What is the relationship between the body and biotechnology in contemporary life? How do questions of race, gender, post-coloniality, and trans/nationalism shape medical and scientific understandings of the body? No Chinese language skills are required for this discussion-intensive course. We will contextualise common assumptions about race, gender, and other seemingly “natural” categories in science and medicine by reading a range of materials, from Chinese science fiction and speculative art, to critical writing on the body in film and popular media. While we draw heavily on examples from Chinese, Asian, and Ethnic or Diasporic Studies, the course also welcomes interested postgraduate students from diverse disciplinary and area-studies backgrounds who are interested in postcolonial understandings of corporeality, and discussions in class will build on readings and students’ individual research presentations. Students are expected to bring or develop their own project on a topic related to medicine, science, and the body in literature, visual culture, or popular media to introduce and present over the course of the class.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Demonstrate an expanded knowledge of critical approaches to biotech and its impact on perceptions of Asian identity/identities
- Consider developments in biotech in light of race, class, gender, and other hierarchical categories
- Critically evaluate, synthesise and construct evidence-based arguments, integrating theoretical frameworks
- Contextualise learning from STEM areas in terms of broader humanities frameworks
- Communicate findings effectively to scholarly and/or applied audiences
Required Resources
- The Membranes, by Chi Ta-wei (e-book or hard copy): https://cup.columbia.edu/book/the-membranes/9780231195713
- Found in Translation: 'New People' in 20th-century Chinese Science Fiction, by Jiang Jing (e-book or hard copy): https://cup.columbia.edu/book/found-in-translation/9780924304941
- Films to view either through ANU Library or other media if students have access: 1. "The Eye" (2002, Pang Brothers, in Chinese/Cantonese and Thai with English subtitles); 2. "Blade Runner" (Ridley Scott director's cut); 3. "Never Let Me Go”; 4. The Wandering Earth" (in Chinese/Mandarin with English subtitles)
Recommended Resources
Recommended reading and viewing:
Critical theory: Chinese Surplus: Biopolitical Aesthetics and the Medically Commodified Body, (e-book, hard copy, or OA version): https://muse.jhu.edu/book/64078.
Fiction: Klara and the Sun, by Kazuo Ishiguro.
Films: Never Let Me Go; Gattaca; Made in Hong Kong (Fruit Chan, 1998).
Secondary reading: Yellow Futures, by Jane Chi Hyun Park (discusses Orientalisms in Blade Runner"); "The Pan-Asian Outlook of 'The Eye,' by Adam Ni; chapter on "The Ghost Seer: Chinese Thai Minority Subjectivity, Female Agency, and the Transnational Uncanny in the films of Danny and Oxide Pang", (about "The Eye") by Arnika Fuhrmann.
Staff Feedback
Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:
- written comments
- verbal comments
- feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc
Student Feedback
ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.
Class Schedule
| Week/Session | Summary of Activities | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Monday 20 November Live lecture and discussion, 3-5 p.m.
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Student self-introductions |
| 2 | Weds 22 November 2-hour lecture and live discussion, 3-5 p.m.
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Please watch the film "The Eye" BEFORE Monday 27 November lecture. Available streaming through ANU library. |
| 4 | Monday 27 November 2-hour lecture and live discussion, 3-5 p.m.
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Note: Book Report #1 on "Found in Translation" due Friday 1 December by 5 pm. DO NOT USE CHATGPT or anything like it; please read the book yourself. You may and be quizzed on it in class. |
| 5 | Friday 1 December - Listen to podcast and be prepared to discuss, 10 am-12 pmListen to Utopian Futures podcast (1 hour, link TBP).
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Live viewing and meeting on site at CIW Gallery; guest speaker; or field trip TBA. |
| 6 | Saturday 2 December - 9-3 pm, Individual consultations about final paper projects | By appointment; sign-up sheet to be arranged after course census date. |
| 7 | Sunday 3 December - Watch Video and discuss, 10am-12pmWatch "The Membranes and Queer Literature in Taiwan" (link TBP)Q&A (class discussion) | Note: Book Report #2 on "The Membranes" due Sunday 3 December before class/bring hard copy to class. DO NOT USE CHATGPT or anything like it; please read the book yourself. You may be quizzed on it in class. |
| 8 | Monday 4 December 9 am - 12 pm | Before class, view the film "Blade Runner" online and write 300-word review. DO NOT USE CHATGPT or anything like it; please write it yourself. You must actually view the film and may be quizzed on it in class. Then print review and bring it to share in live full-group discussion 9-12. Film available to stream through ANU Library. |
| 9 | Wednesday 6 December 9 am-12 pm | Before class, view the film “Never Let Me Go” and write 300-word review. DO NOT USE CHATGPT or anything like it; please write it yourself. You must actually view the film and may be quizzed on it in class. Then print review and bring it to share in live full-group discussion 9-12. Film available to stream through ANU Library. |
| 10 | Saturday 9 December 9-12 pm, Student presentations of final projects in progress (group 2) | Students present their projects-in-progress, 5-10 mins/per student depending on enrollments |
| 11 | Friday 8 December 9-12 pm, Student presentations of final projects in progress (group 1) | Students present their projects-in-progress, 5-10 mins/per student depending on enrollments |
| 12 | Final paper project due by 4 p.m. on 11 December (last day of the course) |
Tutorial Registration
Attendance will be taken at Q&A. Lectures will be a mix of live and recorded.
