ARTS, CINEMA AND PERFORMING ARTS (CHINA)

The course of Visual Arts, Cinema and Performing Arts (China) [non-official translation] is included among other integrative teachings in the Chinese language curriculum of the master degree course “Languages and Civilizations of Asia and North Africa”, but is also available as a choice teaching for students of other master courses at Ca’ Foscari University whose curricula are not based on he study of Chinese language. Through the vision and analysis of cultural products of different register and typology, as operas and films, it aims to lead the students to acquire a correct methodology for the approach to most relevant intercultural issues: thus, students will be able to face up to the demanding tasks of any future research works they will be asked to carry out in the field of Chinese studies, with particular reference to relations between Chinese and Western cultures.

1. Knowledge and understanding
To be acquainted with some of the main operas and movies, both Western and Chinese, which are focused on the intercultural issuess related to the contents of the course, with particular reference to the different narratives of the wielding of power in China. To get a thorough knowledge of the main relevant critical literature, and firmly master the most correct methodology to face up to the related questions. To acquire a solid mastering also of the IT tools for the handling of audiovisual contents in digital form.

2. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
To get hold of the best methods to approach to the vision and the enjoyment of main operas and movies, both Western and Chinese, which are focused on the intercultural issuess related to the contents of the course, with particular reference to the different narratives of the wielding of power in China. To succeed in facing up to new facets and new challenges related to the issues the course is focused on, and also get ready to apply the acquired methodology to new different research fields.

3. Capacity of judgement
To be able to evaluate from a critical point of view cultural products of different nature and register.

4. Communication skills
To be able to communicate with clarity of exposure one's own critical intepretation of cultural products of different nature and register, as well as to constructively confront with different opinions and interpretations. To be able to use at the best different IT tools in order to illustrate one's work and research results.

5. Learning skills
To increase one’s capacity to cultural progress through the study of demanding critical materials in various languages and a thorough knowledge of cultural products of different nature and registers. To be able to master to master the best techniques, methods and forms for the preparation of scientific and critical texts.

To have a very good theoretical and practical knowledge of the Italian language: students able to express themselves correctly both in writing and in oral form.
The students of Licaam and other Chinese-based master degree courses are required to have a Chinese language proficiency equivalent to level B1 of the CEFR (Common European framework of reference for language proficiency) and to have a good knowledge of English Language. Students of other master degree courses are requested to have a good knowledge of English Language and a solid background in the history of Chinese civilization.
Students are also requested to possess a strong aptitude to the use of informatic tools, with particular reference to the handling of audiovisual contents in digital form.

This year, the course's title is: "Emperors, Empresses and Presidents: Cinematic and Operatic Narratives of the Wielding of Power in China. A Return Journey between Highbrow and Lowbrow Culture, China and the West, Searching for Old and New Myths".
The lessons will take place according to the following scheme:
Part I: The Myth of the First Emperor in Operatic and Cinematic Works.
Part II: Nixon in China: John Adams and the Retelling of Contemporary History.
Part III: Dreaming China: from Puccini's Turandot to the Movies of the "Chinese Dream".

The detailed bibliography of the course will be communicated here soon. Students are invited to consult this page regularly.
Many of the texts and the materials will be available on line at the webpage https://moodle.unive.it" ;, in the section "Arti, cinema e spettacolo (Cina): prof. F.A. Greselin".

The exam will consist of a brief conversation about the subjects of the course. Students will also may work on an original personal research that can be illustrated whether in class to the teacher and the fellow students, or directly submitted to the teacher as a paper.

The course is based mainly on the use of audiovisual materials, including both operas and films and/or television dramas, and visual products made for educational purposes. Students will have to commit themselves to the reading of abundant critical materials, mainly in English and Chinese. Students' papers on the course's subjects or relating topics are welcome.
While for students of Licaam and other Chinese-based master degree courses the capacity to read demanding Chinese texts is required, students of other master degree courses will be requested to study on supplementary alternative materials.

Italian

From the beginning of the lessons to the exams, at the webpage https://moodle.unive.it/ , in the section “Arti, cinema e spettacolo (Cina) [LM2330] - prof. F. A. Greselin”, students will also find all sorts of useful information on the course itself, as well as additional readings, hints for a correct study practice, relevant audiovisual materials, etc. The updating of this Moodle space will be carried out by the teacher regularly.

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