Courses Description
| Group A: History and Culture | Group B: Society and Economy | Language Courses |
CH2121 History of Chinese Literature*
Offered by Department of Chinese Studies
| Units | 4 |
| Workload | 2-1-0-2-5 |
| Pre-requisite | Must obtain: (i) At least a B4 for (a) Higher Chinese at GCE 'O' Level, or (b) Chinese Language at GCE 'AO' Level (at GCE 'A' Level examination); OR (ii) At least a pass for (a) Chinese at GCE 'A' Level, or (b) Higher Chinese at GCE 'A' Level; OR (iii) At least C grade for Chinese Language (H1CL) at GCE 'A' Level; OR (iv) At least a pass for (a) Chinese Language and Literature (H2CLL) at GCE 'A' Level, or (b) Chinese Language and Literature (H3CLL) at GCE 'A' Level. (v) Equivalent qualifications may be accepted. |
| Preclusion | CL2121 |
| Cross-listing | CL2121 |
An essential course for students majoring in Chinese Studies/Chinese Language, this course is a general survey of the development of Chinese literature from ancient times to the Qing Dynasty. It is designed to introduce students to the main features of various literary trends, genres and styles, as well as to major writers of various periods and their representative works. The course also caters to students across the University with an interest in classical Chinese literature.
CH2392 Chinese Women in Context (in English)*
Offered by Department of Chinese Studies
| Units | 4 |
| Workload | 2-1-0-2-5 |
| Pre-requisite | Nil |
| Preclusion | Nil |
According to conventional wisdom, Chinese women in history were particularly oppressed. They had no freedom, no rights. It is only with the coming of the modern age that the enduring Confucian value and the patriarchal social system that it supported started to break down and gender equality is finally realized in China. Such a simplistic view of dividing Chinese history into two mutually exclusive ages of “traditional” and “modern” and understanding Chinese women’s experiences within such context cannot do justice to the complexity of historical reality. This course sets out to provide students with a more complex picture of the life of women in both premodern and modern eras by introducing them to primary sources and secondary studies. It explores the political, social and cultural aspects of women’s activities in Chinese history and also the representation and self-presentation of Chinese women in literature.
CH2291 Chinese Tradition
Offered by Department of Chinese Studies
| Units | 4 |
| Workload | 2-1-0-2-5 |
| Pre-requisite | Nil |
| Preclusion | CH2272 |
This course is a general introduction to the history of art in China, from its earliest manifestations in the Neolithic-period to the contemporary period. Major art forms to be studied may include ceramics, jade, architecture, painting and calligraphy. The social and cultural contexts of important art works from different periods in Chinese history will also be discussed. The course is intended for all students who are interested in Chinese art and culture.
CL2101 The Chinese Script: History and Issues*
Offered by Department of Chinese Studies
| Units | 4 |
| Workload | 2-1-0-2-5 |
| Pre-requisite | Must obtain: 1) At least a B4 for (a) Higher Chinese at GCE 'O' Level, or (b) Chinese Language at GCE 'AO' Level (at GCE 'A' Level examination); OR 2) At least a pass for (a) Chinese at GCE 'A' Level, or (b) Higher Chinese at GCE 'A' Level; OR 3) At least C grade for Chinese Language (H1CL) at GCE 'A' Level; OR 4) At least a pass for (a) Chinese Language and Literature (H2CLL) at GCE 'A' Level, or (b) Chinese Language and Literature (H3CLL) at GCE 'A' Level. 5) Equivalent qualifications may be accepted. |
| Preclusion | CL2201 |
This course deals with various aspects of Chinese characters. The historical portion of the course covers the origin of the Chinese characters, the principles of character formation, the evolution of styles over time, analyses of correlations between shapes and meanings, traces of pronunciations of Old Chinese as revealed in phonogram graphs, etc. The contemporary study covers an appraisal of the Simplified Characters, an evaluation of the Chinese characters in terms of frequency studies and neurolinguistic studies.
