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DRPS : Course Catalogue : School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures : Asian Studies

Undergraduate Course: Representations of history in the cinema of Communist China (ASST10132)

Course Outline
SchoolSchool of Literatures, Languages and Cultures CollegeCollege of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 10 (Year 4 Undergraduate) AvailabilityNot available to visiting students
SCQF Credits20 ECTS Credits10
SummaryThe course will examine cinematic representations made in Communist China of two of the most important historical events of the twentieth century in that country: the Cultural Revolution and the Sino-Japanese war. Students will watch films on the two topics made from the 1950s to 2011, in order to see how the prevailing political atmosphere of the different periods has impacted on the filmmaking. Students will be assessed by one essay and on their contribution to seminars.
Course description The course will examine cinematic representations made in Communist China of two of the most important historical events of the twentieth century in that country: the Cultural Revolution and the Sino-Japanese war. Students will watch films on the two topics made from the 1950s to 2011, in order to see how the prevailing political atmosphere of the different periods has impacted on the filmmaking. Students will be assessed by one essay and on their contribution to seminars.

In this course we will be discussing content that may be traumatising to some students. We believe in the importance of engaging with this material and so please rest assured that we will work with you to ensure you can participate fully and demonstrate your achievement of the learning outcomes of the course, without compromising your wellbeing or your academic development. If you have concerns at any point we invite you to approach the course organiser Dr Julian Ward at Julian.Ward@ed.ac.uk to discuss how we can best support you in your work on this course. We affirm that you will be treated with dignity and respect in all discussions and at every stage of the course.

Please note that places on this course are strictly limited and that priority will be given to students taking Chinese honours.
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements None
Additional Costs None
Course Delivery Information
Not being delivered
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  1. Recall and summarise key themes related to Chinese cinema of the Communist period.
  2. Find, compare and criticise sources related to Chinese cinema.
  3. Develop original ideas
  4. Demonstrate an awareness of the research agenda relating to the topic
  5. Acquire an understanding of the ways in which filmmakers have addressed two very sensitive topics in different periods of recent Chinese history
Reading List
Core texts will include works by Chris Berry, Yomi Braester, Paul Clark, Wendy Larson, Jerome Silbergeld and Zhang Yingjin.
Additional Information
Graduate Attributes and Skills Not entered
KeywordsAS Rep Hist Cin,film,politics,war
Contacts
Course organiserDr Julian Ward
Tel:
Email: Julian.Ward@ed.ac.uk
Course secretaryMiss Hope Hamilton
Tel: (0131 6)50 4167
Email: hope.hamilton@ed.ac.uk
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