CLASSIC CHINESE LITERATURE

The course aims to broaden students' knowledge of classical Chinese civilization, and in particular of the earliest philosophical-religious thought and language used in the texts of the time.

Attendance and active participation in the training activities offered by the course and individual study will enable students/students to:

1. Knowledge and understanding
1.1. Better knowledge and understanding of classical Chinese language;
1.2. Better knowledge and understanding of Confucian and Daoist thought.

2. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
2.1. analyze passages from Lunyu, Mengzi, Xunzi, Zhuangzi and Laozi.
2.2. read advanced level texts in classical Chinese language

Proficiency in Classical Chinese is required to take the course.

General considerations on the concept of 'human nature, and the different meanings and interpretations of the term xing 性. Translation and analysis of passages from Confucius' Dialogues, Mengzi, Xunzi, Zhuangzi and Daodejing. Original texts, accompanied by translation and commentary will be provided during class.

Maurizio Scarpari, La concezione della natura umana in Confucio e Mencio, Cafoscarina, 1991.

The exam will be written. During the allotted time, the student will be expected to answer a series of open-ended questions with answers of varying lengths, in which he or she will have to succinctly expound on one of the key-topics covered in class, answer questions related to texts, characters and technical terms, and provide translations of some of the passages critically analyzed during class.

written

28-30L: mastery of topics covered in lecture and textbooks; ability to hierarchize information; use of appropriate technical terminology;
26-27: good knowledge of topics covered in lecture and, to a lesser extent, in textbooks; fair ability to order information and present it; familiarity with technical terminology;
24-25: not always thorough knowledge of topics covered in lecture and in textbooks; oral exposition orderly but with not always correct use of technical terminology;
22-23: often superficial knowledge of topics covered in lecture and in textbooks; oral exposition unclear and lacking in technical terminology;
18-21: sometimes lacking knowledge of topics covered in lecture and in textbooks; oral exposition confused, with little use of technical terminology.

The course will be conducted in-person, and includes the posting on Moodle of supplementary materials related to the 15 face-to-face lectures scheduled during the semester.