CL2207 Chinese Language and Culture*
Offered by Department of Chinese Studies
| Units | 4 |
| Workload | 2-1-0-2-5 |
| Pre-requisite | Must obtain: 1) At least a B4 for (a) Higher Chinese at GCE 'O' Level, or (b) Chinese Language at GCE 'AO' Level (at GCE 'A' Level examination); OR 2) At least a pass for (a) Chinese at GCE 'A' Level, or (b) Higher Chinese at GCE 'A' Level; OR 3) At least C grade for Chinese Language (H1CL) at GCE 'A' Level; OR 4) At least a pass for (a) Chinese Language and Literature (H2CLL) at GCE 'A' Level, or (b) Chinese Language and Literature (H3CLL) at GCE 'A' Level. 5) Equivalent qualifications may be accepted. |
| Preclusion | Nil |
This course takes students through an exciting journey of discovering Chinese culture through the Chinese language. Instead of seeing language as a tool, students are trained to view language as the container of culture from ancient Chinese to modern Chinese. They will learn cultural heritage from Chinese phrases, understand ancient way of life through the creation of Chinese characters, study Chinese culture through Chinese dialects and borrowing words. They will also learn that Chinese names of places and surnames are all related to Chinese culture and how Chinese kinship terms reflect the culture of family relationships.
HY2206 China's Imperial Past: History and Culture
Offered by Department of History
| Units | 4 |
| Workload | 2-1-0-2-5 |
| Pre-requisite | Nil |
| Preclusion | Nil |
This course provides a broad survey of Chinese imperial history from the classical period to the eighteenth century. Apart from placing this general history within a chronological framework, it will be analysing major political events and long-term trends in the development of Chinese statecraft, economic and social institutions, philosophy and religion, literature and art, as well as relations with the outside world. The course is mounted for undergraduates throughout the university with an interest in China, especially its history, politics and culture.
PH2301 Classical Chinese Philosophy I
Offered by Department of Philosophy
| Units | 4 |
| Workload | 2-1-0-3-4 |
| Pre-requisite | Nil |
| Preclusion | PH2205, GEK2038 |
| Cross-listing | GEK2038 |
This is the first half of a two-part course which offers an introduction to philosophical debate in the Warring States period of ancient China, the Classical Age of Chinese Philosophy and the seedbed from which grew all of the native currents of thought that survived from traditional China. It will begin by considering the intellectual-historical background to the ancient philosophies and focus primarily on the Confucius (the Analects), Mozi, Yang Zhu, Mencius and Laozi, closing with a brief introduction to some of the later developments that will be covered more fully in Part II. The approach of the course will be both historical and critical, and we will attempt to both situate Classical Chinese philosophical discourse in its intellectual-historical context and to bring out its continuing relevance.
PH2302 Chinese Philosophical Traditions I
Offered by Department of Philosophy
| Units | 4 |
| Workload | 2-1-0-3-4 |
| Pre-requisite | Nil |
| Preclusion | GEK2039 |
| Cross-listing | GEK2039 |
This is the first half of a two-part course on Chinese Philosophy. This course surveys the philosophical discourse of the period from early Han dynasty up to the close of the Tang dynasty. We begin by considering the philosophical developments in Confucianism and Xuan Xue thought. Then, we turn to the arrival of Buddhism in China and survey the transformations in Chinese Buddhist philosophy through the Tang. We will treat these thinkers and their ideas in their proper historical contexts and evaluate their philosophies critically. We will also address and assess the relevance of these ideas to contemporary philosophical debates.
CH3243 Chinese Cultural History*
Offered by Department of Chinese Studies
| Units | 4 |
| Workload | 2-1-0-2-5 |
| Pre-requisite | Must obtain: 1) At least a B4 for (a) Higher Chinese at GCE `O' Level, or (b) Chinese Language at GCE 'AO' Level (at GCE 'A' Level examination); OR 2) At least a pass for (a) Chinese at GCE 'A' Level, or (b) Higher Chinese at GCE 'A' Level; OR 3) At least C grade for Chinese Language (H1CL) at GCE 'A' Level; OR 4) At least a pass for (a) Chinese Language and Literature (H2CLL) at GCE 'A' Level, or (b) Chinese Language and Literature (H3CLL) at GCE 'A' Level. 5) Equivalent qualifications may be accepted. |
| Preclusion | Nil |
This course consists of readings and research on selected topics concerning the cultural history of China, from the Shang and Zhou periods to late imperial China. Emphasis will be on both urban and rural, elite and popular cultures in Chinese society. The precise topic varies from year to year; representative subjects include religious beliefs, rites and rituals, folklores, customs and symbolism. The course is designed for students across the University with an interest in Chinese culture and particularly its historical trends.
