Chinese Major Core

All courses are 4 AUs unless otherwise stated.

HC101 Introduction to the Study of Literature and Culture (3 AUs)

An introductory course to provide students with the understanding of Chinese literature and culture with respect to classical Chinese literary theories and more recent western critical theories. Basic concepts such as the definition of literature and culture, literary genres, themes, the reading of literary and non-literary texts, cross-disciplinary approaches in the studies of literature and culture, etc., will be presented. This is an essential course serving as the foundation to classical and modern Chinese studies for students reading the Chinese major.

HC102 Introduction to Chinese Language (3 AUs)

In this course, students will be guided through a survey of the Chinese Language using basic concepts of modern linguistics (such as sound system, word formation, syntax, and meaning). Students will study the nature of the human languages, the social and functional aspects of language and developmental issues with reference to the Chinese Language. The Chinese writing system and dialects of the Chinese will also be introduced.

HC201 Literature of Pre-Qin, Han, Wei and Jin

This course is a general survey of the literature during the pre-Qin period and Han, Wei and Jin dynasties. The objective of the course is to introduce students to the major genres and themes of the literature of these periods. Students will acquire the knowledge through guided close reading of selected works by major writers.

HC202 Critical Reading and Writing

This course aims at advancing language skills for academic writing. We will work on skills that will allow students to read texts critically and insightfully and to write articulate, persuasive arguments appropriate to the academic setting. The course assumes a process approach to writing with research skills integrated throughout as well as addressing language concerns such as style, tone, diction, grammar, and mechanics contributing to a confident and purposeful humanities writing voice. The critical reading component serves to help students in evaluating and selecting research material.

HC203 Literature of Tang and Song

This course is a general survey of the literature during the Tang and Song dynasties. The objective of the course is to introduce students to the major genres and themes of the literature of these periods. Students will acquire the knowledge through guided close reading of selected works by major writers.

HC204 Literature of Yuan, Ming and Qing

This course is a general survey of the literature during the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties. The objective of the course is to introduce students to the major genres and themes of the literature of these periods. Students will acquire the knowledge through guided close reading of selected works by major writers.

HC205 General History of China

This course is a general survey of historical changes and continuities in China from the ancient times to the present, focusing on social, political, and cultural developments of different periods, significance of major historical events and figures, and China's relations with foreign civilizations and countries. This course aims to nurture interest in Chinese civilization and development through enhancing knowledge of various aspects of Chinese history.

HC301 Modern Chinese Literature

This course provides a survey of modern Chinese literature from around the May Fourth Movement (early 20th century) to the present. Through critical reading of literary texts, students will have an in-depth understanding of the literary and aesthetical trend in writing, social and intellectual concerns of the writers, cultural and political contexts of the writers and their works, etc.

HC302 History of Chinese Thought

This course is a historical review of the development of different schools of thought in China. It introduces students to the important figures and ideas associated with such schools of thought like Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. It studies the political and social conditions that gave rise to and influenced the development of these schools of thought. The discussion also extends to the introduction and impact of Western ideas in the19th and 20th centuries.

HC303 Southeast Asian Chinese

The course traces the factors leading to the migration of Chinese to Southeast Asia in the 19th century. It also examines their economic, cultural and political activities and contributions in the 20th century. Discussion includes such important issues as local anti-Chinese movements, development of Chinese education, changing consciousness and identities, and the relations between Southeast Asian Chinese and China.

Prescribed Electives

Category A: Chinese Literature and Culture

HC110 Literature in Taiwan and Hong Kong (3 AUs)

A survey of literary works by Taiwanese and Hong Kong writers from the 1950s to the present. Writers to be studied include Bai Xianyong, Wang Wenxing, Zhang Dachun, Huang Chunming, Zhu Tianwen, Xi Xi, Liu Yichang, etc. Topics discussed are modernism and localization, urban and global experience, influence of Taiwanese and Hong Kong literature on Singapore and Malaysian writers, etc.

HC210 Classical Chinese Fiction

Studies of the traditional Chinese short stories and novels of Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing periods. Topics such as the analysis and interpretation of texts, themes, and sociological studies of selected works will be covered. Works discussed include short stories such as Tang chuanqi and Song huaben, and novels such as Dream of the Red Chamber, The Journey to the West and The Three Kingdoms.

