Mr Robert Irving Assistant Lecturer
Robert Irving was born and educated in Melbourne and received his BA (Hons) degree from the University of Melbourne. He has taught Chinese at Melbourne Grammar School and RMIT, and began teaching on a permanent basis at Monash in the former Department of Asian Languages and Studies in 1990. For the past few years his main area of responsibility has been as coordinator of Intermediate Chinese, where he comes into contact with students in the second year of the beginners stream of Chinese language study as well as with first year students in the post-VCE stream.
Outside working hours Robert enjoys cycling and swimming, as well as good wine and food (particularly Chinese).
On this page:Qualifications
BA (Honours) (University of Melbourne)
Contact details
| Room | S513, Menzies Building (Building 11), Clayton Campus |
| Phone | (03) 9905 2227 (international 61 3 9905 2227) |
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Fax |
(03) 9905 5437 (international: 61 3 9905 5437) |
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Mailing Address |
Mr R. Irving |
Subjects Taught
- Beginning Chinese, part 1,CHI1110
- Beginning Chinese, part 2, CHI1120
- Intermediate Chinese, part 1, CHI1210/2210 & CBL1210/2213
- Intermediate Chinese, part 2, CHI1220/2220 & 2210/2220) & CBL1220/2223
Beginning Chinese
If you have no prior knowledge, but would like to study it for one or two semesters, then this is the subject for you. How much you can say, write and read in Chinese after just one semester will amaze you. You will be introduced to the beauty of Chinese characters, gain an insight into Chinese culture, and discover that Chinese is not more difficult to learn than any other foreign language. This subject could just be the first step in your exploration of the field of Chinese studies.
Intermediate Chinese
Completed VCE Chinese*? Passed beginning Chinese, part 2? Then Intermediate Chinese is the subject for you. Build on your existing knowledge of Chinese in a variety of learning modes, including web and computer-based classes. Gain and introduction to word-processing in Chinese. Learn how to use your Chinese in a range of practical situations including: ordering a meal, catching a bus, opening a bank account ...... and MUCH MUCH MORE.
*If you have studied VCE Chinese as a first language, or have studied Chinese overseas or at a Saturday school, you will need to sit for a placement test to determine the Chinese language subject best suited to your needs.
Research interests
Current research
Robert is currently completing his PhD at Monash. The dissertation, entitled "Narrating New China: Chen Dengke, Liu Qing and the Politics of Literary Production (1949-1976)", will explore the novels and other writings of these two writers not only as works of literature, but also as representative of the social and political practices of their time.
Robert also has a keen interest in the teaching of Chinese as a second language and has developed a series of language learning materials utilising Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) technology. The first eight units of these materials have already been incorporated into the Monash Intermediate Chinese curriculum.
Projects
Project nearing completion:
Robert is a member of the team working on the Flexible delivery of Languages (stage 2) project, which has been funded by a Monash University Strategic Innovations Fund grant. The Chinese component of the project has produced a variety of language learning materials for Beginning and Intermediate level students of Chinese.
Work in progress:
Robert is currently continuing to work on stage 3 of the Flexible Delivery of Languages Project. The Chinese component of the project will incorporate interactive language learning materials for students of Advanced Intermediate Chinese and is expected to be completed by mid-2002.
Publications
"Power Chinese 1.01", CALICO Journal, Volume 17, Number 2, 1999, pp. 368-376.
"Fifty Patterns of Modern Chinese by Han Dezhi", Asian Studies Review , July 1995, 141-143.