HY3243 China and Southeast Asia: Past and Present
Offered by Department of History
| Units | 4 |
| Workload | 0-0-0-5-5 |
| Pre-requisite | Nil |
| Preclusion | Nil |
This course examines the history of relations between China and Southeast Asia, with an emphasis on the modern period. We will explore in weekly seminars the various dimensions and dynamics of China-Southeast Asian relations, including the evolution of regional state structures, tributary relations, maritime trade, migration, the impact of Western colonialism, nationalism and communism, the Cold War, and the rise of China in recent times. Though a basic knowledge of Chinese and Southeast Asian history will be helpful, the course is open to all undergraduate students who are interested in the topic.
HY3248 People's Republic of China, 1949-1989
Offered by Department of History
| Units | 4 |
| Workload | 0-0-0-5-5 |
| Pre-requisite | Nil |
| Preclusion | Nil |
This is an upper-level seminar on the history and historiography of the most consequential imperial nation-state in the world today, from its founding at the supposed end of the Chinese Civil War in 1949 to the Tiananmen Square protests and massacre in 1989. After a brief, synoptic overview of modern Chinese history until 1989 in the first two weeks, we will spend the rest of the semester working our way chronologically and thematically through major periods and issues in PRC history.
PH3301 Classical Chinese Philosophy II
Offered by Department of Philosophy
| Units | 4 |
| Workload | 0-0-0-6-4 |
| Pre-requisite | PH2301 or GEK2038 |
| Preclusion | Nil |
This is the second part of a two part course which offers an introduction to philosophical debate in the Warring States period of ancient China, the Classical Age of Chinese Philosophy and the seedbed from which grew all of the native currents of thought that survived from traditional China. Continuing from Part I, we will be discussing Later Mohist Logic, Gongsun Long and other ‘Sophists’, Zhuangzi, Xunzi and Hanfeizi in this course. The approach of the course will be both historical and critical, and we will attempt to both situate Classical Chinese philosophical discourse in its intellectual-historical context and to bring out its continuing relevance.
PH3302 Chinese Philosophical Traditions II
Offered by Department of Philosophy
| Units | 4 |
| Workload | 0-0-0-6-4 |
| Pre-requisite | PH2302 |
| Preclusion | Nil |
This second half of a two-part course on Chinese Philosophical Traditions focuses on Early Modern Chinese Philosophy. This course focuses on the changes in the Confucian tradition between the late Tang through the Qing. We cover the main figures in Neo-Confucianism, and examine in detail the philosophies of Zhu Xi (1130-1200) and Wang Yangming (1472-1529). We close with a discussion of the philological turn in the Qing dynasty. We treat these thinkers and their ideas in their proper historical contexts and evaluate their philosophies critically. We also address and assess the relevance of these ideas to contemporary philosophical debates.
PH3303 Modern Chinese Philosophy
Offered by Department of Philosophy
| Units | 4 |
| Workload | 2-1-0-3-4 |
| Pre-requisite | At least one Chinese Philosophy course (PH2301 OR PH2302) or Lecturer’s permission |
| Preclusion | Nil |
This course is intended for students usually in their third year, preferably with some basic knowledge of Chinese Philosophy. It will study the key Chinese Philosophical debates from the nineteenth century to the present. This is a period dominated by China’s encounter with the Modern West, giving rise to criticisms of its own philosophical traditions and attempts to modernize them. New philosophical movements, such as Chinese Marxism also grew from that intellectual ferment. Both Chinese and Western philosophers’ works will be considered. The core reading materials will be in English, but there may be a few optional readings in Chinese.