HC211 Tang Poetry

This course offers a chance to savor and analyze Tang poetry (shi) through close reading and discussion. The Tang dynasty (618-907) is generally considered by critics as the highpoints of mature Chinese poetic composition. Poets such as Li Bai, Du Fu, Wang Wei, Li Shangyin, Li He, etc., and topics on poetic language, grammar, rhetoric, and textual criticism will be discussed.

HC212 Chinese Folk Literature

This course surveys Chinese folk literature through close reading of selected oral-derived texts. Students will learn how to identify, analyze and interpret folk literature. Topics include historical development and transmission of oral literature; the gradual synthesis of folk and written traditions; Intertextuality; orality and literacy; oral and literary features and compositional process. Representative works of different genres such as the bianwen, singing narrative, drum songs, medleys, precious scrolls and zidishu, as well as popular forms such as the folk tale, legend, folk ballads and will be among the texts examined.

HC213 Critical Approaches to Chinese Literature and Culture

Pre-requisite: HC101
This course is a critical introduction to major paradigms of thinking and comparative studies. It aims at exposing students to Western literary and cultural theory, including Marxism, feminism, deconstruction, New Historicism, postcolonialism, and postmodernism. Discussions also involve the possibility of dialogue between Western theory and Chinese texts.

HC214 Chinese Theatre and Performance

Pre-requisite: HC101

This course introduces basic concepts and techniques employed in the theatre and those for performance with emphasis on contemporary works written and produced in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Topics discussed include Western and traditional influence on Chinese theatre, social, aesthetical, and political aspects, theatricality, performance, and the issue of Chinese language.

HC310 Classical Chinese Drama

Studies of the Chinese drama of the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing periods, giving unique insights into Chinese culture and history. Selected topics include: cultural atmosphere and the emergence of Chinese drama and theater; the position of Chinese drama in Chinese literature; the interaction between drama and fiction; studying Chinese drama from a performing perspective. Major theatrical forms, such as Nanxi, Yuan zaju, and Ming-Qing chuanqi will be examined as well.

HC311 Studies of Selected Poets

This course investigates historical and cultural context of selected classical Chinese poets such as Qu Yuan, Tao Yuanming, Xie Lingyun, Su Shi, Xing Qiji, Li Qingzhao, etc. Two or three poets will be selected to provide students with a chance to undergo in-depth analysis. The course will focus on the writing style and themes of representative works of selected poets by way of close reading and critical analysis.

HC312 Creative Writing Workshop

Pre-requisite: HC110 or HC301 or HC261
This course provides training for students to acquire literary writing skills. It examines how writers and readers interact with literary works in general and considers how meanings and effects are generated in prose, short-short stories and free verse in particular. The overarching theme of the course is hands-on practice in writing.

HC313 Modern Poetry, Modernism and Modernity

Pre-requisite: HC101
This course examines modern Chinese poetry since the early 20th century in the context of western influence and the reassessment and assimilation of classical Chinese poetics. Works by modern poets such as Xu Zhimo, Wen Yiduo, Guo Moruo, Yu Guangzhong, Zheng Chouyu, Lin Yaode, etc., will be discussed with special reference to the issues of modernism as a style and modernity as a socio-cultural condition.

HC314 Cultural Study of Chinese Cinemas

Pre-requisite: HC101
This course introduces some fundamental ways of looking at Chinese Cinemas from Hong Kong, Taiwan and mainland China, and aims to familiarize the students with some of the major critical approaches in the field, e.g., generic conventions, auteur theory, narrative theory, cultural studies, etc. The students will be exposed to important cinematic masterworks in the history of Chinese Cinemas and taught how to make meaning of the developments of various recurring themes and concerns, and also how cinematic representation relates to and is influenced by Chinese culture.

HC410 Classical Chinese Literary Theory

This course examines the evolution of Chinese theories of literature and the arts in the classical periods. A variety of issues including the philosophical foundations of theory of literature, question of ethical judgment and artistic judgment, lyrical poetics and representational poetics, and the questions of sensuality and vision will be discussed through readings of critical texts on poetics.

