Senior Chinese Course: Chinese Language, Culture and Society is a two-year Chinese programme offered as a subject in the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE). It comprises a Textbook, two Workbooks, and a Teacher’s Book. The Textbook is organised into four units, which relate closely to the strand of Chinese culture and society prescribed in the VCE study design. A wide range of topics are covered in the units, such as the Chinese concept of family, Chinese naming and identity, education system, Chinese myths and legends, Chinese philosophy, literature and the arts, Chinese rituals and manners, Feng Shui, Chinese way of leisure and entertainment, Chinese business culture and etiquette, social values, teenagers and youth issues, and China and the world. Through these topics, students will gain comprehensive knowledge and understanding of both traditional and contemporary Chinese culture and society, in addition to their pursuit of Chinese language learning.
Unit 1
Topic 1 The Chinese Family
Topic 2 Structure of the Chinese Family
Topic 3 Chinese Naming and Personal Identity
Topic 4 Filial Piety
Topic 5 Chinese Philosophy of Education
Topic 6 Chinese Education System and Schools
Topic 7 Family Education
Unit 2
Topic 1 Chinese Mythology
Topic 2 Deities in Chinese Myths and Legends
Topic 3 Traditional Chinese Festivals
Topic 4 Introduction to Chinese Literature
Topic 5 Introduction to Chinese Arts
Topic 6 Chinese Folk Art and Porcelain
Topic 7 Chinese Opera, Crosstalk, Film and Dance
Unit 3
Topic 1 Confucius and Confucianism
Topic 2 Lao Zi and Daoism
Topic 3 Chinese Rituals and Manners
Topic 4 Feng Shui and I Ching
Topic 5 Chinese Concept of Life
Topic 6 Chinese Clothing, Food, Music, Sports and Attractions
Topic 7 The Chinese Language
Unit 4
Topic 1 Introduction to Contemporary China
Topic 2 Chinese Business Culture and Etiquette
Topic 3 Chinese Social Values
Topic 4 Family Planning Policy in China
Topic 5 The Influence of Western Cultures and the Youths of China
Topic 6 Occupations and Work Opportunities in China
Topic 7 China and the World
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Jixing Xu
Jixing Xu is President of the Chinese Language Teachers’ Association of Victoria, Australia. He is also Head of Chinese at Scotch College, Victoria, Australia.
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Wei Ha
Wei Ha is Vice-President of the Chinese Language Teachers’ Association of Victoria, Australia. He is also Head of Chinese at Camberwell Grammar School, Victoria, Australia.