgement in the selection or arrangement of materials? Is there an evidence to support your argument?

d) Communication and presentation. Does your work show a mastery of the technical aspects of academic writing?

On successful completion you will be able to:

Enhanced knowledge of traditional Chinese thought
Improved understanding of the key notions in early Chinese philosophy
Familiarity and facility with concepts, themes and theoretical perspectives on traditional Chinese thought
Ability to engage in independent and reflective learning through assessing and responding to ideas
Improved ability to work in cooperative groups on key issues in Chinese Studies and communicate findings to fellow students

Delivery and Resources

The course format is composed with lecture and tutorial. There will be also some screening of relevant documentaries. Lectures and readings are in English. Students are encouraged to attend all classes with tutorial discussion strongly emphasizing student engagement. To benefit the most from the course, students are required to be active, responsible participants in their own learning, and to develop independent analytical and research skills in traditional Chinese thought and culture by reading and analysing texts and sources which should not be confined to the recommended reading list. Students should complete assessments on time by following instructions. Essays and assignments will be written in English. Students should check iLearn regularly http://ilearn.mq.edu.au/my/ under the unit concerned, for announcements and resource information posted by the convenor.

Essential textbook:

- Chan Wing-tsit, (1963, 1969,1973). Source Book in Chinese Philosophy. New Jersey: Princeton University Press.

Unit Schedule

Week	Lecture	Tutorial (start in wk 2)	Assessment
1	Introduction – chronology and socio-historical background Documentary on the Shang/Zhou	Choose your presentation topic
2	Confucius & Confucianism Documentary on “Confucius”	Reading of the Analects
3	Mencius & Confucianism Documentary on “Mencius”	Reading of the Works of Mencius
4	Xunzi & Confucianism	Reading of the Xunzi	Group presentation
5	Laozi and Daoism	Reading of the Daodejing	Group presentation
6	Laozi and Daoism	Reading of the Daodejing	Group presentation
7	The Guodian Discovery and new information on early Chinese philosophy	Reading of the Guodian material	Group presentation Online discussion due on Friday

8	The Guodian Discovery and new information on early Chinese philosophy	Reading of the Xing zi ming chu (Human nature derives from Mandate)	Group presentation
9	The Shanghai Museum texts and new information on early Chinese philosophy	Reading of the SHM texts	Group presentation
10	Mozi and Mohism	Reading of the Mozi	Group presentation
11	Zhuangzi	Reading of the Zhuangzi	Group presentation
12	Legalism	Reading of the Hanfeizi	Group presentation
13	In-class test	Revision and feedback	Group presentation In-class test

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

New Assessment Policy in effect from Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html. For more information visit http://students.mq.edu.au/events/2016/07/19/new_assessment_policy_in_place_from_session_2/

Assessment Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html

Grading Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html

Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html

Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html

Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.

In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/

Results

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

Creative and Innovative

Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

Enhanced knowledge of traditional Chinese thought
Familiarity and facility with concepts, themes and theoretical perspectives on traditional Chinese thought
Capacity for analytical and critical thinking as well as appreciation of, and respect for cultural diversities
Ability to engage in independent and reflective learning through assessing and responding to ideas
Improved ability to work in cooperative groups on key issues in Chinese Studies and communicate findings to fellow students

Assessment tasks

Online discussion
Group presentation
In-class test

Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative

We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

Enhanced knowledge of traditional Chinese thought
Improved understanding of the key notions in early Chinese philosophy
Familiarity and facility with concepts, themes and theoretical perspectives on traditional Chinese thought
Capacity for analytical and critical thinking as well as appreciation of, and respect for cultural diversities
Ability to engage in independent and reflective learning through assessing and responding to ideas
Improved ability to work in cooperative groups on key issues in Chinese Studies and communicate findings to fellow students

Assessment tasks

Online discussion
Group presentation
In-class test

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

Enhanced knowledge of traditional Chinese thought
Improved understanding of the key notions in early Chinese philosophy
Familiarity and facility with concepts, themes and theoretical perspectives on traditional Chinese thought
Capacity for analytical and critical thinking as well as appreciation of, and respect for cultural diversities
Ability to engage in independent and reflective learning through assessing and responding to ideas

Assessment tasks

Online discussion
Group presentation
In-class test

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

Enhanced knowledge of traditional Chinese thought
Improved understanding of the key notions in early Chinese philosophy
Familiarity and facility with concepts, themes and theoretical perspectives on traditional Chinese thought

Assessment tasks

Online discussion
Group presentation
In-class test

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

Enhanced knowledge of traditional Chinese thought
Improved understanding of the key notions in early Chinese philosophy
Familiarity and facility with concepts, themes and theoretical perspectives on traditional Chinese thought
Capacity for analytical and critical thinking as well as appreciation of, and respect for cultural diversities
Ability to engage in independent and reflective learning through assessing and responding to ideas
Improved ability to work in cooperative groups on key issues in Chinese Studies and communicate findings to fellow students

Assessment tasks

Online discussion
Group presentation
In-class test

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

Enhanced knowledge of traditional Chinese thought
Improved understanding of the key notions in early Chinese philosophy
Familiarity and facility with concepts, themes and theoretical perspectives on traditional Chinese thought
Capacity for analytical and critical thinking as well as appreciation of, and respect for cultural diversities
Ability to engage in independent and reflective learning through assessing and responding to ideas
Improved ability to work in cooperative groups on key issues in Chinese Studies and communicate findings to fellow students

Assessment tasks

Online discussion
Group presentation
In-class test

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

Enhanced knowledge of traditional Chinese thought
Improved understanding of the key notions in early Chinese philosophy
Familiarity and facility with concepts, themes and theoretical perspectives on traditional Chinese thought
Capacity for analytical and critical thinking as well as appreciation of, and respect for cultural diversities
Improved ability to work in cooperative groups on key issues in Chinese Studies and communicate findings to fellow students

Assessment tasks

Online discussion
Group presentation
In-class test

Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens

As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

Enhanced knowledge of traditional Chinese thought
Improved understanding of the key notions in early Chinese philosophy
Familiarity and facility with concepts, themes and theoretical perspectives on traditional Chinese thought
Capacity for analytical and critical thinking as well as appreciation of, and respect for cultural diversities
Ability to engage in independent and reflective learning through assessing and responding to ideas
Improved ability to work in cooperative groups on key issues in Chinese Studies and communicate findings to fellow students

Assessment tasks

Online discussion
Group presentation
In-class test

Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible

We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

Enhanced knowledge of traditional Chinese thought
Improved understanding of the key notions in early Chinese philosophy
Familiarity and facility with concepts, themes and theoretical perspectives on traditional Chinese thought
Capacity for analytical and critical thinking as well as appreciation of, and respect for cultural diversities
Ability to engage in independent and reflective learning through assessing and responding to ideas
Improved ability to work in cooperative groups on key issues in Chinese Studies and communicate findings to fellow students

Assessment tasks

Online discussion
Group presentation
In-class test