UnitLevel 2Undergraduate

ATS2040 Understanding contemporary China

Faculty of Arts

ATS2040 Understanding contemporary China is a level 2, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Arts, offered in 2027 in Semester 1 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites.

Credit points
6
Offered in 2027
Semester 1
Clayton
Assessment
No exam
4 tasks
Workload
144 hours
per semester

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Requisites

Before ATS2040

No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.

After ATS2040

No unit lists ATS2040 as a prerequisite in the 2027 handbook.

Enrolment rules

Prerequisite: Chinese introductory 2 or equivalent or permission
Prohibition: ATS3054/APG4044/ATS4046

Overview

The unit introduces you to perspectives on contemporary Chinese culture and society as presented in academic publications, social commentary, media reports and on the Chinese Internet. It covers key topics in cultural studies, politics and social studies, as these are discussed and written about in English and Chinese. It examines and compares Chinese and Western views on contemporary issues in China. Research methods and skills relevant to the study of contemporary China are an important feature of this unit.

Offerings in 2027

Teaching periodCampusMode
First semesterClaytonOn campus

Assessment

  • Analytical exerciseExercise
    10%
  • Presentation
    20%
  • Research proposalWritten
    20%
  • EssayWritten
    50%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Learning outcomes

When you finish this unit, you should be able to:

  1. 1

    A basic understanding of key issues in contemporary Chinese society and politics, focused on (i) the concepts of trust and justice; (ii) media reporting in and about present-day China; (iii) Chinese nationalism and patriotism; and (iv) public culture and debate in the Chinese-speaking world;

  2. 2

    Library and web-based research skills relevant to modern Chinese studies;

  3. 3

    A good knowledge of the academic literature relevant to studies of contemporary China;

  4. 4

    Skills of analysis and interpretation in the study of China through exposure to the materials used in this unit.

Workload and teaching

  • Tutorials24 hours
  • Lectures12 hours
  • Teaching approachEnquiry-based learning
  • Teaching approachActive learning
  • Teaching approachResearch activities

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

This unit engages you in enquiry-based learning, where you will be encouraged to use your own knowledge to develop and engage in a process of enquiry, study and research to identify areas to be investigated and an approach to doing so.

This unit engages you in actively applying your knowledge, skills and attributes in interactive, collaborative and reflective activities.

This unit allows you to develop your research skills by engaging in structured inquiry using a systematic approach and discipline-specific methodologies.

Learning resources

Required resources

This unit requires access to a laptop that meets minimum specifications (https://www.monash.edu/esolutions/students/bring-your-own-device-byod). Free specialist software is available via MoVE (https://www.monash.edu/learning-teaching/innovation/learning-technologies/move).

Where it fits

ATS2040 is part of 4 areas of study in the 2027 handbook.

Contacts

Unit Coordinators
Dr Jonathan Benney
Chief Examiners
Dr Jonathan Benney

Common questions

What are the prerequisites for ATS2040?

ATS2040 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.

When is ATS2040 offered?

In 2027, ATS2040 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton.

How much work is ATS2040?

The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.

Does ATS2040 have an exam?

No. ATS2040 has 4 assessment tasks and no exam.

Which majors and minors include ATS2040?

ATS2040 is part of Chinese studies and Global Asia.

More details

Credit points
6
Level
2
Study level
Undergraduate
Faculty
Faculty of Arts
Organisational unit
Chinese Studies
Type
Coursework
EFTSL
0.125
Student contribution
SCA Band 1
Study abroad
Available