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150116 UE Close Reading as a Method for Analysing Biographical Narratives (2024W)

The Historical Character of Jiang Qing (M6 KW)

4.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 15 - Ostasienwissenschaften
Continuous assessment of course work
Moodle

Registration/Deregistration

Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).

Details

max. 25 participants
Language: English

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Tuesday 01.10. 15:00 - 16:30 Seminarraum Ostasienwissenschaften 1 UniCampus Hof 5 2I-O1-05
  • Tuesday 08.10. 15:00 - 16:30 Seminarraum Ostasienwissenschaften 1 UniCampus Hof 5 2I-O1-05
  • Tuesday 15.10. 15:00 - 16:30 Seminarraum Ostasienwissenschaften 1 UniCampus Hof 5 2I-O1-05
  • Tuesday 22.10. 15:00 - 16:30 Seminarraum Ostasienwissenschaften 1 UniCampus Hof 5 2I-O1-05
  • Tuesday 05.11. 15:00 - 16:30 Seminarraum Ostasienwissenschaften 1 UniCampus Hof 5 2I-O1-05
  • Tuesday 12.11. 15:00 - 16:30 Seminarraum Ostasienwissenschaften 1 UniCampus Hof 5 2I-O1-05
  • Tuesday 19.11. 15:00 - 16:30 Seminarraum Ostasienwissenschaften 1 UniCampus Hof 5 2I-O1-05
  • Tuesday 26.11. 15:00 - 16:30 Seminarraum Ostasienwissenschaften 1 UniCampus Hof 5 2I-O1-05
  • Tuesday 03.12. 15:00 - 16:30 Seminarraum Ostasienwissenschaften 1 UniCampus Hof 5 2I-O1-05
  • Tuesday 10.12. 15:00 - 16:30 Seminarraum Ostasienwissenschaften 1 UniCampus Hof 5 2I-O1-05
  • Tuesday 17.12. 15:00 - 16:30 Seminarraum Ostasienwissenschaften 1 UniCampus Hof 5 2I-O1-05
  • Tuesday 07.01. 15:00 - 16:30 Seminarraum Ostasienwissenschaften 1 UniCampus Hof 5 2I-O1-05
  • Tuesday 14.01. 15:00 - 16:30 Seminarraum Ostasienwissenschaften 1 UniCampus Hof 5 2I-O1-05
  • Tuesday 21.01. 15:00 - 16:30 Seminarraum Ostasienwissenschaften 1 UniCampus Hof 5 2I-O1-05
  • Tuesday 28.01. 15:00 - 16:30 Seminarraum Ostasienwissenschaften 1 UniCampus Hof 5 2I-O1-05

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

Close reading strategies are necessary to comprehend and analyse a text closely. However, they are not only a technique to fully grasp the meaning of a text in every detail. As a method, close reading leads us to pose broader fundamental questions of the humanities.

The course aims to show how close reading as a methodology might be conducted, emphasising cultural studies research. It highlights the dual nature of close reading, as a practice to understand how a text works but also connected to the cultural context in which the text exists.
We will focus on various biographical narratives of Jiang Qing (Madame Mao) produced in different places, times, and genres. Our reading will question how the historical character is represented using a selection of episodes of her life and attempting to find the elements that give strength to the portrayals. Apart from the main body of text, paratextual elements such as title, author’s note, and prologue will also be discussed. Moreover, the texts will be considered both in their singularities and in relation to each other.

The biographies of Jiang Qing have been published internationally and deal with a forgotten past, the period of the Cultural Revolution. To read them as cultural products that engage with history foregrounds the views we can have of the past.

Upon completion of the course, students will have the knowledge and skills to read carefully, with attention to detail and to the way a historical character is constructed and will critically analyse biographical narratives of a range of genres.

Assessment and permitted materials

1) Preparation of the assigned material and active participation 20%
2) Presentations 35%
3) Final written paper 45%

Detailed guidelines on the assignments will be given at the start of the course.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

All assignments need to be fulfilled to attain a positive overall grade.

No more than two unjustified absences are allowed.

Examination topics

Reading list

Participants will receive a complete reading list after the start of the course.

For a preliminary overview see: Ane Ohrvik (2024) What is close reading? An exploration of a methodology, Rethinking History, 28:2, 238-260, DOI: 10.1080/13642529.2024.2345001

Association in the course directory

Kulturwissenschaftliche Methoden in der Sinologie (M6); Cultural Studies Research Methods in Chinese Studies; UE GG/LK

Last modified: Mo 13.01.2025 17:05