CLASSICAL CHINESE LANGUAGE 1 MOD.1

The course aims at providing the fundamentals of classical Chinese language through the analysis of the philosophical literature of the classical period (VI-II century BC).

1. Knowledge and understanding:
a) To know the basic structures of classical Chinese language.
b) To know the tools to analyze and translate texts of the classical Chinese corpus.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding:
a) to know how to identify the basic grammatical structures and being able to analyze texts in the light of their contexts.
b) to know how to identify the most appropriate tools to analyze and translate a given text.
3. Making judgements:
a) To be able to identify the grammatical structures of texts never seen before and to analyze and translate, using appropriate tools, texts from the classical Chinese corpus

Basic knowledge of the history and thought of pre-imperial China. Basic knowledge of modern Chinese Language.

Introduction to the study of classical Chinese: grammar, reading and analysis of some excerpts from classical sources.

Compulsory texts:
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.


Dictionaries:
1) Grand Ricci (paper edition available in our library). The "Grand Ricci Online" is available to all Ca' Foscari students at:
http://chinesereferenceshelf.brillonline.com/grand-ricci

or

http://www.unive.it/nqcontent.cfm?a_id=32451

The Grand Ricci is available on iOS (iPhone, iPad) and Android devices (smartphones and tablets) as a module of the well known (free) Pleco Dictionary that can be bought as an in-app add-on. This "Grand Ricci" module includes the entire content of the Dictionary, but it cannot display yet the very old glyphs (the jiaguwen) which will be added in an upcoming (free) upgrade.

To get the new mobile application:
iOS (iPhone/iPad): <http://itunes.com/apps/PlecoChineseDictionary> ;
(or search Pleco Chinese Dictionary in the App Store)
Android: <https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pleco.chinesesystem> ;
(or search Pleco Chinese System in the Google Play Store)

Once the Pleco engine has been installed, select the "add-ons" tab and buy the Grand Ricci (US$ 59.95). The dictionary is automatically downloaded and can be used immediately through the Pleco App. (A number of other free and paid dictionaries can also be obtained in the same manner for use in Pleco).

2) Kroll, Paul W., A Student's Dictionary of Classical and Medieval Chinese, Leiden, Brill, 2014.
Available also in Pleco.

Supplementary tools:
TLS - Thesaurus Linguae Sericae
http://tls.uni-hd.de/

Supplementary material will be added on MOODLE

The exam will last 30 minutes

The first 3 questions are open-questions:
3 sufficient answers: I will continue with the correction
1 insufficient answer and 2 sufficient: I will continue with the correction
2 answers not sufficient and 1 sufficient: the test is failed

The "actual" exam-test consists of:
a) 3 multiple choice questions (1 point each)
b) 3 open questions requiring a short answer (3 points each)
c) 3 open questions requiring a commented translation or a complex answer (6 points each)

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.

Ex cathedra: during the course the teacher will guide the students through the grammatical analysis and through the comprehension of the texts and their contexts.