LAS120 History and Culture in China

Autumn Semester 2025/26

20 credits

Module Organiser: Dr Justin Winslett (j.winslett@sheffield.ac.uk)

Overview

This module explores what it means to study China at university level, and considers how 'area studies' research on China fits within disciplines such as history and cultural studies. We will consider how histories and cultural understandings of China are built with the following in mind: how researchers use primary evidence such as texts, documents and/or images to understand societies, cultures and traditions; and how to navigate key debates in a field and evaluate competing arguments. You will finish this module with a deeper understanding of our core topic and the disciplinary approaches that frame it, and a foundation in critical research and writing skills that you can apply and develop in further study. We will work on a combination of new and established research to explore one core topic: the history of the strange and supernatural in Chinese history.

Topics Covered

• Origins of the Supernatural and Extrahuman

• Concepts of the Supernatural and Extrahuman in Premodern China

• Traditional Chinese Literature

• Religiosity and Belief in Premodern China

• Elements of Traditional Chinese Philosophy and Thought

Skills Development

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to demonstrate:

• Critical thinking 

• Cultural agility

• Employability

• Independent learning 

• Teamwork

• Communication skills

• Academic writing

Study Hours

The University recommends that you spend 200 hours working on a 20-credit module. This will include:

• Lecture: 10 hours

• Seminar: 10 hours

• Independent study: 180 hours

Assessment

• Essay (100%)