HC411 Love and Desire in Late Ming Culture

Pre-requisite: HC101
This course involves the in-depth study of qing (love, desire, feeling, etc.) as an essential aspect of late Ming culture. Topics to be covered include: philosophical context such as the influence of Wang Yangming school; the prevalence of courtesan culture; the pursuit of literati. Selected literary works such as The Peony Pavillion, The Golden Lotus, Du Shiniang Sink her Jewel Box in Anger will be explored.

HC412 Fictional Narratives in Chinese Fiction

Pre-requisite: HC101
This course investigates the narrative tradition in Chinese literature, including story-telling tradition, fictional narrative, and the novels. Primary emphasis will be on the late imperial period. Major genres and texts of this tradition will be covered and approached from different perspectives. In particular close attention will be paid to narrative structure, rhetoric, narrative themes, and issues such as gender relations, moral values and conflicts, societal and individual ideals and aspirations.

HC413 Gender and Sexuality in Chinese Literature

Pre-requisite: HC101
From selected literary works and critical essays, the course explores topics pertinent to gender and sexuality in Chinese literature, such as the construction of gender roles in Chinese classics; sexuality in Confucian and Daoist contexts; sexuality from modern and traditional perspectives; scholar-beauty romance; the so-called Sensitive New Man and New Woman, etc.

HC414 Special Topics in Chinese Literary and Cultural Studies

Pre-requisite: HC101
The emphasis of this course is on cross-disciplinary critical approaches to the study of Chinese literary and cultural texts. Selected topics are specially designed to link issues from different territories together, such as "The Images of City in Chinese Literature and Films," "The Making of the Nanyang Myth in Chinese Literature and Films," "Political Theatre and Social Activism."

HC415 Special Topics in Classical Chinese Literature (4AU)

This course provides analytical and in-depth study of selected topics in classical Chinese literature. Examples of topics are Chinese poetry and painting, the study of The Dream of the Red Chamber, prose writing of Ming and Qing.

Category B: Chinese History and Thought

HC230 Pre-Qin Thought

This course addresses the many different schools of thought that emerged in the period before the Qin Dynasty, including Confucianism, Taoism, Legalism, and Mo thought. It introduces students to the important figures and texts of these schools of thought. Also discussed are issues such as historical context for the development of various schools of thought and influences they have since generated on governments and people in China.

HC231 Confucian Thought

This course traces the genesis of Confucian thought in China. It also examines the development of Confucianism in different historical and geographical context. It touches on the important figures that advocated and changed this school of thought and the reasons behind such changes. It introduces students to the major texts of Confucianism and the core thinking of this school of thought. It also explores the impacts that Confucianism brought about to governments as well as people.

HC232 Division and Integration: From the Spring-Autumn/Warring States to Sui, Tang and the Five Dynasties

Focusing on a period that was characterized by repeated division and integration in Chinese history, this course covers the periods of Spring-Autumn, Warring States, Qing, Han, Wei, Jin, South-North, Sui, Tang, and the Five Dynasties. It discusses, among others, the political institutions, territorial expansion and contraction, economic conditions, social changes, religious development, and cultural transformation and pluralism throughout this period. The influence of the non-Han culture and its interaction with the Han culture will also be explored.

HC330 Chinese Buddhism and Daoism (4AU)

Daoism and Buddhism are the two most important philosophical and religious schools in China in addition to Confucianism, that the studies of Chinese history, society, and culture cannot afford to ignore. Major themes include their origins and introduction to China; their fundamental philosophical ideas and their evolutions; the developments of Buddhism and Daoism as religions of salvation and their effects on Chinese society; and the interaction and competition among Buddhism, Daoism, and Confucianism.

HC331 Conquering and Conquered Dynasties: From Song to Qing

Commencing from the Song and continuing into the Qing Dynasties, this course investigates a period fraught with drastic political and social changes under the influences of peoples from Inner Asia and Manchuria. It discusses a series of critical social and political transformations, including the establishment of the Liao, Jin, Mongol (Yuan), and Manchu Empires, the rise of neo-Confucianism and consolidation of Confucius rule, territorial expansion, population boom, and the decline of dynastic rule in China.

