Course Code: CHS111
Synopsis
CHS111 introduces the main characteristics and essence of Chinese culture and explores the far- reaching influence of Chinese culture on all levels of Singapore society, to provide a broad historical and cultural background to the learning of Chinese language and literature. Through extensive critical reading, students will learn to analyse Chinese culture as an integral component of the diverse Singapore identity, and how it reinforces unique Singaporean values and societal contract, thus laying a rich foundation for future scholarship and engagement related to Chinese culture and its community.
Level: 5
Credit Units: 5
Presentation Pattern: Every January
Topics
- Characteristics of Chinese culture
- The essence of Chinese culture
- Unity and diversity: the Chinese language in Singapore
- Early Chinese migration and the formation of the Singapore Chinese community
- Confucianism in Singapore
- Traditional Chinese religions in Singapore
- Origins, dialects and clan associations in Singapore
- Traditional Chinese arts in Singapore
- Chinese Education in Singapore
- Singapore Chinese literary and creative arts
- Singapore Chinese media
- Cultural identity of the Singaporean Chinese
Learning Outcome
- Define the main characteristics and essence of the Chinese culture
- Explain early Chinese migration and the forming of the Singapore Chinese community
- Describe Chinese culture as an integral part of Singapore's identity
- Discuss the influence of Chinese culture on Singapore society
- Illustrate key cultural phenomena concerning Chinese culture, Singaporean Chinese culture and Singapore’s multi-cultural heritage
- Apply knowledge from the course to actively and effectively engage in scholarship and involvement related to Chinese and its community