- Overview
- Module description
Classical Chinese (FLM3015)
15 credits
Classical Chinese, also known as Literary Chinese, is the language of the classic literature from the end of the Spring and Autumn period to the end of the Han dynasty, a written form of Old Chinese. Classical Chinese is a traditional style of written Chinese that evolved from the classical language, making it different from any modern spoken form of Chinese. As a medium of the traditional Chinese civilization, Classical Chinese gives learners access to the rich Chinese achievements in philosophy, literature and art.
This module is offered to Chinese native and/or nearer native speakers from mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and other countries with significant Chinese-language populations, and/or overseas Chinese speakers who are interested to explore their ancestors’ identity, worship, heritage and culture. The majority of this module will be based on reading, translating from classical Chinese to modern Chinese, and discussing extracts taken from key philosophical, political, literary, and historical texts from the Spring and Autumn (770-481 BCE) through the Han (206 BCE-220 CE) periods, as well as prose selections from medieval and late imperial China (600-1900 CE). It will cover a selection of major genres in which the classical language was used over time.
In order to register, you will be required to attend an interview.