HC332 War and Memory in Modern China

This course studies the major conflicts—in their domestic and international context—that had transformed Chinese society and consequently shaped the modern Chinese history since the early 19th century. It discusses the origins and the impact of major wars and unrests on China's political, social, economic, and cultural development. Furthermore, it explores the way such turbulent events have been subsequently recorded, remembered, and re-constructed in writing and other media and then consumed as historical knowledge and foundation of national identities by both those who participated and who did not. By analyzing the interaction between social /political development of wars and intellectual enterprise of historiography in modern China, this course aims to provide an interdisciplinary approach to the study of Modern Chinese History.

HC430 Modern Chinese Intellectuals and Political Movements

In modern Chinese history, the intellectuals played a crucial role in remaking Chinese traditions and introducing Western ideas in an effort to strengthen a country that was simultaneously confronted with internal crisis and foreign encroachments. The aim of this course is to study the Chinese intellectuals since the 19th century, the way they dealt with the cultural conflicts between Chinese traditions and Western thoughts, and their contribution to the shaping of modern Chinese history. Key historical events to be discussed include the Reform Movement of the late Qing, the 1911 Revolution, the May Fourth Movement, and the rise of Socialism/Communism.

HC431 Interculturalism in Chinese History

This course is a historical study of cultural interaction within China and China's exchange with foreign cultures. It examines how different cultures of ethnic groups interacted within the boundaries of China. It also investigates the open and isolationist policies that China adopted at different points of time in relations with foreign forces. Discussion includes the factors driving interculturalism and the impact of such interaction on China.

HC433 Special Topics in Chinese History and Thought (4AU)

This course provides analytical and in-depth study of selected topics in Chinese history and/or thought. It will lead students to further explore thematic issues related to ancient, pre-modern, and/or modern Chinese history, and/or closely examine key issues in Chinese philosophy and intellectual  foundation.

Category C: Modern Chinese Society, Politics and Economy

HC240 Understanding China

Pre-requisite: HC205 recommended
This course aims at analyzing "Chineseness" and engendering critical thinking about the representation of "China" and its society, culture, politics, and people in various media. In light of critical theory, the subject examines what traditions and experiences have shaped the historical construction of what "China" is, and what values and beliefs might inform its future development. Media (print, digital, internet, etc.) to be studied include those in the West, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Southeast Asia, and overseas Chinese-language media.

HC241 Contemporary Chinese Politics and Society

Pre-requisite: HC205 recommended
Focusing on the era since 1949 when the People's Republic of China was founded, this subject offers an examination of contemporary Chinese society in the midst of political changes. It covers topics such as the Chinese state and political institutions, collectivization, political campaigns, population control and internal migration, urban and rural living conditions, the era of economic reform, and civil-government relations.

HC340 China's Reform and Economic Development

Pre-requisite: HC205 recommended
This course introduces students to the economic reform that China launched in 1978 and to the subsequent China's transition from a planned economy towards the one driven by market. It addresses some of the important economic, social, and political issues prior to and since 1978, including the structuring of state-owned enterprises, the development of the Special Economic Zones (SEZ), the impact of direct foreign investment, the booming of townships and villages, the disparity between coastal and inland provinces, and the Western Development Project.

HC341 City and Culture in Modern China

Pre-requisite: HC205 recommended
The aim of this course is to provide a critical understanding of the modern city and its culture in China since the 19th century. Topics to be discussed include the emergence of the modern city, colonialism (political, economic, and cultural) of the Western powers, urban political movements, modernism and postmodernism in urban culture, the transformation of the city landscapes and its cultural significance, popular culture and cultural industry, globalization and Chinese cities.

HC342 China in Asia

Pre-requisite: HC205 recommended
This course discusses the international relations of East Asia/South Asia and China's role in these regions. Topics that are of particular interests are China's relations with Japan, Japan's relations with the ASEAN countries, and the possible competition between China and Japan in shaping a regional hegemony; China's relations with the two Koreas; and China's relations with India and Pakistan. In addition this course will introduce students to broader issues such as international relations, national security and strategy, and political economy.

HC440 Cross-Taiwan Straits Relations

Pre-requisite: HC205 recommended
This course looks at the cross-straits relations between mainland China and Taiwan. It studies the political, social, and economic development in and between China and Taiwan and its regional/international implication throughout history. In particular, this course will examine the political discourses reflected in the principles and policies adopted by the Chinese Communist Party, Kuomintang, and Democratic Progressive Party over such issues as reunification and independence, as well as non-official views on these issues.