CH4882AHM Personalities in Modern Chinese History
Offered by Department of Chinese Studies
| Units | 5 |
| Workload | 0-0-0-5-7.5 |
| Pre-requisite | If undertaking an Undergraduate Degree THEN ( the student must have achieved at least 80 Units prior to enrolment AND ((( must have completed 7 of any Courses (Modules) beginning with CH at a grade of at least D, any Courses (Modules) beginning with CL at a grade of at least D OR must be undertaking 0110GLHON Bachelor of Arts - Global Studies (Hons)) AND must be in one of the cohorts prior to 2019 inclusive ) OR ( must have completed 7 of any Courses (Modules) beginning with CH at a grade of at least D, any Courses (Modules) beginning with CL at a grade of at least D AND must be in one of the cohorts from 2020 to 2020 inclusive )) AND ( the student must have achieved a GPA of 3.20 or greater OR must be Year 4)) |
| Preclusion | CH4882A |
This course will examine modern Chinese History through autobiographies and biographies. The aim is to involve students in the debates and issues over official history versus unofficial history, objectivity versus subjectivity, and understanding modern China from different perspectives. Selected personalities will be discussed and examined in historical, social, cultural and political contexts of 20th century - China.
CH4882A Personalities in Modern Chinese History
Offered by Department of Chinese Studies
| Units | 4 |
| Workload | 0-0-0-5-5 |
| Pre-requisite | If undertaking an Undergraduate Degree THEN ( the student must have achieved at least 80 Units prior to enrolment AND must be in one of the cohorts from 2021 inclusive AND must have completed 5 of any Courses (Modules) beginning with CH at a grade of at least D, any Courses (Modules) beginning with CL at a grade of at least D) |
| Preclusion | CH4882AHM |
This course will examine modern Chinese History through autobiographies and biographies. The aim is to involve students in the debates and issues over official history versus unofficial history, objectivity versus subjectivity, and understanding modern China from different perspectives. Selected personalities will be discussed and examined in historical, social, cultural and political contexts of 20th century - China.
PH3304 Daoist Traditions
Offered by Department of Southeast Asian Studies
| Units | 4 |
| Workload | 2-1-0-0-7 |
| Pre-requisite | PH2301 or GEK2039 |
| Preclusion | Nil |
This course allows student to understand an exploration of the ancient mystical and philosophical aspects of Daoism as well as the living religious tradition, their relationships to each other, and their expression in Chinese culture and civilization. Topics include the Daodejing, Zhuangzi, the Daoist Canon (Dao zang), meditation, immortality, alchemy, and ritual.
| Group A: History and Culture | Group B: Society and Economy | Language Courses |
CH2271 Chinese for Business and Industry*
Offered by Department of Chinese Studies
| Units | 4 |
| Workload | 2-1-0-2-5 |
| Pre-requisite | Must obtain: 1) At least a B4 for (a) Higher Chinese at GCE 'O' Level, or (b) Chinese Language at GCE 'AO' Level (at GCE 'A' Level examination); OR 2) At least a pass for (a) Chinese at GCE 'A' Level, or (b) Higher Chinese at GCE 'A' Level; OR 3) At least C grade for Chinese Language (H1CL) at GCE 'A' Level; OR 4) At least a pass for (a) Chinese Language and Literature (H2CLL) at GCE 'A' Level, or (b) Chinese Language and Literature (H3CLL) at GCE 'A' Level. 5) Equivalent qualifications may be accepted. |
| Preclusion | Nil |
Since the establishment of the People's Republic of China, Chinese usage in the Mainland has developed some specific features very much different from those in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore. This course introduces students to such features in the context of contemporary political, economic, social and cultural development in mainland China and prepares them to write commercial documents such as business correspondence, feasibility reports, letter of intent, agreements and contracts, etc. The impact of China's rapid economic growth on Singapore will also be discussed. This course is open to undergraduates across the University.
