Why Chinese Studies?
Situated in very scenic “Nanyang” surroundings, and at a location where “East” and “West” meet culturally and intellectually, the Department of Chinese Studies at the National University of Singapore (NUS) is an ideal place for academic pursuits.
Our curriculum for Chinese Studies (CH) consists of three major areas: Chinese literature, Chinese history, and Chinese philosophy. It provides students with comprehensive training in both classical and modern Chinese Studies. Topics covered include business management and dealings in Chinese context, classical and modern literature, film and cultural studies, and Chinese religions and thoughts.
Why Chinese Language?
Our curriculum for Chinese Language (CL) covers the main fields in Chinese linguistics, including linguistic structure analysis, sound and grammar system, the origin of Chinese characters, and sociolinguistics. This will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the Chinese language.
Although Mandarin is the medium of instruction, some modules are taught in English. Graduates of the Department are always well sought-after as they are effectively bilingual.
Why Translation and/or Interpreting?
Translation and Interpreting are available as minors in the Department. Both fields involve intensive hands-on training that aims to build students' skills in the area. Students will gain a understanding of, and sensitivity to language structure in both written and spoken language, as well as the awareness of linguistic and cultural differences in cross-cultural communication. They will learn the techniques of translating different genres, interpreting techniques like textual analysis, speech comprehension, and note-taking, as well as the theories behind these fields.
All Translation and Interpreting courses are bilingual. Through the training, students in the programme will feel empowered to take on roles with greater requirements for translation, public speaking, interpretation or inter-cultural communication.
Calling out to all current and prospective students~
If you have any questions about courses, academic planning, major or minor requirements, or just any questions at all, we welcome you to drop by the department booth at our various Open House events (click here for link to event calendar). Alternatively, you can email us at fasbox63@nus.edu.sg or come by our general office at AS8-05-01.
Curriculum
Single Major in Chinese Studies (CH) [B.A. (Hons)]
Pass at least 60 units of CH or CH-recognised courses which include the following:
- CH1101E
- CH2121
- CH2141
- CH2161
- CL2101
- CL3104
- CH2162 or CH2221 or CH2243 or CH2252
- a minimum of 36 units at level-3000 (including CL3104) or higher (see Note 1), with
a) a minimum of 20 units at level-4000 or higher (see Note 1) - a maximum of 8 units (in total) of the following:
a) CH-recognised courses (excluding CL2101 and CL3104)
b) CH courses that are taught in English (see Note 2)
Note 1: Students are allowed to read a maximum of 2 level-5000 courses, subject to the Department’s approval.
Note 2: CH course codes with 3rd-digit '9' are taught in English.
Second Major in Chinese Studies (CH)
Pass at least 40 units of CH or CH-recognised courses which include the following:
- CH1101E
- CH2121
- CH2141
- CH2161
- CL2101
- CL3104
- CH2162 or CH2221 or CH2243 or CH2252
- a minimum of 16 units at level-3000 (including CL3104) or higher (see Note 1)
- a maximum of 8 units (in total) of the following:
a) CH-recognised courses (excluding CL2101 and CL3104)
b) CH courses that are taught in English (see Note 2)
Note 1: Students are allowed to read level-4000 courses, subject to the Department’s approval.
Note 2: CH course codes with 3rd-digit '9' are taught in English.
Minor in Chinese Studies (CH)
Pass at least 20 units of CH or CH-recognised courses, which include the following:
- at least 1 (ONE) course from the following:
a) GESS1003
b) CH1101E - a minimum of 4 units of CH course at level-3000
- a maximum of 8 units of CH-recognised courses
Single Major in Chinese Language (CL) [B.A. (Hons)]
Pass at least 60 units of CL or CL-recognised courses which include the following:
- CL1101E
- CL2101
- CL2102
- CL2103
- CL3104
- CH2121
- CH2141
- a minimum of 16 units at level-3000 (including CL3104) or higher
- a minimum of 20 units of CH courses at level-4000 or higher (see Note 1)
- a maximum of 8 units (in total) of the following:
a) CL-recognised courses (excluding CH2121 and CH2141)
b) CL courses that are taught in English (see Note 2)
Note 1: Students are allowed to read a maximum of 2 CH level-5000 courses, subject to the Department’s approval.
Note 2: CL course codes with 3rd-digit '9' are taught in English.
Second Major in Chinese Language (CL)
Pass at least 40 units of CL or CL-recognised courses which include the following:
- CL1101E
- CL2101
- CL2102
- CL2103
- CL3104
- CH2121
- CH2141
- a minimum of 16 units at level-3000 (including CL3104) or higher (see Note 1)
- a maximum of 8 units (in total) of the following:
a) CL-recognised courses (excluding CH2121 and CH2141)
b) CL courses that are taught in English (see Note 2)
Note 1: Students are allowed to read CH level-4000 courses, subject to the Department’s approval.
Note 2: CL course codes with 3rd-digit '9' are taught in English.
