Page 75 - SYU Prospectus

Chinese Language & Literature

CHI 458 Understanding Translation: Classical Chinese Texts in a Globalized World
1 Term; 3 Credits
Translation is central to American and European engagement with China. By studying
the translations of important ancient Chinese texts – religious, philosophical, literary, and
medical, students of this course have the opportunity in interrogating American and European
encounters with Chinese cultural artefacts. They also have the opportunity in reflecting on what
“translation” of “original works” means in contexts where what is considered an “original” or
“authentic” text is already established in its projected “translation.” In doing so, they can
examine how cultural, political, and academic discourses shape the translation.

CHI 460 Hong Kong Literature
1 Term; 3 Credits
The aim of this course is to introduce the development of Hong Kong Literature. This
course is topic-based and includes significant works by different writers. It also investigates the
relationship between literary works and history, society, and culture. The course explores the
position of Hong Kong literature within the history of modern and contemporary literature.

CHI 463 The Study of Lu Xun
1 Term; 3 Credits
The study of Lu Xun ( 魯迅 ) has long been the most crucial topic in modern Chinese
literature. This course comprehensively introduces the creative works of Lu Xun and the
critique of his works. Through the critical reading of the commentary written by previous
researchers, this course further explores the complexity of Lu Xun’s creative works from the
perspective of history, politics, culture, philosophy, arts and world literature.

CHI 468 Li Bai and Du Fu's Poetry
1 Term; 3 Credits
This course aims at an in-depth study of the most important poets in the Tang dynasty,
Li Bai ( 李白 ) and Du Fu ( 杜甫 ). It focuses on selected poetry of Li Bai and Du Fu in various
genres and forms, including “old style poetry” (gushi) and “new pattern poems” (jintishi).
Students would learn to appreciate and analyse different types and styles of their poetry. They
will also study the relationship between the two poets. As the course enables a comparative
study of the two poets, students’ analytical and criticizing skills will be strengthened upon
completion of the course.

CHI 470 Shuowen Jiezi ( 說文解字 )
1 Term; 3 Credits
Shuowen Jiezi is a significant piece of work on the studies of explanation of words in
ancient books, etymological development, concordant rhythm, historical relics and social
systems. This course aims to provide an opportunity for students to understand Shuowen Jiezi
in depth by reading carefully the annotations of Shuowen Jiezi made by Duan Yucai ( 段玉

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