CH2274 Discovering the Chinese Business Environment*
Offered by Department of Chinese Studies
| Units | 4 |
| Workload | 2-1-0-2-5 |
| Pre-requisite | Must obtain: 1) at least a B4 for (a) Higher Chinese at GCE 'O' level, or (b) Chinese Language at GCE 'AO' level (at GCE 'A' level examination); OR 2) at least a pass for (a) Chinese at GCE 'A' level, or (b) Higher Chinese at GCE 'A' level; OR 3) at least C grade for Chinese Language (H1CL) at GCE 'A' level; OR 4) At least a pass for (a) Chinese Language and Literature (H2CLL) at GCE 'A' level, or (b) Chinese Language and Literature (H3CLL) at GCE 'A' level. 5) Equivalent qualifications may be accepted |
| Preclusion | CH2271 |
Since its economic reformation in 1978, China has undergone tremendous and rapid changes. This course introduces students to such changes in the context of contemporary political, economic, social and cultural development in mainland China so as to better equip and prepare them to work in the business setting and adapt to the social environment in China. The rise of China and the impact of its rapid economic growth on the SEA region, particularly on Singapore, will also be discussed. This course is open to undergraduates across the University and is taught in Chinese.
CH2292A Understanding Modern China Through Film
Offered by Department of Chinese Studies
| Units | 4 |
| Workload | 2-1-0-2-5 |
| Pre-requisite | Nil |
| Preclusion | CH2292 |
The aim of the course is to introduce students to twentieth-century Chinese history and society through the study of Chinese film. The focus of the course is on the aesthetic response of film to major historical crises and social changes. In this course, history is not presented as a mere backdrop to culture, but the motivating factor that shapes and determines it. Rather than giving a chronological overview, the course examines significant cultural phenomena through the lens of cinema. Target students are those who are interested in Chinese film and culture.
EC2374 Economy of Modern China
Offered by Department of Economics
| Units | 4 |
| Workload | 2-1-0-2-5 |
| Pre-requisite | EC1101E or EC1301/EC1310 or USSE01 or USE2301 |
| Preclusion | EC2222, EC3220 |
The rise of the Chinese economy has profound impact on the world and our region. In this course, students will learn to appreciate the basic structure of China's economy by exploring its historical origins, cultural backgrounds, geographical features, and institutional evolutions. The course aims to help students develop capability of comprehending changes of economic and business environment in China and their likely implications on Southeast Asian economies.
HY2207 The Struggle for Modern China since 1800
Offered by Department of History
| Units | 4 |
| Workload | 2-1-0-2-5 |
| Pre-requisite | Nil |
| Preclusion | Nil |
At end of the 18th century, the vast and diverse territories of China were ruled by an Inner Asian peoples known as Manchus and an empire known as the Great Qing. Today, the People’s Republic of China, the second of two states to succeed the Qing, is an economic superpower. How did we get from then to now? In this course, we will delve into the recent, tumultuous history of China in the wider world with the aim of understanding how imperialism, rebellion, war, and revolution have transformed its society, politics, culture, and economy over the past two centuries.
JS2227 Japan and China: Rivals and Partners
Offered by Department of Japanese Studies
| Units | 4 |
| Workload | 2-1-0-3-4 |
| Pre-requisite | Nil |
| Preclusion | Nil |
This course deepens the understanding of Sino‐Japanese relations from a multi‐disciplinary perspective. It examines the ways in which the Japanese and Chinese nations have interacted with each other from the mid‐19th century to the present. Students learn how both a sense of cultural affinity as well as a deep‐seated mistrust have shaped relations between the two powers. This course also examines the transformation of the Sino‐Japanese political and economic relationship in a changing international environment.
PS2248 Chinese Politics
Offered by Department of Political Science
| Units | 4 |
| Workload | 2-1-0-2-5 |
| Pre-requisite | Nil |
| Preclusion | PS3205B, PS3250 |
This course is an introduction to contemporary Chinese politics. After a survey on China's political culture and tradition, the rise of modern China and Chinese Communism, it discusses a range of nation-building issues in the People's Republic of China. These include the role of ideology, developmental strategies, political institutions, and state-society relations. Having examined the domestic political issues, the course proceeds to analyse Chinese foreign policy. Topics to be dealt with include China's relations with the U.S., Japan, Russia, European Union, and ASEAN. The problems related to the reunification of mainland China and Taiwan are also covered.
