Chinese Culture Ii
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course is designed to equip students with the tools needed to understand 21st-century China. Based on the knowledge imparted during the previous course (Chinese Culture I), lectures will focus on some of the most relevant topics and discussions emerged in China in the last decades. The goal is to highlight some important aspects of Chinese society and cultural production, also with a view to its institutions. Media production and youth's education in the People's Republic of China will be explored in depth. The core topic will be the concept of narrative: as a matter of fact, the course will focus on the representation of the self and of the individual's own culture in the Chinese context. Based on these premises, students will be encouraged to work in groups to analyse and comment real-life materials.
Expected learning outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be equipped to understand the major contemporary topics discussed during the lectures, and to identify key terms and core concepts of Chinese culture in the 21st century. By reading translated primary sources belonging to different genres, participating in group activities and listening to presentations in class, students will become more confident in interacting with Chinese cultural production, and will be able to comment on the course topics with a higher degree of cultural awareness.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
This course explores the role of cultural heritage in contemporary China, with a particular focus on its use and commodification within the tourism industry. It examines how the state and other actors — institutional, corporate, and local — narrate and stage tradition for both domestic and international audiences, highlighting the intersections between culture, economy, and soft power.
The course offers a complementary and cross-cutting perspective to Chinese Language I and Mediation and Chinese Culture II, encouraging critical reflection on various forms of cultural representation across institutional, commercial, literary, and cinematic domains.
A section of the course will be devoted to the analysis of selected UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the People's Republic of China, used as case studies to investigate how heritage is mobilized for cultural promotion and tourism development.
The course offers a complementary and cross-cutting perspective to Chinese Language I and Mediation and Chinese Culture II, encouraging critical reflection on various forms of cultural representation across institutional, commercial, literary, and cinematic domains.
A section of the course will be devoted to the analysis of selected UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the People's Republic of China, used as case studies to investigate how heritage is mobilized for cultural promotion and tourism development.
Prerequisites for admission
Candidates must have passed the exams in Chinese Language II and Mediation, as well as Chinese Culture I.
Teaching methods
Classes will include both lectures and interactive sessions, with active student participation through individual or group presentations, followed by in-class discussions on selected topics.
Multimedia materials will be used to support learning and deepen understanding of the course content.
In addition, seminars and guest lectures by prominent figures from the Chinese cultural sphere will be organized to broaden students' perspectives and encourage critical reflection.
Participation in these activities is considered an integral part of the course. Information and updates regarding events, teaching activities, and materials will be made available in a timely manner on the ARIEL platform.
Multimedia materials will be used to support learning and deepen understanding of the course content.
In addition, seminars and guest lectures by prominent figures from the Chinese cultural sphere will be organized to broaden students' perspectives and encourage critical reflection.
Participation in these activities is considered an integral part of the course. Information and updates regarding events, teaching activities, and materials will be made available in a timely manner on the ARIEL platform.
Teaching Resources
Materials for attending students:
Yujie Zhu, Christina Maags. Heritage Politics in China: The Power of the Past. London: Routledge, 2020. (Selected chapters)
Li, M. M., Wu, B. H., & Cai, L. P. (2008). "Tourism development of World Heritage Sites in China: A geographic perspective." Tourism Management, 29(2008), 308-319.
Additional materials provided by the instructor via the Ariel platform.
Materials for non-attending students:
Yujie Zhu, Christina Maags. Heritage Politics in China: The Power of the Past. London: Routledge, 2020. (Selected chapters)
Li, M. M., Wu, B. H., & Cai, L. P. (2008). "Tourism development of World Heritage Sites in China: A geographic perspective." Tourism Management, 29(2008), 308-319.
Ryan, Chris, and Gu Huimin, eds. Tourism in China: Destination, Cultures and Communities. New York and London: Routledge, 2009 (Chapters 3, 5, 9, 11, 12, 19, 20)
Yujie Zhu, Christina Maags. Heritage Politics in China: The Power of the Past. London: Routledge, 2020. (Selected chapters)
Li, M. M., Wu, B. H., & Cai, L. P. (2008). "Tourism development of World Heritage Sites in China: A geographic perspective." Tourism Management, 29(2008), 308-319.
Additional materials provided by the instructor via the Ariel platform.
Materials for non-attending students:
Yujie Zhu, Christina Maags. Heritage Politics in China: The Power of the Past. London: Routledge, 2020. (Selected chapters)
Li, M. M., Wu, B. H., & Cai, L. P. (2008). "Tourism development of World Heritage Sites in China: A geographic perspective." Tourism Management, 29(2008), 308-319.
Ryan, Chris, and Gu Huimin, eds. Tourism in China: Destination, Cultures and Communities. New York and London: Routledge, 2009 (Chapters 3, 5, 9, 11, 12, 19, 20)
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists of an oral assessment, graded on a scale of thirty. During the interview, the student's ability to make connections between the various topics covered in the course will be particularly valued.
Active participation in class, as well as contribution to group work, is considered an integral part of the learning process and will contribute to the final evaluation.
Active participation in class, as well as contribution to group work, is considered an integral part of the learning process and will contribute to the final evaluation.
L-OR/21 - CHINESE AND SOUTH ASIAN LANGUAGES AND LITERATURES - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor:
Gallo Simona
Professor(s)