31217 - Chinese Philology 1

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students will possess a solid understanding of the fundamental aspects of the earliest stages of the Chinese language, its historical evolution, and the cultural context related to the Chinese linguistic and literary sphere. They will also be introduced to the critical methodologies and tools necessary for the scholarly analysis of texts, enabling them to evaluate textual variations and transformations across the centuries.

Course contents

Introduction to the Study of Classical Chinese Language: Syntax and Philosophical-Literary Commentary on Selections from the Classical Sources

This course offers an introduction to Classical Chinese, focusing on syntax and foundational texts. It covers the nature and content of some of the most representative works from the Classical period (6th–2nd century BCE) and the Pre-Tang period.

Course Content:

• Introduction to Classical Chinese: Syntax and Fundamental Texts

• Foundations of Classical Chinese Syntax

• Main Syntactic Structures

• Functional Words and Content Words

• Techniques of Philosophical and Literary Exegesis

• Methodologies for Analyzing Classical Chinese Texts

• Understanding Context

• Interpretive and Exegetical Approaches

• Analysis of the Most Representative Works of the Classical Period (6th–2nd century BCE)

• Texts from the Pre-Tang Period (2nd century BCE – 7th century CE)

Practical Skills:

• Reading and Translation of Selected Passages

• Use of Reference Tools and Specialized Lexica

Historical and Cultural Context:

• Intellectual Currents of the Classical and Pre-Imperial Periods

This course aims to provide students with:

• A solid foundation in Classical Chinese grammar and syntax

• Skills in reading and interpreting key texts from the Classical and Pre-Tang periods

• An in-depth understanding of the principal philosophical and literary works of these historical periods

• The ability to engage with exegetical traditions

The course integrates linguistic training with philosophical and literary study, guiding students to appreciate the complex interplay between language, thought, and culture in classical texts.

Readings/Bibliography

A. Andreini, G. Baccini, M. Scarpari, Corso di lingua cinese classica e letteraria, Milano, Hoepli, 2022. (mandatory)

Mandatory study of at least one of the following texts:

A. Andreini (a cura di), Daodejing. Il canone della via e della virtù. Torino, Einaudi, 2018.

A. Andreini, M. Biondi (a cura di), Sun tzu. L'arte della guerra, Torino, Einaudi, 2011.

T. Lippiello, Confucio. Dialoghi, Torino, Einaudi, 2006.

T. Lippiello, La costante pratica del giusto mezzo. Zhongyong, Venezia, Marsilio, 2010.

M. Scarpari, Mencio e l'arte di governo, Venezia, Marsilio, 2013.

Recommended texts:
M. Scarpari, A. Andreini, Grammatica della lingua cinese classica, Milano, Hoepli, 2020.

Fortemente consigliato: Cheng, Anne, Storia del pensiero cinese, Torino, Einaudi, 2000, 2 voll.

Additional materials will be indicated during the course by the instructor.

Teaching methods

Ex cathedra: Throughout the course, the instructor will guide students in grammatical analysis and in the comprehension of texts along with their cultural and historical contexts.

Assessment methods

The examination will be oral and will focus on the linguistic as well as the philosophical and literary analysis of selected passages drawn from the corpus of classical Chinese literature.

Excellent (30 cum laude)
Preparation is characterized by an exceptionally deep and interdisciplinary knowledge of the subject matter, which is comprehended and independently reworked with originality. The language is confidently mastered; the ability to interconnect diverse fields is outstanding, and critical reflection is expressed clearly, articulately, and convincingly.

Very Good (29–30)
Preparation demonstrates broad and in-depth knowledge of the subject, reworked confidently and autonomously, enriched by personal insights. Reflective and presentational skills are excellent, though minor imperfections may occasionally appear.

Distinguished (27–28)
Knowledge is comprehensive and thorough, with secure and conscientious content re-elaboration. Reflective and presentational abilities are considerable, showing mastery of the subject and clarity in exposition.

Good (24–26)
Preparation shows a correct and frequently complete understanding of the content, which is comprehended and reworked with reasonable confidence. Reflective and presentational skills are good, albeit with occasional residual uncertainties.

Satisfactory (21–23)
Content knowledge is more than adequate or fair, though re-elaboration reveals some uncertainty. Reflective and presentational skills are substantial or fair but leave room for improvement.

Sufficient (18–20)
Preparation is based on sufficient or uncertain content knowledge, which requires further consolidation and is reworked with uncertainty. Reflective and presentational capacities are barely sufficient, with obvious areas for growth.

Insufficient (≤17)
Preparation falls below the threshold of sufficiency: content knowledge is fragmented and incomplete, understanding is partial, and re-elaboration is inadequate. Reflective and presentational abilities are insufficient, with knowledge inadequate to address the proposed issues effectively.

Teaching tools

Dictionaries:

1. Grand Ricci:
   Direct link: http://chinesereferenceshelf.brillonline.com/grand-ricci

The Grand Ricci dictionary is available as a module for iOS (iPhone, iPad) and Android devices (smartphones and tablets) within the popular free Pleco Dictionary app. This Grand Ricci module contains the full content of the printed dictionary. Note, however, that it currently does not display the ancient oracle bone script characters (jiaguwen), which will be included in an upcoming free update.

1. Kroll, Paul W., A Student’s Dictionary of Classical and Medieval Chinese, Leiden: Brill, 2014.
   Also available on Pleco.

Additional resources:

• https://www.zdic.net/

Further materials and tools will be recommended by the instructor during the course.

Office hours

See the website of Attilio Andreini