EC3374 Economy of Modern China II
Offered by Department of Economics
| Units | 4 |
| Workload | 2-1-0-2-5 |
| Pre-requisite | EC2374/EC2222 or [EC2101/EC2151 and EC2102/EC2152] |
| Preclusion | EC3220, EC3222 |
The course aims to help students understand certain key contemporary issues in the Chinese economy, particularly those relating to the process of its transition from a centrally planned closed economy to a market-based economy open to international trade. Students are expected to develop a comprehensive and critical perspective of China's economic transition and its impact on the rest of the world economy.
SC3222 Social Transformations in Modern China
Offered by Department of Sociology
| Units | 4 |
| Workload | 2-1-0-3-4 |
| Pre-requisite | Nil |
| Preclusion | Nil |
China’s transition from a command economy to a market economy has brought fundamental and rapid changes in its social structure and social relationships among members of different subgroups in society. The objective of this course is to offer an overview of emerging social issues in contemporary China, focusing on changes after 1949. This course offers sociological perspectives to examine topics such as changes and new challenges in Chinese families, gender roles, demographic structure and distribution, social safety net, and environment. The class will combine lectures, academic readings, films, sources from the mass media, and discussions.
CH3295 Understanding China: Past and Present (in English)
Offered by Department of Chinese Studies
| Units | 4 |
| Workload | 2-1-0-5-2 |
| Pre-requisite | Nil |
| Preclusion | Nil |
The course is structured on an intensive basis with classes and fieldtrips conducted exclusively in China. The aim of the course is to provide students a greater understanding of China by focusing on topical aspects of both historical and contemporary issues of the transformation in China from the past to the present. Topics include cultural changes, language reforms, Westernization, legal system, and issues on family and environment.
| Group A: History and Culture | Group B: Society and Economy | Language Courses |
LAC1201 Chinese 1
Offered by Centre of Language Studies
| Units | 4 |
| Workload | 4-2-0-2-2 |
| Pre-requisite | For Beginners who do not have any formal and informal education in Chinese and have no proficiency in spoken Chinese. |
| Preclusion | LAC2202 |
This is a beginners' course consisting three main components: conversation, grammar and Chinese characters learning. Vocabulary items, sentence patterns and short texts will be taught. Students will acquire basic communicative skills to deal with simple daily situations after reading this course. Approximately 180 Chinese characters and 150 phrases will be introduced.
LAC2201 Chinese 2
Offered by Centre for Language Studies
| Units | 4 |
| Workload | 4-2-0-2-2 |
| Pre-requisite | Passed LAC1201 or placement test. |
| Preclusion | LAC2202 |
This course is a continuation of Chinese 1. It consists of three main components, conversation, grammar and Chinese characters learning. Another 200 Chinese characters and 500 phrases will be introduced. Emphasis is placed on listening, speaking, reading and the writing of Chinese characters. Students are required to give short speeches and to conduct projects in tutorials.
LAC3201 Chinese 3
Offered by Centre for Language Studies
| Units | 4 |
| Workload | 2-2-0-2-4 |
| Pre-requisite | Passed LAC2201/LAC2202 or placement test. |
| Preclusion | Nil |
This is an intermediate Chinese course which is a continuation of Chinese 2. It consists of three main components: conversation, grammar and Chinese character learning. Another 160 Chinese characters and 260 phrases will be introduced. Students are also required to give short speeches and project presentations in the tutorials. Students' language skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing are further strengthened.
LAC3203 Chinese for Science and Technology
Offered by Centre for Language Studies
| Units | 4 |
| Workload | 2-2-0-2-4 |
| Pre-requisite | Higher Chinese at GCE 'O' Level, GCE 'AO' Level Chinese or equivalent |
| Preclusion | Nil |
Chinese for Science & Technology is a special course for students who plan to do an exchange semester at Chinese universities. It focuses on an understanding of the forms of Chinese and Chinese usage appropriate to the fields of science, technology and computing. The course aims to enhance students’ Chinese proficiency in the academic context of science, engineering, and related fields.
ACADEMIC CONVENOR
Assoc Prof Wong Sin Kiong