Page 76 - SYU Prospectus

Shue Yan University Prospectus 2021-22

裁 ), to acquire the rules and explanatory ways of analysis of characters presented by Xu Shen
( 許 慎 ) in his master-piece, to familiarize with the structure of Chinese characters, to
understand the historical development of the forms, sounds, and meanings of Chinese
characters, to cultivate their abilities to identify and write characters in the style of Xiaozhuan
( 小 篆 ), to apply their knowledge of Shuowen Jiezi to the studies of history, literature,
linguistics and etymology, and to enhance their abilities to study and analyse ancient literatures
and Chinese characters.

CHI 473 Studies in Cantonese
1 Term; 3 Credits
Cantonese is one of the main languages widely used in Hong Kong. The course is
designed to introduce students to the knowledge of Cantonese, covering four main topics:
phonetics, etymology, lexicology and grammar of Cantonese. This course will help students
understand the contrast and connection of Cantonese with Putonghua. This course will also
provide students with the knowledge of Cantonese necessary to develop their careers in
educational and cultural fields.

CHI 476 Wen Xuan ( 文選 )
1 Term; 3 Credits
This course aims to study WenXuan. It is also named ZhaoMing WenXuan ( 昭明文選 ),
which is the most important anthology of classical Chinese literature. It conserves the best
pieces from the pre-Qin to the Liang dynasty. It influences the later literature profoundly. This
course will: 1) teach specific topics of WenXuan and its representative pieces; 2) guide students
to read the pieces and related document; and 3) introduce the development of the study of
WenXuan (WenXuan xue). Students will have a more comprehensive understanding of this
classic and understand the core position of WenXuan in classical Chinese literature.

CHI 480 Yi Jing ( 易經 )
1 Term; 3 Credits
The course aims to introduce the origin of 8 trigrams and the working principle of 64
hexagrams. Yi Jing is the ancient divination masterpiece which gives us a general
understanding of the principle that everything in the universe is in constant change. The 64
hexagrams represent every possible combination of six-line structure and are believed to
embody the major situations encountered in life. The study of the Yi Jing can help students to
adapt to change in a balanced and harmonious fashion by providing guidance in uncertain
situation through mathematical configurations. Students are required to demonstrate their
understanding and application of this ancient philosophy through group discussions and
debates.

p. 72