Aims of Major

The Major in Chinese and History aims to equip students with both advanced and professional knowledge as well as a wide range of analytical skills. Students will gain a broad understanding of Chinese literature, cultural heritage and history over time and across regions, while also specializing on a particular area or theme. They will learn to think critically, to conduct research with primary and secondary sources, to use appropriate methodologies, to construct sound and logical arguments as well as to write academically and skillfully.

The Chinese stream strives to provide students with a solid and comprehensive training in the Chinese language and with a good knowledge of the evolution of the language from its past to its present, enabling them to understand its special features in respect of its socio-cultural background, linguistic forms, linguistic theories and application. The training equips students with both the conceptual and linguistic skills essential for further academic work as well as for the efficient performance of professional tasks involving the use of Chinese.

The History stream aims to examine the cause-and-effect relationships in human affairs and address the complexity of the past in shaping the contemporary society. Although Chinese history is the primary focus of the stream, courses related to world history and public history are also offered so that students can acquire comprehensive and in-depth historical knowledge.

Chinese Stream

• Function as proficient, effective, versatile and creative communicators capable of performing a wide-range of Chinese language-related tasks in competitive and multilingual workplace;
• Discover and appreciate the aesthetic, moral and ethical dimensions of Chinese literature, having become more culturally aware;
• Think analytically, critically, and creatively through their exposure to various schools of thoughts in Chinese literature, and through their comparative study of traditional and modern Chinese linguistics;
• Enrich their lives through life-long learning.

History Stream

• Identify the advanced knowledge, concepts, theories and methods in history
• Explain and critically examine primary sources and research papers, generate valid arguments, as well as reflect on the hypotheses
• Demonstrate knowledge of academic writings including academic papers, review articles and book reviews
• Apply historical research methods such as (i) the use of electronic texts & databases, useful websites and library resources; and (ii) textual criticism & comparison
• Enhance students’ ability in critical thinking and reflect on issues of historical interpretation and debates