HC441 China and ASEAN

Pre-requisite: HC205 recommended
This course examines the dynamics between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as a whole as well as its member countries. It looks at the changing China-ASEAN perception and relations from the political, economic, social, and cultural dimensions. Discussion includes such issues as diplomatic relations, political order, security, trade, investment, people interaction, and cultural exchanges.

HC442 China and Globalisation

Pre-requisite: HC205 recommended
This course studies China's responses to globalizing forces that offer both opportunities and challenges since the 20th century. It looks at the impact that global capitalism brought to China, which includes China's accession to World Trade Organization, and the influences of foreign cultures and ideas on China. It also discusses China's impact—cultural, economic, political, social—outward on global development, including overseas Chinese and China's role in the international political stage.

HC443 Special Topics in Modern China (4AU)

This course provides analytical and in-depth study of selected topics in contemporary Chinese economy, political development, foreign relations, social transformation, and/or culture. It aims to give students an opportunity to study the latest development and emerging issues in China.

Category D: Linguistics and Chinese Linguistics

HC150 The Science of Chinese Characters (3 AUs)

This course is designed to walk students through the evolution, development and transformation Chinese characters has taken on or will be taking on since archaic time. Students will acquire knowledge on the essential features of the Chinese characters, principles underlying their construction, the transformation in forms, the process of evolution, the study of Shuo wen jie zi and issues on its modernization.

HC151 Modern Chinese  (3 AU)

This course aims to develop students' awareness of Modern Chinese grammar and phonology. Students will explore the grammatical, phonological and semantic properties of the language through application of a descriptive approach to the analysis of Chinese data.

HC250 Chinese Lexicology

The course provides a comprehensive knowledge for students to understand lexicon construction in Chinese and its connection with syntactic and phonological environment, issues in new word formation since ancient times, differentiation of synonyms and given that word sense is a function of its parts, students will also be guided to examine the semantics in Chinese lexicons as well as variation across time and geographical boundaries.

HC252 Language and Society (4 AU)

This course surveys the interactions between language and other areas of human behavior. Students will examine the way language works in relation to communication and culture, interaction between language structure and social structure and social norms (sociolinguistics), the relationship between linguistic knowledge and cultural knowledge (anthropological linguistics), the interplay of language and the mind. Special case studies on the Chinese Language and/or the language context in Singapore may be designed.

HC253 Varieties of Chinese (4AU)

This course introduces students to the varieties of Chinese as surfaced in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore. Topics cover social factors leading to the variation, characteristics of the varieties, comparison between the varieties, phenomenon in language standardization and modernization, issues in language contact: language interference, convergence and divergence, language change and identity among others. The course aims to build an understanding on the relation between language and society such that learners are better prepared to communicate across the changing forms.

HC350 Sound and Prosody in Chinese

Pre-requisite: HC102 or HC250
This course aims to raise students awareness of the nature of sound and their production, the system of rules that determine how the basic sounds of Chinese combine, prosody features, historical sound change, the relation of syllable structure with Chinese lexicon formation, the relation between sound and structure, prosody and discourse.

HC352 Chinese Language and Grammatical Theories

Pre-requisite: HC102
This course is designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the interaction between theoretical assumptions, analysis and data in syntax. To this purpose, the course concentrates on several key functional and formal approaches, their application to the study of the Chinese Language and the characteristics of Chinese grammar.

HC450 Chinese Semantics

Semantics is a discipline dealing with meanings at lexicon, syntax, discourse and pragmatic levels. This course will begin by introducing students to the general principles of semantics, basic concepts in semantic analysis such as sense, reference, semantic features and meaning relations. The peculiarities of semantic studies in Chinese and the connections semantics has with logic, discourse and pragmatics will be examined.

HC451 Text, Rhetoric and Style

This course covers central topics in the study of text linguistics and text pragmatics and the interpretation of language use and that of discourse, on textual and textuality. It also serves to acquaint students with stylistic theories and rhetorical devices. Students will be introduced to functional theories and strategies to understand the interrelatedness of form and meaning, the psychology of syntax, metaphor, and diction.

HC452 Special Topics in Chinese Linguistics (4AU)

This course furthers students' understanding of the nature and use of Chinese language from different perspectives. Topics may vary from year to year.