Minor in Chinese Language (CL)
Pass at least 20 units of CL courses which include the following:
- CL1101E
- CL2101
- CL2102
- CL2103
- CL3104
Minor in Translation (TRA)
The Department of Chinese Studies introduced the Minor in Chinese Translation Programme to train students for the demands of translation in AY2014-15. The foundation training will provide students with the required theory and practice, and introduce them to the discipline, should they wish to continue their studies in translation at M.A. or Ph.D. level in future.
The programme aims to provide students with a good foundation in the theoretical knowledge and practical skills of Chinese translation. Students will be introduced to the history of translation and the theoretical issues in translation. They will learn the techniques of translating different genres ranging from news articles, business correspondents, advertisements, to legal contracts and literary works. Students who graduate from the programme should have a good overall understanding of the theoretical issues and know-how of translating different genres. They should also be competent in their own areas of specialization.
The Translation programme is currently only available as a minor. To enhance their Chinese language ability and knowledge on the subject, students taking Chinese Translation as a minor are encouraged to consider taking Chinese Studies (CH) or Chinese Language (CL) as a major. Students who are interested in oral translation should consider taking the Interpreting (INT) minor.
Pass at least 20 units of TRA or TRA-recognised courses, which include the following:
- CL1101E
- TRA2101
- A minimum of 8 units of TRA courses at level-3000
- A maximum of 4 units of TRA-recognised courses (excluding CL1101E)
Minor in Interpreting (INT)
The Department of Chinese Studies introduced the Minor in Interpreting Programme to train students for the demands of interpreting in AY2021-22. The foundation training will provide students with the required theory and practice, and introduce them to the discipline, should they wish to continue their studies in interpreting at M.A. or Ph.D. level in future. Together with the Minor in Translation, it will offer students the options of focusing on developing either or both their strengths in the textual and oral modes of translation.
The Interpreting minor will give students greater opportunity to strengthen and apply their knowledge of Chinese language and literature via an oral practice component, complementing the existing text-based training. We envision that students in the programme will feel empowered to take on roles with greater requirements for public speaking or inter-cultural communication, not only as interpreters, but also as company representatives who interact with Chinese enterprises, as civil servants who engage the Chinese-speaking community, as scientific and technological experts who can be effective public speakers, as media personalities, among others.
Through the programme, students will gain a basic understanding of, and sensitivity to language structure in both written and spoken language in theory and through practice. They will become familiar with terminology and background knowledge relevant to the legal, legislative, political, and historical situation of Singapore. Skills developed include interpreting technique through training students in practical skills and strategies, such as textual analysis, attention management, speech comprehension, active listening, note-taking, etc.; content-management skills such as preparing topic-relevant background knowledge and terminology; professional-level public speaking skills; and at a more abstract level, awareness and understanding of linguistic and cultural differences, as well as ethical issues, in cross-cultural communication.
The Interpreting programme is currently only available as a minor. Students are especially encouraged to pair the minor in Interpreting with another major or minor offered by the Department of Chinese Studies.
Pass at least 20 units of INT or INT-recognised courses, which include the following:
- CL1101E
- INT2101
- A minimum of 8 MCs of INT courses at level-3000
- A maximum of 4 MCs of INT-recognised courses (excluding CL1101E)
Admissions
Students intending to read Chinese Studies and/or Chinese Language must fulfill any of the following:
- At least a B4 for (a) Higher Chinese at GCE 'O' Level; or
- At least a C grade for Chinese Language (H1CL) at GCE 'A' Level
- At least a pass for Chinese Language and Literature (H2CLL) at GCE 'A' Level (Grades A-E); or
- At least a pass for Chinese Language and Literature (H3CLL) at GCE 'A" Level (Grades A-E); or
- A Diploma in Chinese Studies (for polytechnic students)
Equivalent qualifications may also be accepted, such as Chinese read at Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) and Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM), PRC National College Entrance Examination (gao kao), etc. These requirements may also apply to students who intend to read modules as their minor, non-major or breadth modules.
Job Ready
Chinese Studies graduates are widely sought-after in both public and private sectors, across the fields of media, arts and culture, education, administration and finance. With China’s growing economic prowess, she has gained significant global influence, impacting many areas of our lives and our society. They are best equipped with the necessary skills and understanding to pursue and capitalise on the opportunities she provides. Students are given comprehensive training in classical and contemporary Chinese Studies, covering literature, history, philosophy and other areas, like business management, and film and cultural studies.
In comparison, Chinese Language majors have comprehensive training in Chinese linguistics and translation, giving them a superior understanding of the language and how to best utilise it professionally and for effective communication.
Armed with combined majors in other disciplines, graduates of the Department have proven to be versatile yet sufficiently specialised for the career market. They have helped to fill the needs of local corporations and enterprises who require employers with an understanding of China or who are effectively bilingual to deal with various customer groups. Many graduates have also found employment in the various ministries and statutory boards, as well as in the fields of banking and finance, marketing and management, arts and heritage, and the mass media.
Why CHS?
