CLASSICAL CHINESE LANGUAGE 2

This is one of the electives courses within the 'Cina' curriculum of the Corso di Laurea in "Lingue, Culture e Società dell'Asia e dell'Africa Mediterranea" (interpretariato e traduzione; indirizzo umanistico)

Consolidation of classical Chinese syntax, in-depth study of exegetical literature from the imperial era and identification of suitable tools for textual analysis

Knowledge of classical Chinese grammar, of literary Chinese and of classical Chinese thought.

Ideas of "Nature" in Classical Chinese Thought

This course explores the diverse representations of nature in ancient China, navigating between visions of cosmic harmony and tensions between order and chaos. Through a close reading of classical sources (including the Shangshu, Mozi, Xunzi, Laozi, Han Feizi, and Huainanzi), key concepts such as qi 氣, ziran 自然, Tian 天 and shenming 神明 will be examined to investigate the complex interplay between natural phenomena, social order, and political authority. Particular attention will be given to how the human being was imagined both as an integral part of nature and as distinct from it—capable of shaping, modifying, or even violating it. Central to the course is the tension between spontaneity and artifice, natural law and moral norm. Ultimately, the course challenges the assumption of a natural harmony between humanity and the world, revealing it as an ideal often constructed rather than consistently realized.

A. Andreini, G. Baccini, M. Scarpari, Corso di lingua cinese classica e letteraria, Milano, Hoepli, 2022.

M. Scarpari, A. Andreini, Grammatica della lingua cinese classica, Milano, Hoepli, 2020.

Andreini, Attilio, Laozi: Il Canone della Via e della Virtù, Torino, Einaudi, 2018.

Additional material will be provided during the semester through MOODLE

The exam will be a written test with open questions concerning subjects and texts dealt with during the course.

written

Excellent (30 cum laude)
The candidate demonstrates an exceptionally thorough and interdisciplinary grasp of the subject matter, which is understood and reworked with complete autonomy and originality. The use of language is masterful, the ability to make cross-disciplinary connections is outstanding, and critical reflection is expressed with clarity, articulation, and persuasiveness.

Very Good (29–30)
The preparation is characterized by broad and in-depth knowledge of the content, reworked with confidence and independence, enriched by personal insights. The ability to reflect and communicate is excellent, though minor imperfections may occasionally appear.

Distinction (27–28)
Knowledge is complete and well-developed, with secure and thoughtful reworking of the material. Reflective and expressive abilities are notable, demonstrating mastery of the subject and clarity in presentation.

Good (24–26)
The candidate shows correct and often complete knowledge of the content, which is understood and reworked with reasonable confidence. Reflective and expressive abilities are good, though some uncertainty may remain.

Fair (21–23)
Knowledge is more than sufficient or fair, with reworking that still shows some uncertainty. Reflective and expressive abilities are substantial or fair, though there is room for improvement.

Sufficient (18–20)
Preparation is marked by sufficient or uncertain knowledge of the content, which still needs to be consolidated and is reworked with uncertainty. Reflective and expressive abilities are barely sufficient or sufficient, with clear potential for growth.

Insufficient (≤17)
The preparation does not reach the threshold of sufficiency: content is known in a fragmented and incomplete manner, comprehension is partial, and reworking is deficient. Reflective and expressive abilities are inadequate, with knowledge insufficient to address the proposed issues effectively.

The course will consist of fifteen lectures

In order to be able to take the exam, students will need to have passed modules 1 and 2 of Classical Chinese Language