Page 75 - HKSYU Prospectus 2023-24

Chinese Language & Literature

educational and cultural fields.

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
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.

CHI 483 Unearthed Manuscripts Dated in the Warring States Period
1 Term; 3 Credits
This course is a cutting edge subject, aiming to introduce three batches of unearthed
bamboo manuscripts: bamboo manuscripts excavated in Guodian ( 郭 店 ), bamboo
manuscripts stored in Shanghai museum, and bamboo manuscripts stored in Tsinghua
University. Most of these valuable unearthed manuscripts, which did not exist in traditional
ancient literature, are significant documents which will reshape the academic history of the pre-
Qin period. Students will benefit from the knowledge of the philosophy and academic
development during the pre-Qin period.

CHI 484 Confucian Philosophy of Song and Ming Dynasties
1 Term; 3 Credits
The course is intended to introduce prospective students to the knowledge of Confucian
philosophy in Song and Ming dynasties. Through lectures, class discussion and course reports,
students will be able to learn the representative scholars and their works in this field,
understand the development of Confucianism in Song and Ming dynasties, and further explore
the traditional Chinese spirit and mental outlook.

CHI 490 Buddhism and Chinese Literature
1 Term; 3 Credits
This course aims to study how Buddhism influenced the development of ancient Chinese
literature from the Western and Eastern Jin dynasties to the Ming dynasty. It introduces
Buddhist beliefs, Buddhist thoughts, and the contents of Buddhist canons’ impact on
intellectuals, literary criticism, and literary writings. By understanding Buddhism as an imported
religion and its development in different historical stages, students can grasp the fusion of
Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism reflected by intellectuals and their literary works.

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