97112 Language in Chinese Screen Studies
Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a
particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.
Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 8 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
Requisite(s): 97109 Communicating About Chinese Media OR 97110 Twentieth Century Chinese Fiction
Description
Students develop advanced levels of specialised linguistic proficiency in Modern Standard Chinese and advance their awareness of comparative register, rhetoric, genre, concept and specialist vocabulary. Students are introduced to a range of contemporary Chinese-language films, as well as the social and economic contexts in which they were produced. They learn how to use technical language (plot-, character- and cinematography-related in both Chinese and English), as well as the correct linguistic register and conventions to analyse and critically evaluate contemporary films and contextualise Chinese cinematic aesthetics. Students develop expertise in generating specialist texts such as the academic film review, as well as have the opportunity to write their own mini screenplays.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
| a. | Develop awareness of register, rhetoric, genre, concept and specialist vocabulary through exposure to contemporary Chinese movies and a wide variety of academic and professional readings |
|---|---|
| b. | Communicate professionally and academically in writing and speech in Chinese through competent use of specific linguistic skills and devices |
| c. | Analyse cinematic representation of Chinese social, cultural and political themes; |
| d. | Develop basic writing skills to prepare a movie synopsis, storyboard, screen play and film reviews |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject engages with the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs), which are tailored to the Graduate Attributes set for all graduates of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (INT = International Studies CILOs):
- Analyse, generate and communicate creative solutions to work-related problems within professional and everyday settings across diverse cultures in Australia and internationally. (INT.2.2)
- Understand and engage with cultural diversities in Australia and/or internationally. (INT.3.1)
- Communicate effectively and appropriately in an additional language for everyday and professional purposes. (INT.3.2)
- Engage critically with current issues to act in socially responsible ways in Australian and international settings. (INT.5.1)
- Communicate clearly and effectively in written and spoken language using diverse digital technologies. (INT.6.1)
Teaching and learning strategies
The subject utilises flipped and hybrid teaching and learning strategies and both online and face-to-face delivery modes. Students use online and face-to-face class time for interactive practice and advancement of linguistic skills through personalised learning and group discussions, practices and/or presentations in flexible but guided and monitored physical or virtual classroom activities. Students also deepen their understanding of professional practices, theories and concepts and clarify subject content.
Preparation for these activities requires students to complete exercises and reading/listening/viewing activities prior to coming to class and for them to make effective use of subject materials (including those posted online), community and peer resources available to them to support their learning.
Students will customise their learning experience by engaging with Chinese film industry and its culture and practices from intercultural perspectives, and tailoring their learning experience to maximise understanding and appreciation of Chinese history, culture and society.
Students are encouraged to explore subject materials and concepts through independent research, creative outputs and/or close textual analysis.
Content (topics)
The subject aims to develop students’ advanced and specialist level of linguistic proficiency in Chinese language and sophisticated understanding of the history, industry, practices and skills related to movies and movie production in China. Students learn the register, rhetoric, genre, concept and specialist vocabulary deployed in contemporary Chinese films through studying discourses and narrative elements of major movies produced in China’s reform era. Students study the cinematic representation of Chinese social, cultural and political themes, and learn to write movie synopsis, storyboard, screen play and film reviews.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Online Discussion
| Objective(s): | a, b and c | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight: | 30% | ||||||||||||||||
| Length: | 300 characters for each of the entries | ||||||||||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
Assessment task 2: Film Review
| Objective(s): | a, b and c | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight: | 40% | ||||||||||||||||
| Length: | 2000 characters | ||||||||||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
Assessment task 3: Essay
| Objective(s): | a, b and c | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight: | 30% | ||||||||||||||||
| Length: | 2000 characters | ||||||||||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
Required texts
There is no prescribed textbook for this subject. Selected materials will be available at UTS Online weekly.
Students should also be aware of the Policies and Procedures for Assessment of Coursework Subjects:
http://www.gsu.uts.edu.au/policies/assessment-coursework-policy.html
http://www.gsu.uts.edu.au/policies/assessment-coursework-procedures.html
References
Berry, C. (2003). Chinese Films in Focus: 25 New Takes. London: BFI.
?? (Cheng, J.). (2004). ?????????? (An Annotated Bibliography for Chinese Film Studies). Hong Kong: Hong Kong University Press.
??? (Dai, J.). (1999). ??????????? 1978-1998 (Chinese cinematic culture 1978-1998). Taibei: Yuan liu chu ban gong si.
??? (Gao, M.). (2016). ???? (Screenwriting Course). Beijing: Zuojia Chubanshe.
Lam, A. (2008). Identity, Tradition and Globalism: Post-cultural Revolution Chinese Feature Films 1977-1996.
Saarbru?cken: VDM Verlag Dr.
Mu?ller, Lu, Sheldon et al. (2005). Chinese-Language Film: Historiography, Poetics, Politics. Honolulu: University of Hawai’i Press.
Pickowicz, P. (2010). ‘Revising cold war propaganda: close readings of Chinese American film representations of Korean War.’ Journal of American-East Asian Relations, 17(4), 352-371.
Zhang, Y. (ed.). (2012). A Companion to Chinese Cinema. London: Wiley-Blackwell.
Zhang, Z. (2007). The Urban Generation: Chinese Cinema and Society at the Turn of the Twenty-First Century. Durham: Duke University Press.
Zhu, Y., and Rosen, S. (eds). (2010). Art, politics and commerce in Chinese cinema. Hong Kong University Press.
Other resources
Students are encouraged to watch Chinese movies via online resources. Please consult your teacher for advice.