Second Major in Chinese Culture and Society

(1) Standard NTU Courses Track 

Students need to complete 30 AUs from the selection below in order to graduate with a Second Major in Chinese Culture and Society:

Experiential Programme 

To enhance cultural immersion and linguistic competence, students are encouraged to undertake any of the following types of internship at a partner institution in China, Taiwan or a Chinese-speaking environment overseas:

1. 10-week (5 AU)
2. 20-week (10 AU)
3. 22-week (11 AU)
4. 24-week (12 AU)
   

Requirements for students going on 10-week internship

Students need to complete 30 AUs from the selection below in order to graduate with a Second Major in Chinese Culture and Society:

• 1 Core Course (3 AUs)
• 10-week internship (5 AUs)
• Prescribed Electives (9 AUs)
• Elective Courses (13 AUs)

For students going on a 10-week internship, 5AUs will be earned under ICC Foundational Core and can be double counted to also fulfil the 2nd Major requirement.

Requirements for students going on 20-week internship

Students need to complete 30 AUs from the selection below in order to graduate with a Second Major in Chinese Culture and Society:

• 1 Core Course (3 AUs)
• 20-week internship (10 AUs)
• Prescribed Electives (9 AUs)
• Elective Courses (8 AUs)

For students going on a 20-week internship, the 10AUs will be earned under ICC Foundational Core and can be double counted to also fulfil the 2^nd Major requirement.

Requirements for students going on 22-week internship

Students need to complete 30 AUs from the selection below in order to graduate with a Second Major in Chinese Culture and Society:

• 1 Core Course (3 AUs)
• 22-week internship (11 AUs)
• Prescribed Electives (9 AUs)
• Elective Courses (7 AUs)

For students going on a 22-week internship, the 11AUs will be earned under ICC Foundational Core and can be double counted to also fulfil the 2nd Major requirement.

Requirements for students going on 24-week internship

 Students need to complete 30 AUs from the selection below in order to graduate with a Second Major in Chinese Culture and Society:

• 1 Core Course (3 AUs)
• 24-week internship (12 AUs)
• Prescribed Electives (9 AUs)
• Elective Courses (6 AUs)

For students going on a 24-week internship, the 12AUs will be earned under ICC Foundational Core and can be double counted to also fulfil the 2nd Major requirement.

Semester-long exchange with a Chinese university

• Students can choose to go on a semester-long exchange with a Chinese university and transfer up to 12 AUs (except for the core course) to fulfil the requirements of the Second Major.
• Students are allowed to take the courses in Chinese subject to meeting the language proficiency of the host university.
• Students will do course matching to the specific NTU prescribed or elective courses as listed in the table below.
• Students may read other courses during their overseas semester exchange which do not need to match any NTU course code or course title listed in the table below. Such courses may be approved and counted as electives towards fulfilment of the Second Major. This flexibility recognises the experiential learning value of an overseas semester, which exposes students to deeper engagement with Chinese culture and society beyond the scope of individual course content.

Students need to complete 30 AUs from the selection below in order to graduate with a Second Major in Chinese Culture and Society:

Core Course

HC5100 Chinese Worlds: Culture, Society, and Methods (3AU)

This course introduces students to the study of Chinese-speaking societies as interconnected worlds shaped by history, migration, media, technology, governance, and everyday social practices. Moving beyond a single nation – centred approach, the course examines Chinese societies in regional and global contexts, with particular attention to Southeast Asia.

As a foundational core course, it emphasises empirical understanding, comparative perspectives, and practical analytical skills. Students will learn how to interpret social and cultural phenomena – such as language use, media, digital platforms, migration, and institutional practices – and to apply this knowledge in professional, technological, and policy-relevant contexts.

