Cultures of China I

This course reflects on the specificities of the contemporary Chinese world, both within and beyond the geopolitical borders of the People's Republic of China. Starting from the concepts of "tradition" and "modernity", which are explored in their political, social and aesthetic dimensions, the course provides a critical analysis of the multiple identities of the Chinese world. Major contemporary topics will be examined under the lens of Sinophone media, literary and cinematic products, to provide an overview of the complexity and polyphony which characterise some current cultural phenomena. One of the core goals of the course is to encourage students' critical, communication and research skills.

During the course, students will strengthen their knowledge of contemporary China by studying original sources and materials, also in Chinese, and develop communication skills by presenting written texts and multimedia materials to the class. Topics covered during the course will be in line with the focus of the degree programme, also in relation to specific matters of key relevance for the Chinese world. Students will be encouraged to develop critical thinking and argumentative skills by actively participating in discussions, conferences and meetings with high-level guest speakers. By the end of the course, students will have developed a critical awareness of the historical and cultural issues studied in the class, and the ability to choose the most appropriate methods and sources to delve deeper into these issues.