What you'll study
The course consists of 120 credits per year. Most modules are 20 credits, meaning you’ll study six modules each year. Some longer modules, such as a dissertation, are worth more (e.g. 40 credits). In these cases, you’ll study fewer modules - but the number of credits will always add up to 120.
First year modules
You’ll undertake two core language modules at either beginners/improvers or advanced level.
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Compulsory
Introduction to East Asian Popular Culture
How are East Asian societies connected by manga, cinema and pop music? Understand popular culture by examining issues like fandom, gender and censorship.
Ancient Chinese History and Culture: From Prehistory to Early Empire
What do the Great Wall and the Terracotta Army have in common? Explore the diversity of arts and identities and examine the rise and decline of Chinese dynasties.
Chinese Art: Forms and Aesthetics
Study calligraphy, painting, architecture, sculpture, music, dance and theatre, and their social and cultural contexts from different periods in Chinese history.
Chinese Language 1
Each year, you'll gain real-world language skills by taking two core Chinese language modules at either beginners and improvers or advanced level.
Chinese Language 2
Working with native speakers and language experts, you'll already be able to look back and see a steady climb as you gain in confidence and proficiency.
Passport Languages
Learn a new foreign language or improve your existing language. Options include French, German, Spanish, Italian, Japanese and Russian.
Second year modules
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Compulsory
Chinese Language 3
Take part in practice, group work, grammar revision, and develop core skills such as translation. Reach a professionally recognised standard, no matter at what level you began.
Chinese Language 4
Practice continues in each language area with intensified emphasis on idiomatic, colloquial and formal registers in different social and cultural contexts.
Ideas and Identities in China: From Early Empire to Modern Republic
Explore key ideas in Chinese culture, such as Confucianism, Taoism, and Legalism, and examine how these feed into and complicate the notion of the “Chinese Dream”.
Cinematic Cities and Societies in China: Migration, Place and Belonging
Use cinema, art and literature to discover how and why contemporary Chinese cities and their societies are interpreted and imagined and engage with them in new, unexpected ways.
Chinese Literature: Classic, Modern and Contemporary
Enhance your ability to read and appreciate Chinese literature in its different forms, ranging from poetry to fiction. You will bridge the gap between ancient Chinese civilisation and contemporary Chinese culture, through a study of a variety of texts.
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Optional
Trinity CertTESOL 1
An introduction to basic language teaching skills, with a focus on English as a foreign language. This module is especially relevant if you plan to spend your year abroad as a teaching assistant.
Understanding China
This module examines the economic transformations of China in a historical, cultural and political context. You'll evaluate the major issues and challenges facing the nation.
Passport Languages
Learn a new foreign language or improve your existing language. Options include French, German, Spanish, Italian, Japanese and Russian.
Year abroad modules
You'll spend your third year studying at one of our partner universities in China. It gives you a fantastic opportunity to experience Chinese culture and society while improving your language skills.
Final year modules
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Compulsory
Chinese Language 5
Consolidate structures and grammar, as well as the serious development of skills in areas like translation, interpreting, textual exegesis or subtitling.
Chinese Language 6
Building on all your work and experience to date, we’ll help to set you on your way to fluent professional and social use of Chinese and becoming a career-ready global citizen.
Gender and Sexuality in Chinese Cinema and Literature
Develop an insight into the shifting gender roles in Chinese societies, and engage with the discussion of gender theories through the debate of how gender and sexuality is constructed in Chinese literature and cinema.
English-Chinese Translation: Theory and Practice
Build an awareness of the considerations when translating between English and Chinese for a wider readership, such as employers, customers, tourists and anyone with an interest in China and Chinese culture.
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Optional
Translating Text Types
You’ll explore the translation of both technical and creative texts, looking at how you can meet your readers’ needs and expectations.
Trinity CertTESOL 2
On the final stage of the CertTESOL qualification, you’ll develop and extend core professional skills and competencies – with further teaching practice and development.
Confucian Philosophy
This module examines the teachings of Confucius on (among other things) education, society, politics and governance, conduct and ethics or the ideal life.
Languages and Cultures Dissertation
Hone your research, critical, analytical, writing, and independent study skills by working on a modern languages topic related to your programme of study to produce a final dissertation.
Passport Languages
Learn a new foreign language or improve your existing language. Options include French, German, Spanish, Italian, Japanese and Russian.
All modules are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.