(BA) (4-year-programme) - The University of Hong Kong

29CHIN3311.Translation and sinology (6 credits)The purpose of this course is twofold - to provide an introduction on the history and development ofsinology and to consider the specialized translation techniques involved in research in this field.Throughout the course, students will not only be asked to comparatively examine a variety oftranslated Chinese texts of different natures, ranging from such philosophical texts as the translationof Analects by James Legge and D. C. Lau to classical poetry by Xu Yuanzhong, David Hinton, andArthur Cooper, and discuss their pros and cons, but also to analytically study a number of scholarlyarticles written in English that span both the literary and historical. Taught mostly in English butsupplemented by Chinese, this course aims to satisfy students' intellectual curiosity in this field and atthe same time engage them at a higher level of academic research.Assessment: 100% coursework.CHIN3401.Dissertation (12 credits)The purpose of this course is to provide students with an opportunity to conduct advanced research inthe studies of Chinese language and literature, Chinese history, or translation, perhaps in anticipationof graduate school. It is open only to majors in their final year of studies who are expected to haveprior knowledge in the subject they wish to research in. There is no formal lecture but students whoundertake this course are expected to meet regularly with their tutor as well as to attend conferencesand seminars organized by the School of Chinese.Assessment: 100% coursework.Capstone experience courseCHIN2320.Long translation (6 credits)The Long Translation project is an important part of the Translation degree. Its commencement is asearly as the summer vacation between Years Three and Four when students are expected to find anddecide on the texts for their translation. Close study of the chosen texts on the part of the studentsshould occur in the vacation. From the beginning of the Forth Year to about the end of March of thegraduation year, the actual translation will be done by the student under the supervision of a teacher,in each case assigned by the teachers of Translation. The length of the translation should be abouttwenty pages; the nature of the writing, as literary or practical as the individual student prefers.Assessment: 100% coursework.COURSES FOR FOREIGN LEARNERSThe following courses will only be offered to foreign learners and will not be counted towards any ofthe majors or minors:Introductory coursesCHIN9501.Chinese as a foreign language I (6 credits)This intensive course is intended for foreign learners who have no prior knowledge of the Chineselanguage. It aims to build a solid foundation for students wishing to go on to more advanced levels oflanguage study and in-depth study of Chinese culture and society. It familiarizes students with thephonetic structures of Putonghua, the Hanyu Pinyin system, pronunciation, tones, intonation, sentencepatterns and the characteristics of situational conversations.Assessment: 100% coursework.