Admission requirements
This course is open to all students with an interest in Classical Chinese. Prior knowledge is helpful but not required. Students who wish to:
-acquire basic reading skills in Classical Chinese,
-learn how to analyze and translate classical texts,
-explore and make use of Classical primary sources for their own academic research,
-or simply wish to deepen their understanding of Korean intellectual and literary traditions
are all welcome to join.
If you are unsure whether your background fits the course level, feel free to contact the instructor for further guidance.
Description
This course offers an [accessible] introduction to Classical Chinese in the Korean cultural context.
In this course we will read premodern Korea through writings by (predominantly) Korean intellectuals in Classical Chinese. Classes will consist of two distinct but related elements:
To accommodate students with varying levels of experience, the course will be divided into two complementary tracks. Students can choose between the two tracks through the Level Self-Assessment.
- Introductory Track
Target: Students new to Classical Chinese or with limited experience
Focus:
Learning basic Classical Chinese grammar and vocabulary
Reading of short, annotated texts
Basic understanding of syntax and translation practice.
Introduction to tools for understanding and translating primary sources
- Intermediate/Advanced Track
Target: Students with prior training in Classical Chinese (e.g., completion of BA1 level)
Focus:
Close reading and translation of major premodern Korean texts
Regular translation workshops and discussion
Course objectives
Common Objectives (For All Students)
▶ Understanding Premodern Korea: By reading writings by premodern Korean intellectuals in Classical Chinese, students will understand premodern Korean society through primary sources and secondary literature.
▶ Basic Translation and Analytical Skills: Students will develop basic reading comprehension skills in Classical Chinese, including the ability to translate and analyze Classical Chinese texts.
▶ Ability to Use Key Texts: Students will develop the ability to use primary sources related to premodern Korea in their research papers.
Introductory Track : Objectives
▶ Students will learn the fundamental grammar and vocabulary of Classical Chinese.
▶ Through reading short annotated texts, students will develop their ability to understand and translate Classical Chinese.
▶ Students will learn to use translation tools and reference materials to understand and translate primary sources accurately.
Students will gain confidence in analyzing and translating simple Classical Chinese passages and will be able to work with primary sources effectively.
Intermediate/Advanced Track : Objectives
▶ Students will acquire advanced reading comprehension and translation skills for premodern Korean texts in Classical Chinese.
▶ Students will enhance their critical thinking through research--focused translation and analysis, learning how to integrate translated texts into their scholarly work.
Students will develop the ability to write a research chapter or detailed analysis, critically integrating translated Classical Chinese sources into their research.
Timetable
The timetables are available through My Timetable.
Mode of instruction
Lecture
Seminar
Assessment method
Assessment and Grading
Active class participation and preparation: 30%
Translation asignments/exam: 35%
Final : 35%
To pass this course, students must achieve:
An overall GPA of 5.50 or higher (equivalent to a grade of 6),
A minimum grade of 5.5 on the thesis/translation assignment, and
Passing grades in all assessment components.
Students who receive an overall GPA of 5.49 or lower, or who fail the thesis/translation assignment, must retake the final exam. The retake will take the form of a research paper, which will count for 100% of the final grade.This is a comprehensive, full-year course; all components must be completed within the same academic year. Partial grades cannot be carried over to the following year.
Inspection and feedback
How and when an exam review will take place will be disclosed together with the publication of the exam results at the latest. If a student requests a review within 30 days after publication of the exam results, an exam review will have to be organized.
Resit
Those who fail the exam may retake it in consultation with the instructor, which may include additional assignments and activities.
Reading list
TBA on Brightspace.
Registration
Enrolment through MyStudyMap is mandatory.
General information about course and exam enrolment is available on the website.
Contact
For substantive questions, contact the lecturer listed in the right information bar.
For questions about enrolment, admission, etc, contact the Education Administration Office: Herta Mohr