SLL20040 Encountering China

Academic Year 2018/2019

This module examines the history of European encounters with China, from the Silk Road to the present. It will be of interest to students of Commerce, History, Social Sciences and Modern Languages - and anyone intending to engage with China in their future career.

This epic story covers trade, education, war, imperialism, alliances, evangelism, migration, and marriage. These encounters were marked at times by feelings of mutual paranoia, racism and greed, but also by curiosity, friendship, compassion, and openness to new forms of learning. Topics covered in the module include the travels of Marco Polo; the Opium Wars; the Chinese diaspora in Europe; the sharing of ideas such as Christianity, Confucianism and Marxism; and economic and cultural encounters in the era of globalisation. The module can be taken in conjunction with EU-China Relations SLL 20050 (Semester 2), which examines the contemporary relationship between China and Europe.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:

- Demonstrate knowledge of the history of European encounters with China over the past two millennia.
- Evaluate the different forms this interaction has taken.
- Analyse the various ways that Europeans have constructed knowledge of China and how Chinese have constructed knowledge of Europe.
- Understand key theories of cross-cultural interaction and knowledge formation.
- Engage critically with primary source materials, and be able to assess their usefulness.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

12
Seminar (or Webinar)

12
Autonomous Student Learning

76
Total

100
 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.



 
Description % of Final Grade Timing
Essay: 2500 words max (in English)

50

 Coursework (End of Trimester)
Continuous Assessment: Class participation

20

 Throughout the Trimester
Presentation: Critical introduction of the week's readings.

20

 Varies over the Trimester
Attendance: Attendance

10

 Throughout the Trimester

Compensation

This module is not passable by compensation

Resit Opportunities

In-semester assessment

Remediation

If you fail this module you may repeat, resit or substitute where permissible. The resit consists of an essay (2500 words max), to be submitted in week 12 of the following semester, as well as an oral exam.