Page 65 - HKSYU Prospectus 2023-24

Chinese Language & Literature

proficiency in Putonghua through the practice of pronunciation, oral reading, listening
comprehension and conversations on specific topics.

CHI 133 Modern Chinese
1 Term; 3 Credits
This course will provide students with a basic training of modern Chinese and aim to
enhance their abilities to analyse and apply modern Chinese. It covers four topics: phonetics,
etymology, lexicology and grammar.

CHI 213 Shi Jing ( 詩經 )
1 Term; 3 Credits
This course aims to promote students' understanding of the basic ideas and thoughts,
themes and literary artistry of Shi Jing through lectures, analysis and discussions so that they
will be better equipped to understand and appreciate the songs of Shi Jing. In the course of
term paper writing, students will further establish their independent thinking, in-depth learning
and writing skills which will lay a solid foundation for their further study of Shi Jing.

CHI 215 Guided Readings of the Chinese Classics
1 Term; 3 Credits
This course aims to introduce five classical Chinese canons and instruct students to read
the selective texts extracted from these classics in order to understand the nature and
characteristics of them. It fosters students’ interests in ancient classics and enhances their
reading ability in order to lay a concrete foundation for further academic exploration. After the
completion of this course, students will be able to grasp the academic thoughts in the Pre-Qin
period and the profound traditional culture.

CHI 233 Classical Chinese
1 Term; 3 Credits
This course aims at introducing the differences between modern and classical Chinese,
and also the usage of vocabulary and sentence structures in classical Chinese. It provides
students with basic training in classical Chinese, enabling them to read and study classical
works.

CHI 234 Chinese Etymology
1 Term; 3 Credits
This course starts with an examination of the distinctive nature of the Chinese language
and a delineation of the scope of Chinese etymology. The course goes on to trace the sources
and developmental stages of Chinese characters, with emphasis on the six forms of structural
origin.
A brief survey is made of the historical aspect of etymology. Guidance is then given on
how to study Shuo Wen ( 說文 ). From the principles observed regarding character formation

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