Diploma in Chinese Studies (N70)

As the first and only course of its kind offered at the polytechnic level, and with at least half of the course conducted in Chinese, CHS sharpens your language skills while preparing you for careers in the education, marketing & advertising, tourism and business sectors. As part of the programme, you will go on field trips to a wide variety of organisations that reach out to Mandarin-speaking communities to broaden your perspective of Chinese culture and society.

In the first year of study, you will go on a discovery journey to uncover the different facets of Chinese history, culture, literature, drama and theatre. You will also be exposed to the fundamentals of translation and learn how to present, write and speak effectively with Chinese communication skills.

With an industry-relevant curriculum, you will have opportunities to work on collaborative projects with our reputable industry partners in sectors such as education, translation, business management, culture and heritage, as well as marketing and advertising. You will also get to embark on exciting internships to sharpen your skill sets and build an outstanding portfolio. 

Want to spread your love for the Chinese Language? Covering topics on teaching, curriculum planning, and child development, this specialisation will equip you for a career as a primary school teacher.

Furthermore, students who receive the MOE Teacher Training Sponsorship will get training opportunities at the National Institute of Education (NIE) in their final semester. Upon graduation, they will only need to spend one year at NIE to complete a Diploma in Education (Chinese Specialisation). Students on this track may apply directly for the MOE Teacher Training Sponsorship that covers tuition fees and offers a monthly allowance.

Students who choose the Business specialisation will hone their skills in technology in business, Chinese business practice and communication, marketing as well as translation. You will also gain an in-depth understanding of heritage tourism.

Academic Writing & Presentation (4 Credit Units)

The module focuses on critical thinking, academic writing as well as presentation and listening skills. The module aims to equip students with the skills for academic writing and presentation. Finding and evaluating academic sources, reading, note-taking, essay planning and writing, and presentation skills will be developed in this module.

Career & Professional Preparation 1 (1 Credit Unit)

This module gives students a foundational introduction to their three-year diploma course curriculum and how it prepares them for industry. It will help them to embark on their course with the end in mind, through guided reflection of their personal characteristics and producing an overall game plan for their future education and career goals. The module aims to deepen students’ commitment to the sector that the course prepares them for.

General History of China (4 Credit Units)

This module gives students an outline of Chinese history. It covers all the important events and major historical figures throughout all the dynasties in China. Students should be able to form a general idea of Chinese history and its people and gain insightful reflections to the development of Chinese history; probing them to read more extensively and reflect critically on the Chinese culture and history.

Introduction to Chinese Cultural History (4 Credit Units)

This module introduces various aspects of Chinese cultural history, including the development of social culture, Chinese philosophy, ethical values, educational system, the arts as well as other aspects of Chinese culture. Students will also be encouraged to critically evaluate Chinese traditions, customs and lifestyles.

IT Applications (4 Credit Units)

This module develops the e-competencies by equipping students with the essential computing concepts and necessary skills to use computer applications for information research, organisation, collaboration and presentation.

Written Communication in Chinese 1 (4 Credit Units)

The module aims to teach students the fundamental skills to write effectively in both academic and professional settings. On top of acquiring the basics of structure and style, students will learn to formulate and develop clear writing objectives. Students will be able to write coherently and cohesively in formal, expository and creative style, and also in academic research papers.

Contemporary China (4 Credit Units)

The module examines Contemporary China from its political, economic, societal and cultural aspects. In order to deepen their understanding of China, students will learn about the challenges that China faces. Topics such as economic development, urbanisation, migration and others will be covered in the module.

Fundamentals of Translation (4 Credit Units)

This module introduces fundamental strategies and techniques of English/Chinese (EC) and Chinese/English (CE) translation. Students learn the basic principles of translation and apply these principles to the translation of a variety of text genres. Students will also explore how a translator makes decisions in actual practice by considering a host of factors, including the author's intention, the desired function of the translated text as well as the needs of the readers.

Introduction to Chinese Drama & Theatre (4 Credit Units)

This module aims to help students develop critical and creative thinking skills to produce short theatre pieces. Students enjoy hands-on experience in directing, writing and acting a short play. The module will also introduce techniques in the application of theatre and drama in various fields of work.

Introduction to Chinese Literature (4 Credit Units)

This module surveys the development of classical Chinese literature from ancient times to the late Qing era. It introduces students to representative literary works of each period, ranging from the Book of Songs to the Qing novels. The module explores the historical background of literary works, the lives and experiences of major writers, as well as the structural and formal characteristics of different literary genres.

Professional Communication 1 (3 Credit Units)

This module prepares students to communicate effectively in business settings. Students will learn both oral and written communication skills that demonstrate concepts of business communication principles, interpersonal skills and intercultural skills. Topics such as proposal and report writing, elevator pitch and professional presentation will be covered.

