Bachelor of Arts in Chinese and History

Programme Structure

Study Plan for Normative 4-year degree students

Selection Criteria for Stream Allocation for 2016 cohort

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 Chinese language, Chinese literature, history and philosophy. The knowledge is both ancient and modern, and can be widely used in daily life. The training equips students with both in-depth knowledge and research skills for further academic work as well as for career development in the education, public affairs, administration, literature studies, media, editing and creative industries involving the use of Chinese. The Chinese Stream consists of four specialized areas of study, which are (1) Chinese language and literature, (2) Classical and modern Chinese literature, (3) Chinese classics and philosophy, and (4) Language use and writing.

The Cultural Heritage stream provides the professional training necessary to nurture high calibre cultural professionals to meet the growing manpower needs resulting from Hong Kong’s rapidly expanding management capacity in culture- and heritage-related industries, including cultural tourism, museum management, exhibition industries, commercial galleries, libraries and archives, community heritage programmes, publishing, entertainment and arts-related professions, cultural and creative industries. In addition, it educates students to become cultural professionals who are culturally literate and competent in managing and marketing culture and heritage, with extensive knowledge of Chinese cultural heritage and with particular knowledge of Hong Kong’s cultural heritage and its unique position in integrating cultures of the East and the West. Moreover, students/programmes-courses/undergraduate/undergraduate-degree/2016-cohort/ba-chinese-and-history-selection under this stream are educated to become cultural professionals highly proficient in their English-language ability in terms of comprehension, communication and writing for the purpose of promoting one’s culture and heritage. They would demonstrate a sense of curiosity for discovering the wonders of cultural heritage and critical awareness on issues of heritage preservation and development, as well as experiential ability in handling and managing the operation of culture- and heritage-related affairs. Last but not least, the Cultural Heritage stream promotes professionalism in cultural and heritage management in support of maintaining Hong Kong’s leading role in culture- and heritage-related professions and provides expert advice on the promotion of culture and the protection and preservation of heritage in the context of Hong Kong both as part of China and as an international city.

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.

Number of Credit Units Required for the Award

Intended Learning Outcomes of Major (MILOs)

Upon successful completion of this major, students should be able to:

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.

Cultural Heritage Stream

• Demonstrate cultural literacy and competency with professional understanding of the multifarious relations between cultural history and heritage, particularly of Chinese cultural heritage and Hong Kong’s unique role in bridging the cultures of the East and the West;
• Discourse and comment intelligently and expertly on major culture and heritage issues, heritage sites, artworks and artifacts, be able to identify and assess the aesthetic, cultural and educational values of major works of cultural products and heritage artifacts, with specific emphasis on creativity, originality, and critical awareness;
• Disseminate and promote knowledge of culture and heritage to a non-specialist audience using creative and innovative approaches and strategies;
• Design research projects and case studies on cultural history and heritage of an interdisciplinary nature;
• Plan, organize, promote and manage cultural and heritage programmes and activities to accommodate contemporary sensibility and the interests and expectations of different groups of local and international audiences;
• Introduce and promote China and Hong Kong’s cultural heritage by way of innovative modes of exhibition, online display, and print and interactive media.

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

Δ For students with recognised Advanced Level Examinations or equivalent qualifications.

ΔΔ For Associate Degree/Higher Diploma graduates admitted to the senior year.

• Download a copy of Student Handbook

Enquiry: cah@cityu.edu.hk