#### First year
In the first year of your degree, known as sub-honours, you will take the required modules in Chinese Studies along with modules from your chosen joint subject. Typically, you will take one Chinese Studies module per semester in first year.
#### Second year
Similar to first year, in the second year of your degree, also known as sub-honours, you will take the required modules in Chinese Studies along with modules from your chosen joint subject. Typically, you will take one Chinese Studies module per semester in your second year.
#### Honours
You will take at least two Chinese modules per semester during your third and fourth year, known as Honours.
In your third and fourth years, you must take the following compulsory modules:
Chinese Language, Texts and Cultural Practices 1: you will study more complex texts and be able to recognise and have working knowledge of 1,800 to 2,300 characters.
Chinese Language, Texts and Cultural Practices 2: you will study more complex texts and be able to recognise and have a working knowledge of 2,300 to 2,600 characters.
Chinese Language, Texts and Cultural Practices 3: you will be able to speak, read and write at a high level, use 2,900 to 3,300 characters and comprehend academic texts.
Chinese Language, Texts and Cultural Practices 4: you will be able to speak, read and write at a high level, use 3,200 to 3,600 characters and understand sophisticated academic texts.
You will also choose from a variety of advanced options which incorporate literary, historical and cultural studies into language learning. Modules at Honours level which may be offered include:
Creating China 1: Nation, Modernization, Contestation
Creating China 2: Revolution, Opening-up, Clamping-down
Modern Chinese Science Fiction
Poverty in Modern and Contemporary Chinese Literature and Culture
Constructing Gender in Chinese Literature
Youth and Education in Republican China
Post-socialist Attitude: Literature and Rebellion in post 1990-China
Pearl River Cultures: Guangzhou-Hong Kong-Macau
The Reception and Reinvention of the Past in Modern China
Visualizing Sinophone Culture
In their fourth year, you will also have the option of undertaking a dissertation of 5,000 words on a topic of your choice, supervised by a specialist member of staff. This independent project enables you to develop key research skills which are desired by both prospective employers and by graduate schools offering postgraduate degrees.