Speech Communication in Chinese (4 Credit Units)

In this module, students learn the basics of Chinese phonetics as well as speech communication styles in different social settings. It trains students to be effective, articulate, confident, composed and credible Mandarin speakers in a variety of professional situations. The module also explores how communication affects human behavior and social development.

COMMON MODULES FOR EDUCATION AND BUSINESS SPECIALISATION

Intermediate Translation (4 Credit Units)

This module exposes students to the theory and practice of Chinese-English (CE) and English-Chinese (EC) translation in greater depth and breadth. Students will have hands-on experience in translating different types of texts, including advertisements, movie/song/book titles, news and basic legal writing.

Professional Communication 2 (2 Credit Units)

This module prepares students to write effective cover letters and resumes. Preparation and enhancement of portfolio to meet professional standard as well as development of presentation skills, and improvement of job-seeking techniques will also be covered in the module.

EDUCATION SPECIALISATION

Child Development & Learning (4 Credit Units)

This module examines the nature of child development. Students will learn the holistic nature of development, the biological foundation, pre-natal development, brain research and major developmental theories in relation to physical, social, cognitive and emotional development. Students will be introduced to child study and observation techniques.

Classical Chinese Poetry & Fiction (4 Credit Units)

This module provides a brief introduction of the development of Chinese poetry and fiction starting from pre-Qin to late Ming and Qing dynasty. Poets from different schools and their representative works will be studied. Students will also learn to appreciate and analyse literary works related to ancient social life, history and culture of the elites in these eras.

Language Lesson Planning & Teaching (4 Credit Units)

The module aims to prepare students to construct lesson plans with appropriate learning activities and develop effective teaching strategies in the teaching of the Chinese language and to assess the diversified learning outcomes of students during classroom time. Students will be exposed to different language pedagogies and teaching techniques for the local primary school context.

BUSINESS SPECIALISATION

Chinese Business Communication (4 Credit Units)

This module exposes students to the context of commercial exchange and communication skills between people of different countries and cultures. Students will learn the cultural and social differences, the use of international business language and business correspondence and other non-verbal communication, and understand international business etiquette, and the style and strategy of international business negotiations.

Introduction to Business (4 Credit Units)

This module aims to provide the fundamentals of financial and business management. Students will be equipped with the relevant technical and conceptual skills in financial and business management to plan, evaluate, execute, control and monitor financial and business projects.

Marketing & Publicity (4 Credit Units)

This module equips students with the necessary strategic skills, as well as tools and techniques to organise and implement marketing and publicity activities. Students are involved in planning, coordinating, staging, and managing events. They will also learn to write persuasively for various audiences, with a focus on the Chinese-language audience. The module is conducted in Chinese.

COMMON MODULES FOR EDUCATION AND BUSINESS SPECIALISATION

Critical Thinking & Writing in Chinese (5 Credit Units)

The module aims to equip students with the important techniques of critical analysis to develop their ability to engage in reflective and independent thinking and writing. Students will learn through different genres of Chinese articles, books, movies and will be taught to critically analyse them. They will be expected to express their analyses through the written critical pieces.

The Chinese in Southeast Asia (4 Credit Units)

This module studies the mass migration of the Chinese to Southeast Asia in the mid-nineteenth century and the Chinese communities in the region. The focus is on their economic, political, cultural activities, identity transformation as well as their contributions towards the region’s development since the early twentieth century.

EDUCATION SPECIALISATION

Introduction to Children’s Literature (4 Credit Units)

This module introduces students to children’s literature and explains how it has reflected cultural, social and ideological change. Students will examine the ways in which the child has been depicted in literature, learn to appreciate and critique different genres of children’s books and be able to select age-appropriate books for young children. A study of children’s television and drama is included.

Special Needs & Exceptional Child (4 Credit Units)

This module introduces students to various special and exceptional needs in primary school children including physical, cognitive, behavioral, emotional and sensory characteristics that make them different. Students will learn about their roles in an inclusive learning environment, design of individualised learning plans and communication with families.

BUSINESS SPECIALISATION

Chinese Business Practices (4 Credit Units)

This module equips students with the basic knowledge of business operations in 21st century China. Students will be exposed to an overview of the global economy and the current China market. They will understand the current business environment of China and gain important commercial knowledge. The instrumental business ethics and Chinese business culture will also be covered to better prepare them for the competitive Chinese commercial world.

Culture Heritage Tourism (4 Credit Units)

This module studies the tangible and intangible value of cultural heritage in Southeast Asia. It also exposes students to the concept of culture tourism. Through visiting historical and heritage sites, and interacting with industry speakers, students will formulate creative projects based on the knowledge and skills learned in the module.

World Issues: A Singapore Perspective^ (2 Credit Units)

^ Interdisciplinary Studies (IS) modules account for 10 credit units of the diploma curriculum. They include modules in communication, innovation and world issues, as well as an interdisciplinary project. By bringing students from diverse diplomas together, the interdisciplinary project fosters collaboration to explore and propose solutions for real-world problems. IS aims to develop students to be agile and self-directed learners, ready for the future workplace.