Pre-requisite: Nil 

Prescribed Electives 

HC2040 Understanding China – Contemporary China in social, cultural, and political transition (3AU)

This course introduces you to modern and contemporary developments of Chinese societies and aims at analyzing “Chineseness” and engendering critical thinking about the representations of “China” and its society, culture, politics and people in various media. Taking reference from academic scholarships in China Studies, historical and cultural studies, sociology, literary and film studies, this interdisciplinary course examines what traditions and experiences have shaped the historical and cultural construction of "China", and what values and beliefs might inform its future development. Examples for discussion will be drawn from a range of media texts (print, digital, film, pop culture etc.) from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Southeast Asia and the West, in both Chinese and English. This course aims to enhance your comprehensive knowledge about China and Chinese societies in the world since the early 20th century. It introduces you to the major issues and debates centering on the regions, and encourages all-rounded and critical understanding of China and “Chineseness” in the changing world.

Pre-requisite: Nil 

HC3003 Southeast Asian Chinese – Sinophone Southeast Asia (3AU)

The course traces the migration of Chinese to Southeast Asia in the 19th century and examines their relationships and contributions to the hostland and homeland in the 20th century. It seeks to understand how Chinese migrant experiences across Southeast Asia have evolved, and how overseas Chinese identity changed in response to changing socio-economic and political conditions in Southeast Asia and China. 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. This course serves as the foundation for future courses on the overseas Chinese. ​​​​

Pre-requisite: Nil 

HH3003 Migration & Diaspora: Chinese Experiences in Comparative Perspective (3AU)

"Diaspora” has become a buzzword in the last decades—with scholars referring to the proliferation of the term as a “diaspora diaspora”—but what do we mean when we talk about “diaspora”? Is there such as thing as a “Chinese diaspora”? And why do some use terms such as “overseas Chinese” and “Chinese overseas” instead? In this course, we will critically engage with different research paradigms to study the movement of Chinese to Southeast Asia, the Americas and Europe.  

We will first outline the broader historical patterns of migration, focusing on traders in Southeast Asia, mass migration since the mid-nineteenth century, migration after 1945, and the rise of the “new migrants” after 1978. Following this, we will look at distinct migration patterns in more detail: why and when did Chinese migrate to Southeast Asia, the Americas, and Europe? Apart from local and global factors, what policies existed in host societies (and in China) and how did this affect the formation of Chinese communities? This brings us to the third area of concern, namely the organizational aspects of the Chinese communities: what were the principles behind community organizations? How did they materialize in different contexts? And how did they change over time? Finally, we will look into questions of identity and representation through media such as film, TV series, and literature. Throughout the course, we will engage with various types of primary sources, such as cartoons, photographs, novels, films, magazines, and historical artefacts.

Pre-requisite: Nil 

HA3024 China’s Re-emergence in World Politics (3AU)

The purpose of this course is to provide students with an understanding China’s rise in world politics and an appreciation of its international affairs. The course prepares students to take a critical view on one of the most systemic shift of our time – the emergence of China as the world’s largest economy and as a major power in the world. This course will investigate events, contexts and cases that have shaped China’s foreign policy, diplomatic engagements, militarization, and economy.

Pre-requisite: HA1001

HA3091 Cross-Strait Relations (3AU)

Relations across the Taiwan Strait are one of the most intricate, intractable—and consequential—security and political questions in Asia and the world. As a proverbial flashpoint, it remains an enduring source of instability or concern in regional and global affairs. This course will engage students in an in-depth examination of the issues and complexities surrounding China-Taiwan relations. The course will explore and discuss, among other things, the theoretical facets, political history, identity politics, political economy, security dynamics, and potential resolutions of cross-strait relations. The goals, strategies, rationales and domestic underpinnings of the main actors in this ongoing and evolving political story will also be examined.

Pre-requisite: HA1001

HT5101 Translation: Histories, Theories and Principles (3AU)

The objectives of this course are to introduce the history and principles of translation relating to Singapore and Sinophone communities. This course will enhance bilingual language competence, interpretation power, comprehension ability through the decoding and recoding process of translation relating to Sinophone cultures. This course is suitable for those who have interest in language matters, translingual practice and bilingual learning. The learning outcomes are manifold. By the end of this course, students are able to 1) apply essential knowledge and techniques to enhance translation skill and cultural literacy on which translation practice is based; 2) Articulate the basic principles and theories governing translatorial practice in our multilingual society. 

