Chinese Literature

What Students Learn

Chinese Literature covers both volumes of the national compulsory curriculum and all three volumes of the selective compulsory curriculum. Close reading and writing develop students' command of Chinese and their ability to appreciate literature, while discussion encourages critical reasoning and cultural understanding. After completing the textbooks, students continue with sustained reading of complete books under detailed teacher guidance, extending their analysis of individual passages to a deeper understanding of entire works.

Learning Focus

1. Classical literature and classical Chinese: Students examine the language and historical context of classical poetry and prose, exploring ideas and expression while developing experience in reading classical Chinese.

2. Modern literature: Students study poetry, prose, fiction, and drama, examining the conventions of each genre and using textual evidence to discuss themes and relationships between characters.

3. Critical reading and expression: Students examine arguments and their reasoning, assess the relationship between evidence and conclusions, and develop supported judgments through discussion and writing.

4. Writing and language practice: Reading informs students' own expression. They practice narrative and argumentative writing, organize material for a specific purpose, and revise their work to improve reasoning and expression.

Guided Reading of Complete Books

After completing the compulsory and selective compulsory textbooks, students undertake sustained reading of complete works with teacher guidance. Teachers support reading plans and lead discussions at successive stages, combining close analysis of selected chapters with attention to the structure and narrative development of the entire work. Students examine character development and themes, drawing on relevant context to deepen their interpretations. Reading journals and focused essays help students organize their thinking and develop independent interpretations through repeated engagement with the text.

Learning Outcomes

Students learn to interpret different forms of Chinese writing, explain literary works with specific evidence, and express their views coherently. Textbook study leads into guided reading of complete books, developing reading and writing alongside a deeper understanding of Chinese culture and literary experience.