CHNS2633: Semester 1, 2026

Units CHNS2633 Semester 1 2026 [Normal day]

Unit outline_

CHNS2633: Topics in Chinese Literature 1

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

This unit offers an introduction to the rich trove of Chinese-language literature produced before the 20th century. Students will explore classical texts, read in translation, to engage with their historical, social, cultural, and political contexts. The unit emphasizes critical analysis of literary techniques, narrative structures, and thematic elements. Special attention will be given to how these works address issues of ethics, class, gender, and power dynamics. By situating these texts within their respective periods, students will gain a deeper understanding of the interplay between literature and the broader social forces.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Chinese Studies
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	12 credit points of Chinese Studies or 12 credit points at 1000 level in Asian Studies or International and Comparative Literary Studies
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Josh Stenberg, josh.stenberg@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Presentation	Presentation on primary text Presentation on primary text and written script or notes	20%	Multiple weeks	1x1000 wd equivalent presentation	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Ongoing participation Active participation in class	10%	Ongoing	throughout	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Response work Early Feedback Task	0%	Week 03 Due date: 15 Mar 2026 at 23:59	5-10 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Essay proposal Proposal for essay	10%	Week 08 Due date: 26 Apr 2026 at 23:59	500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Essay Research essay	30%	Week 13 Due date: 31 May 2026 at 23:59	1500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Final test Knowledge test	30%	Week 13 Due date: 29 May 2026 at 23:59	1500wd equivalent	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

500 wd essay proposal

Assessment criteria

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Story of the Stone	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	Story of the Stone	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	Story of the Stone	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Story of the Stone	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Story of the Stone	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	Story of the Stone	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Story of the Stone	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Story of the Stone	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Story of the Stone	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Story of the Stone	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Story of the Stone	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	Story of the Stone	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Story of the Stone	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Story of the Stone	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Story of the Stone	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	Story of the Stone	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Story of the Stone	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	Story of the Stone	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	Story of the Stone	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	Story of the Stone	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	Story of the Stone	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	Story of the Stone	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Story of the Stone	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	Story of the Stone	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	Story of the Stone	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 13	Story of the Stone	Tutorial (2 hr)

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Demonstrate a high standard of active and passive competence in Chinese pre-20th century literature and be able to communicate effectively and persuasively on this and related matters.
LO2. Demonstrate acquisition of an in depth knowledge of Chinese literature, culture and society, and the ability to discuss a wide range of issues, to approach them through a multi/inter disciplinary approach, and to formulate and defend sound arguments.
LO3. Demonstrate a high level of intercultural competence and a sophisticated ability to critically analyse different cultures, to work across cultural boundaries and to exercise ethical judgments.
LO4. Demonstrate through complex and challenging research tasks, high level research skills and the ability to formulate and carry out one's own intellectual projects.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This is the first time this unit has been offered.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links