Pre-requisite: Nil

LC5101 Business Chinese (3AU)

Business Chinese is designed for you (as a student) to understand the forms of Chinese and Chinese usage appropriate to business, and to improve the communicative and presentation skills. You will be trained in writing business correspondence, formal business writing and report. Public relations techniques such as advocacy, presentation and interview techniques will be taught. Through lively authentic teaching materials (print/non-print), such as financial newspaper reports, business related web resources, and TV business news broadcasting and interviews, etc., you will be extensively exposed to business related Chinese language and multiple topics reflecting finance and economics. The course will be conducted in a highly interactive mode. You will be motivated to take active participation in carefully designed activities including forum-like tutorials, group discussions, radio and TV financial news broadcasting, mock interview, presentations, group project, etc. The course aims to not only train you to be professional in Mandarin listening, speaking, reading and writing skills, but also to understand and be sensitive to current affairs and international financial situation. 

Pre-requisite: At least a “C6” grade in the GCE ‘O’ Level Chinese or its equivalent (except students in the Chinese Programme)

Electives Courses

CS2022 Multimedia Writing in Chinese (3AU)

This introductory course covers the fundamentals of Chinese journalism and advertising. In class, students will learn about 1) multimedia Chinese news reporting and writing, and 2) cross-platform Chinese advertising proposal writing (i.e., print, radio, TV, and web). They will have opportunities to strengthen their skills in Chinese media writing and oral presentations for media analysis and multimedia projects. The curriculum design involves speed Chinese news writing to cope with simulated deadline pressure. In addition to hands-on assignments, students will listen to talks given by Chinese media professionals and Chinese media scholars. They will share insights about real-world Chinese media practices in Singapore and overseas Chinese societies.

Pre-requisite: Nil

HC3014 Cultural Study of Chinese Cinemas (3AU)

This course teaches appreciation and discussion of important works in Chinese-language cinematic history, leading third year and fourth year students to rethink the origins of Chinese cinemas in mainland China and its development and variation in Hong Kong and Taiwan. This course also provides you with a basic knowledge of film concepts and theories, including star studies, silent film, film genre theory, Chinese leftist cinema, narrative cinema, auteur theory, and queer cinema. This course will also analyse and discuss topics of class, gender, and nationality in cultural research on Chinese cinemas. Through appreciation and study of the visual politics of film, you will be able to place the politics re-presented in Chinese-language cinematic texts back into their actual local historical and social/cultural context.

Pre-requisite: HC1001

HC4021 Hong Kong Literature & Culture in Global Perspective (4AU)

We will first approach the definition of Hong Kong literature and culture by some descriptive understandings. The purpose of this is to enhance critical understanding what is meant by area studies, global studies and border studies through examining the cultural and literary productions of Hong Kong. By the end of this course, students will be able to anaylse the effectiveness of the national, geographical, historical, political and linguistic frameworks in defining Hong Kong literature, and appreciate the problematic geopolitical features embedded and reflected in the cultural entities of Hong Kong.  

This course will introduce prominent, award-winning or representative artworks of Hong Kong writers, artists and directors. This course is also suitable for those who have interest in Singapore and Sinophone literature as Hong Kong literature has extensive cultural interactions with Chinese literature, Taiwan literature, Malaysian Chinese literature, and Singapore literature.  

Pre-requisite: Nil

HR4003 From Colonialism to Tourism: Early Photography in Asia (4AU)

This course introduces you to the relationships between photography, colonialism, and tourism in nineteenth-century Asia. You will examine how photographic images participated as discursive objects in various contexts for different purposes and mediums. You will study a diverse range of images produced by western and local photographers that document and interpret Asia. Through museum visits and conversations with curators, you will develop and refine skills in fieldwork research in preparation for your final-year project.

Pre-requisite: DD1004 or DD2000 or HR2001

BS5804 Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Primer Course, 中医入门 (3AU)

This course aims to give you a brief introduction of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as an alternative medical treatment. It is an elective designed for undergraduates who have an interest in learning more about TCM. The scope of the course is to provide an understanding to the human physiological and pathological pathways, as well as the different basic principles used in TCM for disease prevention. Through this course, you will learn to appreciate TCM as a treatment method.

