Universität Wien
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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
Prüfungsimmanente Lehrveranstaltung
Moodle
Di 21.01. 15:00-16:30 Seminarraum Ostasienwissenschaften 1 UniCampus Hof 5 2I-O1-05

An/Abmeldung

Hinweis: Ihr Anmeldezeitpunkt innerhalb der Frist hat keine Auswirkungen auf die Platzvergabe (kein "first come, first served").

Details

max. 25 Teilnehmer*innen
Sprache: Englisch

Lehrende

Termine (iCal) - nächster Termin ist mit N markiert

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

Information

Ziele, Inhalte und Methode der Lehrveranstaltung

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.

Art der Leistungskontrolle und erlaubte Hilfsmittel

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.

Mindestanforderungen und Beurteilungsmaßstab

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

No more than two unjustified absences are allowed.

Prüfungsstoff

Literatur

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

Zuordnung im Vorlesungsverzeichnis

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

Letzte Änderung: Mo 13.01.2025 17:05