Module manager: Dr David Pattinson
Email: d.pattinson@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
Successful completion of the Year Abroad in China, or recognised equivalent
| EAST3120 | Classical Chinese |
This module is not approved as a discovery module
Classical Chinese, the medieval and later evolution of which is often referred to as literary Chinese, was the language used across Chinese history until the early twentieth century for nearly all official texts and most writing by the educated classes that dominated the Chinese cultural tradition. Such was its influence that the pre-modern vernacular and modern Chinese is littered with traces of the classical language. The ability to write poetry in the classical language was a marker of membership of the cultural elite. In this module, students will read selected texts from the Classical Chinese tradition, both prose and poetry, gaining a basic knowledge of the structures and vocabulary of Classical Chinese, and a sense of the range of genres and styles in which it was employed. Students will also gain an appreciation of the challenges and possibilities in translating these texts into English, including through evaluating existing translations done by professional scholars. Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module.
This module aims to give students:
- a foundational knowledge of the structures and vocabulary of Classical and literary Chinese;
- an awareness of the common reference tools available for Chinese language, literature and history;
- a sense of the variety of genres in which the classical language was used, from official prose to familiar essays and poetry;
- an awareness of the influence of Classical Chinese on modern Chinese;
- an understanding of the challenges and possibilities of translating Classical Chinese texts into English;
- awareness of some recent scholarship regarding specific topics in the Classical Chinese tradition.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Apply Classical Chinese grammar and syntax to understanding texts from the Classical Chinese tradition, with the help of annotations and other reference material;
2. Identify the function of common grammatical elements in familiar texts from the Classical Chinese tradition and demonstrate your understanding through explanation or translation;
3. Place the Classical Chinese texts you read in their historical contexts;
4. Evaluate the accuracy and effectiveness of published translations of selected Classical Chinese texts into English.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
5. Assess how effectively the ideas of one language and culture have been expressed in terms understandable by another;
6. Demonstrate that you can express your ideas accurately and effectively in writing.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervision | 1 | 0.5 | 0.5 |
| Seminars | 28 | 1 | 28 |
| Private study hours | 171.5 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 28.5 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
In addition to receiving advice about which translated texts might be suitable for the translation evaluation assessment, students are offered half an hour of supervision for their essays, which can include reading summaries or partial drafts.
Language feedback is offered as part of class reading as students are asked to translate sentences.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Translation analysis | 40 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 40 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 3.0 Hrs 0 Mins | 60 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 60 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 14/03/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team