Pre-requisite: Nil

HA3016 China’s Foreign Policy (3AU)

This course aims to introduce students to contemporary China foreign Policy. It will acquaint students with the various domestic and international drivers and players that have shape China's foreign policy since the end of the Cold War; familiarise them with China's FP bilateral and multilateral engagements with key powers and regions; and help students identify and explain major trends and challenges facing China's foreign Policy as it rises to great power status. The course is designed for students who are interested in gaining a more structured understanding of China's foreign Policy and its growing impact in international affairs. By providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the main foreign policy vectors of a key regional and global power, HA3016 is an important asset for those of you who are considering a future career as a diplomat or in foreign affairs in general, here in the region or globally.

Pre-requisite: HA1001, HA1012

HA4022 International Politics of the Asia-Pacific (4AU)

The aims of the module are to develop knowledge and understanding of the nature of international politics in the Asia-Pacific, the conceptual and theoretical issues relating to those politics, equip students with basic skills to analyze foreign policy of major powers and explain the role of regional institutions and small states, and enhance communication skills.

Pre-requisite: HA1003

HC4024 Text & Image Studies on AIGC (AI-generated content) (4AU)

Building upon the HC3017 Text and Image Studies course, this HC4024 curriculum concentrates on the application and analysis of Text and Image Studies in the context of AIGC. It equips students in the humanities with the skills to master contemporary technology, practice using AI tools for generating appropriate content, foster individual creative thinking, understand ethical principles, meet workplace demands, and contemplate the coexistence of human civilization with non-human entities.

The course aims to empower students to not only proficiently use AI tools but also to critically evaluate their outputs. Students will learn to balance creativity with ethical considerations, ensuring that the content they create or modify using AI respects intellectual property and cultural sensitivities. Furthermore, this course emphasizes the importance of discerning the quality and authenticity of AI-generated content, a skill increasingly essential in a world where such content is ubiquitous.

Pre-requisite: HA1003

HH2005 Foundations of East Asia (3AU)

Much of what we see in current day East Asia finds its roots in centuries past, yet in new forms. This course surveys the long arc of East Asian history through the main themes of tradition and transformation. Tracing from the Han dynasty to the present day, this course examines fundamental questions of what a state is and how to manage it, conceptions of self, the cosmos, and the role and form of ethical and societal norms. Beginning with the formation of the early Chinese empire, the course will follow dominant historical concerns in each period of analysis, alternating between the regions that now make up China and Korea and Japan as primary foci.  With a solid grounding in how these ideas and historical patterns played out prior to Western encounter, the course will then examine their rechartings as the region situated itself within a wider global context beyond the region. These will form the underlying basis for examining the reactions to, incorporation, and local development of more recent phenomena of nationalism, modernity, and reform and/or revolution.  This course encourages students to examine preconceptions of what is meant by "East Asia " both in a historical and present-day sense and also to recognise that scholarship of East Asian history has also evolved over time.

Pre-requisite: HH1001

HH3007 Southeast Asian–China Interactions (3AU)

In the course Southeast Asian-China Interaction, you will examine Chinese texts, indigenous writings that include non-contemporary works which discuss the early historical connections of the Southeast Asian kingdoms with China and archaeological data in the form of Chinese artifacts found on both land sites and shipwrecks. This course will provide an understanding on long period of interactions between Southeast Asia and China. For instance, historical documents such as historical annals were examined as archaeological evidences in early Chinese dynasties from the Han to early Song dynasty period, the various connections between the different Chinese dynasties and the Southeast Asian kingdoms will portray the vibrancy of the trade relations then. You will also be provided with archaeological evidences from sites that facilitates them to understand the importance of archaeological sites as a primary source of data gathering. You will also learn the trade relations between Southeast Asia and China through artefacts such as Chinese ceramics and coins. By examining and analyzing the data from the artefacts, you are able to have a better understanding on the cultural and social aspects in early China and Southeast Asia societies.​

Pre-requisite: HH1001

HC2031 Confucian Thought (3AU)

This course examines the development of Confucian thought in China. It seeks to understand Confucianism’s importance by placing the teaching in its proper historical context. The course will cover the various problems and issues related to Confucianism from antiquity all the way to the present. Students who are interested in Confucianism or Chinese culture in general are encouraged to take the course. 