Category E: Studies of Ethnic-Chinese

HC160 History of Singapore and Malaysian Chinese (3 AUs)

A historical review of Chinese communities in Singapore and Malaysia, the course starts with the period before World War II, exploring internal divisions in the communities as well as the Chinese's economic and political relations with the British colonial government and China. It also examines the changes after World War II, with special attention paid to the ethnic Chinese's political reorientation, participation in the nation-building projects in the countries of residence, and response to China's economic reform.

HC260 Chinese Education in Southeast Asia

Wherever Chinese overseas have settled in significant numbers, they always aspired to establish their own schools to educate the younger generation in Chinese language or dialects. Focusing on Southeast Asia, this course studies the origin, development, setback, and revival of Chinese education in some of the countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

HC261 Chinese Literature in Singapore and Malaysia

A survey of Chinese literature in Singapore and Malaysia since the early 20th century, this course examines major trends in literary writing such as the influence of the May Fourth Cultural Movement, political and cultural identities, debate on realism and modernism, social engagement and cultural reflections, the influence of Hong Kong and Taiwanese literature, etc., through close reading of works by important writers.

HC360 Chinese Literature in Europe and America (4AU)

This course is a critical analysis of works by selected Chinese-language writers in Europe and America. Topics to be examined include diasporic writing, cultural nostalgia and cultural identity, the influence of Western literature and ideology, etc., through the reading of works by writers such as Gao Xingjian, Bei Dao, Yang Lian, Hong Ying, Yan Geling, etc.

HC361 Transcultural Singapore Theatre

Situating Singapore Chinese-language theatre in the context of a multicultural society, this course examines the social, cultural, and political aspects of the production of theatre and performance in Singapore. Topics include theory of transculturalism, models of transcultural theatre, intellectual dialogues and cultural communications through transcultural theatre, Kuo Pao Kun's theatre and its trancultural significance, etc.

HC362 Chinese Overseas and China

This course investigates the changing relations that Chinese overseas have with China and the factor underlying these changes. It first looks at Overseas Chinese's concern about China's political upheaval and social disorder before 1949 when the People's Republic of China was founded. It then examines the isolation of Chinese overseas from China between 1949 and 1978, because of the radical political movements in China and nation-building projects in their countries of residence. It subsequently explores the responses of Chinese overseas after 1978 when China launched economic reform.

HC363 Critical Study of Singapore Society and Culture

This foundation course provides critical approaches to the understanding and reading of various aspects of Singapore society and culture. It includes the study of Singapore languages, religions, folk cultures, ethnic communities, intellectual activities, civic groups, issues related to political and cultural identities, etc., which will be situated within a multicultural and multilingual context of Singapore, and with an emphasis on the perspective of the Chinese community.

HC460 Globalisation and Chinese Overseas

Globalization implies escalated pace of free flow of people, capital, and ideas across political boundaries. While national framework still exercises constraint on those lacking resource to move, a signification portion of Chinese overseas demonstrates high transnational mobility. This course first reviews the concepts associated with globalization. Then it examines the extent to which the Chinese overseas have been globalized. It also studies the obstacles to and impacts on Chinese overseas in their efforts in the process of globalization.

HC461 Chinese Migration

This course studies migration trajectories involving Chinese leaving China and dispersed in many parts of the world. It examines the formation and transformation of migrant-sending localities in the past and at present. It also discusses the patterns of migration as well as the networks that facilitated Chinese migration. It studies the establishment of Chinese communities around the globe. It invites students to rethink the concepts pertaining to Chinese migration such as Overseas Chinese and Chinese diaspora.  

HC462 Special Topics in the Studies of Ethnic-Chinese (4AU)

This course addresses special topics pertaining to the studies of ethnic Chinese.  In-depth discussion will be conducted on issues that are of historical significance or critical to contemporary situation concerning ethnic Chinese, or on topics that are important to the effort of conceptualizing and theorizing the studies of ethnic Chinese.

Graduation Project

Graduation Project (compulsory) (8 AUs)

This course is an individual work to be done with the guidance of a supervisor assigned by the Division of Chinese and to be submitted in one of the following formats: (1) An extended academic essay of not more than 20,000 Chinese characters on a selected topic in one of the above-mentioned category; or (2) A portfolio of creative writing (short stories, prose, and/or poetry) of not more than 20,000 Chinese characters in total.