COMMON MODULES FOR EDUCATION AND BUSINESS SPECIALISATION

Chinese Folklore & the Arts (4 Credit Units)

This module offers an introduction of Chinese folklore and the arts. Students will be introduced to the key relationship between folklore and folk arts. Important Chinese festivals and customs from both Mainland China and Singapore will also be discussed with a comparison of specific case studies. Students will be able to grasp a basic understanding of Chinese arts as well as the contemporary cultural phenomenon in Singapore.

Professional Communication 3 (2 Credit Units)

The module equips students with the knowledge and skills in professional etiquette in a variety of workplace settings. Personal branding and the use of social media (LinkedIn) and the Internet in job-seeking will also be covered in the module. Students will also learn to curate and develop a digital portfolio that highlights their accomplishments, past works, projects and skills.

Introduction to Chinese Linguistics (4 Credit Units)

This module provides the core foundations in Chinese language and linguistics. The course introduces students to formal features of the Chinese language, including its phonological system, philology, lexical features, as well as syntactical structure, to provide a mastery of the language use as applied in their daily lives.

EDUCATION SPECIALISATION

Educational Technology (4 Credit Units)

This module equips students with the knowledge and skills to become more proficient in integrating technology into teaching and learning. Students will be introduced to the fundamentals of educational technology, and infuse teaching and learning in a creative way through information and communication technology. They will also learn basic digital ethics to meet the rapid and continuing technological changes in the educational field.

Readings in Chinese Classics (4 Credit Units)

This module introduces the four traditional categories (经史子集 jing shi zi ji) comprising the historical, philosophical and literary aspects of the Chinese classics. Students will learn about the Thirteen Classics, Twenty-Five Histories, and a variety of Chinese philosophical genres and traditional Chinese literature from the pre-Qin to the Qing dynasty.

BUSINESS SPECIALISATION

Business Translation (4 Credit Units)

This module equips students with the effective skills and techniques for translating business and trade-related documents, including business correspondence, contracts and agreements, memorandums, notices and press releases. Students will learn to translate texts from English to Chinese and vice versa through proper diction and expressions.

Technology in Business (4 Credit Units)
This module provides students with an understanding of e-commerce and technology in business settings against the modern era. Students will learn various platforms on e-commerce. Through this module, students will also master the effective and efficient utilisation of technical and organisational procedures to boost business performance in contemporary organisations.

 

COMMON MODULES FOR EDUCATION AND BUSINESS SPECIALISATION

6-Month Internship/Industry-Based Project** (20 Credit Units)

This module places students on semester-long internships that match their abilities and interests. Alternatively, students may work on career-related or research-related projects in their areas of interest.

EDUCATION SPECIALISATION

Chinese Etymology & Modern Chinese Script* (4 Credit Units)

This module equips students with a basic knowledge of Chinese etymology and the modern Chinese script. It deals with the origin and evolution of Chinese writing, the analysis of the structure, form and meaning of Chinese characters, as well as the reform movement of Chinese writing in later stages. Such knowledge will enhance students’ ability when they become Chinese language teachers, especially in the teaching and recognition of Chinese characters.

Modern Chinese Grammar* (4 Credit Units)

This module aims to provide students with a basic knowledge of modern Chinese grammar, as well as an understanding of the nature and classification of the Chinese lexicon. It will equip them with concepts and skills to analyse various parts of speech and sentence structures of different modern Chinese texts in daily and academic life. It also deals with the functions of rhetoric in literature and everyday life. It aims to enable students to determine the linguistic structure of an expression and relate it to its meaning and rhetorical effects.

Teaching of Civics & Moral Education* (4 Credit Units)

This module introduces students to the use of various approaches to teach civics and moral education at the primary school level. Students will learn core values such as love and humility, filial piety, family harmony, courtesy, responsibility, compassion and loyalty. Important subjects like the cultural practices, values, places of worship, customs and traditions of the different races of Singapore will be included in the module.

Techniques in the Teaching of Chinese Language* (4 Credit Units)

This module equips students with a comprehensive understanding of the various methods and practical techniques in the teaching of different language skills. The use of IT in the teaching of Chinese language will be included.

Use of Chinese in Teaching (Hanyu Pinyin)* (4 Credit Units)

This module develops the oral communication skills of students for teaching purposes. Three main sections will be emphasised: Phonetics, Speech Skills and Effective Classroom Communication. Errors in Mandarin pronunciation relating to vowels and consonants, the four tones and the change of tone with specific words will be taught. Students will also be exposed to practical knowledge and skills in Hanyu Pinyin, accurate pronunciation and standard Mandarin.

 

* For students with MOE Teacher Training Scheme (TTS) @ NIE

** For students not with NIE in final semester