Pre-requisite: Nil

HC4044 Late Imperial and Modern China: History & Social Change (4AU)

Since the late 18th century, China has experienced the most dramatic history and social change. This course examines late imperial and modern China’s major social, political, economic and cultural issues from a historical context and interdisciplinary perspective. These issues include: environment and climate, ethnic frontiers, gender, media, hygiene, historical memory, social class, urbanization, social protests, the rise of China and nationalism. This course aims to broaden student’s academic horizon and familiarize them with the international academia's latest development and research method on modern China studies. Students will also acquire the relevant basic research methods; learn how to write academic book review, research plan, final year project and/or academic paper. This is MPE subject for the third-year students and above of Chinese Program. This course provides you with background knowledge for Chinese literature, philosophy, and overseas Chinese studies in Chinese Program, and further benefits your work and career in sectors of government, education, and business, etc.

Pre-requisite: Nil

HC4045 Cultural History of Late Imperial China (4AU)

This course introduces advanced undergraduate students to the key methods and approaches of cultural history through the study of late imperial China. Taking a cultural-historical perspective as its primary analytical framework, the course examines Chinese society, economy, ideology, religious belief, cultural practices, and intellectual life from the seventh to the nineteenth centuries. Instruction is organized mainly around thematic lectures, supplemented by group discussions, book reviews, and essay writing. Through close engagement with texts, images, and other historical materials, students will develop foundational skills in historical interpretation while broadening their academic horizons. The course aims to foster critical thinking and encourage reflection on contemporary intellectual and scholarly concerns through a historically grounded understanding of imperial China, thereby preparing students for more advanced study in the field.

Pre-requisite: Nil

HC3043 Chinese Ecological Thoughts & Philosophy (3AU)

This course introduces you to classical, modern and contemporary Chinese ecological thoughts – from traditional Confucian, Buddhist and Daoist thoughts on nature and ecology, to the emergence of ecocriticism and eco-aesthetics as new academic disciplines in contemporary China. Focusing on the historical and cultural significance of concepts that are related to nature and ecology, such as Chinese solar terms, shanshui (natural landscapes), and animals; as well as the increasing dialogues and clashes between Chinese and Western ecological thoughts, this course stimulates you to reflect upon the intricate and complex relationships between human beings and the natural world. At a time of many global environmental crises and challenges, this course also encourages you to contemplate how ancient and contemporary ecological thoughts and theories can both be put into daily-life practices, as well as to cultivate our spiritual wellbeing and make changes to the world.

Pre-requisite: Nil

HC1051 Modern Chinese (3AU)

This course systematically and comprehensively introduces the fundamentals of Modern Chinese grammar, from morphemes, to words, phrases, and sentences. With various real language examples and exercises, you will acquire strong analytical skills to generalize rules of language uses based on language data. The course is useful for future careers relevant to Chinese including language teaching, editing, translation, etc. The course is also necessary for taking more advanced courses such as HC3052 or further studies in Chinese linguistics. You will need to complete HC1002 before taking this course.

Pre-requisite: HC1002

HC2053 Varieties of Chinese (3AU)

This course introduces you to the varieties of Mandarin Chinese as surfaced in Chinese speaking communities such as Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore. We will illustrate with rich examples the differences in the writing system, sound, lexicon, grammar, and pragmatics found in Chinese varieties, and discuss the linguistic, historical, cultural, and social factors that have led to the differences. The course will help you get a deeper and wider understanding of language variation and change, and facilitate more effective communication with Mandarin speakers from different regions. The course is useful for future careers relevant to Chinese including language teaching, editing, translation, etc.

Pre-requisite: Nil

HC4059 Chinese–English Contrastive Linguistics (4AU)

The course focuses on the linguistic differences between Chinese and English. It covers the major linguistic aspects of the two languages, including phonology, word formation, lexicon, syntax, and discourse. The course will be useful for Chinese major students in Singapore, especially those who are to work in education, media, and translation.

Pre-requisite: HC1051