Studying online
There are now 2 possible online modes for units:
Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.
Click on an offering mode for more details.
Unit Overview
- Description
This unit introduces students to intercultural dialogue through responsive reading and creative writing, with special reference to China. Students encounter modern and contemporary Chinese literature in English translation and are introduced to Chinese language and culture through intensive study at Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU). The unit aims to develop the capacity to interpret the experience of China through discussion, critical reading and creative writing. Pre-departure sessions and in-country workshops help students produce written work for submission. Students are encouraged to explore the various contexts of their interactions with China and to respond in appropriate ways.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
Availability Location Mode Not available in 2025 Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) Face to face - Details for undergraduate courses
- Level 2 elective
- Outcomes
Students are able to (1) demonstrate an understanding of Chinese culture directly by studying at BFSU; (2) critically situate modern and contemporary Chinese literature; (3) critically reflect on the challenges and opportunities of cross-cultural engagement; (4) communicate effectively in cross-cultural environments; and (5) work effectively in groups to deal with complicated cultural questions.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) essay or creative response; (2) class participation; and (3) reflective journal. Further information is available in the unit outline.
Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Unit Coordinator(s)
- Dr Tony Hughes-d'Aeth and Associate Professor Xianlin Song
- Unit rules
- Prerequisites
- completion of 24 points
- Advisable prior study
- Useful, but not essential, to have done a unit in English and Cultural Studies
or Asian Studies.
The key is a willingness to experience cross-cultural situations and to reflect authentically on the process.
Approved quota: 20—the unit is open to all students. If the quota is exceeded, students with a major in English and Cultural Studies or Asian Studies are given preference. If the quota is still exceeded or there are remaining places, students will be ranked on academic merit based on WAM. - Incidental fees
- Incidental student fees and charges are costs incurred by students as part of their studies at UWA that are in addition to their tuition fees (further information is available "
Participation in this unit will incur the following incidental fee(s):Airfare and accommodation/board at BFSU (estimated cost - 2000). - Contact hours
- 30 hours (lectures: 10 x 1.5 hours
workshops: 5 x 3 hours) - Note
- As places are limited, it is important that those who enrol in this unit do not withdraw unless there are serious intervening circumstances.
- The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
- All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
- Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
- Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.