The College of Humanities and Sciences (CHS) is the enhanced undergraduate experience for students of the Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences (FASS) and the Faculty of Science (FOS) at the National University of Singapore.
Scale of Impact
Taps and builds on the research expertise of two of the largest and most established faculties in Singapore.
Deliberate Curriculum Curation
A distinct interdisciplinary approach that emphasises the ability to draw connections, discover links and connect insights across disciplines.
Unparalleled Flexibility
Offers greater choice and unparalleled flexibility to pursue breadth and depth from more than 1,000 modules per academic year.
Testimonials
Kenneth Soon
Chinese Studies
Why major in Chinese Studies?
Chinese Studies had always been my intended major. I had always yearned to learn more about Chinese culture and thought. I believed that pursuing Chinese Studies as a major would build my foundation in this aspect well.
Tell us about adapting to university life and how you feel better equipped to pursue your aspirations today.
One concern I had was the fact that I did not come from an Arts background in junior college. It was a major crossover jump for me, as my subject combination in JC was mostly made up of Science subjects and writing essays had never been my forte. I can still remember the first lecture test that I did for an exposure module which required long structured answers. As compared to the work of a friend of mine in that class, my answers were relatively short and not elaborate enough. However, as time passed, and with more practice, I slowly got the hang of it and manage to write essays from different perspectives and elaborated on my points sufficiently well. So yes, I had concerns, but they turned out to be great motivators for me to improve myself.
Winnis Lee
Chinese Studies and Chinese Language
Why major in Chinese Studies?
I wanted to double major in Chinese Studies and Chinese Language due to my strong passion for Chinese. Since young and even up till Junior College, I've taken Chinese subjects, strengthening my foundation in the language. Coming to University, I wanted to expose myself to the different aspects of Chinese, not just the language, but also the history, the culture and the classics. What excites me the most about Chinese Studies is being able to learn about the different dynasties and also using critical thinking skills to analyse the different historical happenings.
Sheryl Wong
Chinese Language
Why major in Chinese Studies?
I decided to major in Chinese Language because I have a great passion for Chinese. When I was young, I took up performing arts related to Chinese culture such as Chinese dance as well as speech and drama. Through these difference exposures, my appreciation for Chinese culture and tradition grew. I also took Higher Chinese in Primary and Secondary school, so I thought about majoring in Chinese Language at NUS to gain a better understanding of the language and to increase my bilingual proficiency. The different modules that I took at NUS actually taught me how to use the language in a more effective manner, allowing me to communicate more effectively with my audience, both in written and spoken form.
Natasha Wong
Chinese Language
Why study Chinese Language?
I have always been interested in languages and have thus always wanted to do something related to them. After all, languages shape the way we see and interpret things daily. Hence, though I was never very good at Chinese, I had always enjoyed the language itself. Conversing with others in it, reading Chinese stories—there was always a certain beauty in the words. I eventually chose Chinese Language alongside my decision to become a teacher, as I hope to inspire others to appreciate and enjoy it like I do!
What do you intend to do after graduation?
I hope to be a Chinese teacher who inspires students, helping them see that Chinese is not just a subject they are tested on, but a language that could well enrich their experience on a daily basis—as long as you take the time to understand it.
Lim Sau Hoong
Founder, Former CEO and Executive Creative Director of advertising agency 10AM Communications
Chinese Studies '83
Ms Lim Sau Hoong was CEO and Executive Creative Director of 10AM Communications, an advertising agency that she founded in 2000. Since its founding, 10AM has garnered more than 300 awards including Cannes, the One Show, the British Designer & Art Directors club, Clio and Communication Arts.
In 2007, she was awarded the President’s Design Award and Designer of The Year for her contributions to media, marketing and culture to Singapore. Identified for her unique creative talent, Ms Lim was invited to join the Planning Committee for the 2008 Beijing Olympics' Opening Ceremony as visual advisor and contributed to the success of the Beijing Olympics.
In June 2013, Ms Lim was appointed Chairperson of the Chinese Development Assistance Council (CDAC) Stakeholders Communications Committee and she is currently the Vice-Chairperson of the 6th Singapore Note and Coin Advisory Committee, an Independent Director of NTUC FairPrice, Ascendas Funds Management and a Non-Executive Director of MultiWater Holdings Ltd. She was nominated as one of the top three most influential persons in media, marketing, and advertising in Singapore.
Ms Lim was awarded the Distinguished Arts and Social Sciences Alumni Award in 2020. Click here to watch video.
Tan Seng Chai
Chief Corporate and People Officer, CapitaLand Group
"It's a new normal we live in, and there are critical attributes the next-generation workforce must possess in order to thrive, including the willingness to learn, ability to innovate, and high adaptability. CapitaLand recognises this and proactively collaborates on opportunities that encourage the development of these traits. That is why we're supportive of the curriculum at NUS College of Humanities and Sciences. Its focus on interdisciplinary education coupled with experiential and problem-based learning will allow future-ready CHS graduates to handle a variety of workplace scenarios across different disciplines better, and put them in good stead to ride the waves of the future of work."
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