Page 83 - SYU Prospectus

Chinese Language & 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 under-
standing 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.

CHI 483 Study of 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.

DESCRIPTION OF COURSE (SERVICE COURSE)

CHI 101-2 First Year Chinese
2 Terms; 8 Credits
This course has 2 components: 1) the study of selected Chinese readings and 2) the
training of Chinese writing skills.
The first component of the course is designed to provide students with a general under-
standing of Chinese culture through the study of various styles of Chinese writing in different
dynasties from ancient to modern times, such as essay, biography, prose, narrative, poetry
and well-known readings of Chinese sages. It is also integrated with contemporary society,

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