Assessment Summary
| Assessment task | Value | Due Date | Return of assessment | Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Book Report #1 on "Found in Translation" due 1 December -- before class, bring hard copy to class | 25 % | 01/12/2023 | 08/12/2023 | 1,2,4,5 |
| Book Report #2 on "The Membranes" due 3 December -- before class, bring hard copy to class | 25 % | 03/12/2023 | 08/12/2023 | 1,2,4,5 |
| Presentation of paper-in-progress due 8 and 9 December in class | 15 % | 08/12/2023 | * | 1,2,3,4,5 |
| Final project due 11 December | 25 % | 11/12/2023 | * | 1,2,3,4,5 |
| Participation | 10 % | 11/12/2023 | * | 1,2,3,4,5 |
* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details
Policies
ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:
- Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
- Special Assessment Consideration Guideline and General Information
- Student Surveys and Evaluations
- Deferred Examinations
- Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
- Code of practice for teaching and learning
Assessment Requirements
The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.
Moderation of Assessment
Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.
Participation
Per Assessment Task #5, as this is a short, intensive course, you are expected to participate in all classes and discussions. When watching films in small groups, your chat transcripts should be submitted to the instructor. You are also expected to be present for, and participate in, live discussions of lectures, and to contribute constructive commentary when other students present their final-projects-in-progress. DO NOT USE CHATGPT or anything like it in class; please compose and deliver all responses yourself.
Examination(s)
There will be no final exam.
Assessment Task 1
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,4,5
Book Report #1 on "Found in Translation" due 1 December -- before class, bring hard copy to class
Please read the entire book and write a book review of it, of 300-500 words, as if for other scholars: Not a "thumbs up/thumbs down" review, but an academic review of the book that demonstrates that you have read it carefully and can describe its contents in your own words. You can discuss its main arguments, provide examples and details, and discuss 3-5 key takeaway points from the book. Your main task here is to prove that you've read the book carefully. Assignments should be submitted via TurnItIn with a zero tolerance for plagiarism. DO NOT USE CHATGPT or anything like it to write this assignment; please write it yourself. You must actually read the book yourself and may be quizzed on it in class.
Assessment Task 2
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,4,5
Book Report #2 on "The Membranes" due 3 December -- before class, bring hard copy to class
Please read the entire book and write a book review of it, of 300-500 words. DO NOT USE CHATGPT or anything like it; please write it yourself. This is a work of fiction, and it contains an "Afterword" by the translator. Please read both, and then write your own review of it. Here it is important not to evaluate the book simply as "good" or "bad" or "I liked it" or "I didn't like it". Instead, please describe the book carefully as if you are introducing it to a new reader; see if you can evaluate the structure and organisation of the book and possibly compare it to other things you've read or viewed (including for this class). You are welcome to search for existing reviews of the book online (on Tor.com, ABCNews.com.au, the LA Times, etc.) for reference; you may quote from these other reviews if you agree or disagree with aspects of them and want to make a clear argument. Assignments should be submitted via TurnItIn with a zero tolerance for plagiarism. DO NOT USE CHATGPT or anything like it to write this assignment; please write it yourself. You must actually read the book yourself and may be quizzed on it in class.
Assessment Task 3
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4,5
Presentation of paper-in-progress due 8 and 9 December in class
Each student must submit a final paper by 12 December, 2022. Before that, you must do a presentation on your topic to the rest of the class. This should be a Powerpoint-style presentation of 5-10 minutes (depending on the number of students enrolled in the class, TBD). Your project itself does not need to be completed at this point--you just need to be able to demonstrate what kind of ideas you've had, what research you've already done, and how you plan to complete it. This is an opportunity for both instructor and classmates alike to offer you constructive feedback. DO NOT USE CHATGPT or anything like it; please write it yourself, in your own words. I will quiz you personally to determine that you have done the research yourself.
Assessment Task 4
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4,5
Final project due 11 December
Your final research project is due on 11 December, 2022 (the last day of class). This should be an essay of minimum 2000 words. You may propose a topic to me, or if you wish, I can assign you a topic. Either way, your final project must relate directly to this course. Topics I might suggest include for example: 1. Compare Chi Ta-wei's novelThe Membranes with Ishiguro's novel Klara and the Sun; 2. Read two more essays on the movie "The Eye" (I can give you copies) and write a full-length review or discussion of the movie, bringing in outside examples if you wish (for instance, the Jessica Alba or Indian "Nain" remakes of the movie); or 3. Write an essay comparing any 2 or 3 of the films and novels Never Let Me Go, Gattaca, The Membranes, and The Eye; consider adding the recent movie "After Yang". Make sure you include a bibliography and use either the MLA or Chicago notation style consistently throughout your paper. Assignments should be submitted via TurnItIn with a zero tolerance for plagiarism. DO NOT USE CHATGPT or anything like it; please write it yourself, in your own words. I will quiz you personally to determine that you have done the research yourself.
Assessment Task 5
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4,5
Participation
As this is a short, intensive course, you are expected to participate in all classes and discussions. When watching films in small groups, your chat transcripts should be submitted to the instructor. You are also expected to be present for, and participate in, live discussions of lectures, and to contribute constructive commentary when other students present their final-projects-in-progress. 10% of the final mark will take into consideration student participation in all activities.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.
The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.
The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.
The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.
Online Submission
You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.
Hardcopy Submission
For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.
Late Submission
Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:
- Late submission not permitted. If submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date is not permitted, a mark of 0 will be awarded.
Referencing Requirements
The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material.
Returning Assignments
Final projects will be returned upon request.
Extensions and Penalties
Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.
Resubmission of Assignments
N/A
Privacy Notice
The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.
Distribution of grades policy
Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.
Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.
Support for students
The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).
- ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
- ANU Access and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
- ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
- ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
- ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
- ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
- PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students
Convener
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Research Interestsscience fiction, film, queer cultural studies, futurism, Chinese speculative fiction |
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Prof Ari Heinrich
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