What is the DSE Chinese Literature subject? Who is it for? Overview of the course, grading system, and academic/career pathways!

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1️⃣ DSE Chinese Literature Course Overview & Key Features

DSE Chinese Literature is an elective subject in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE) that is suitable for students interested in literature, writing, and Chinese culture. Unlike “Chinese Language,” this subject focuses on the appreciation and creation of literary works, helping students develop an understanding, emotional connection, and critical thinking towards classical and modern Chinese literary classics.

Key Features of the Course:

Feature	Description
📚 Dual Focus	Literary Appreciation + Creative Writing
🏮 Classical & Modern Balance	Study texts from The Book of Songs, Tang and Song poetry, to works by Lu Xun, Eileen Chang, Hong Kong authors, etc.
🧠 Critical Thinking & Creation	Train students to analyze text themes, rhetorical devices, while encouraging original writing
🧧 Cultural Heritage Emphasis	Deepen understanding and critique of Chinese culture, aesthetics, and societal values

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2️⃣ DSE Chinese Literature Course Structure (2024 Latest Version)

Required Part (Literary Appreciation)

Time Period	Author/Example Texts	Key Learning Focus
Classical Literature	The Book of Songs, Du Fu, Li Qingzhao, Su Shi	Imagery analysis, rhetorical techniques, emotional structure
Modern Literature	Lu Xun, Eileen Chang, Bai Xianyong	Theme exploration, character development, narrative techniques
Hong Kong Literature	Xi Xi, Ye Si, Wong Bik Wan	Urban writing, local consciousness, social critique

Elective Modules (Choose 2 out of 4)

Module Name	Core Learning Focus	Typical Question Types
Literature & Film	Adaptations of literary works into films, comparison of text and cinematic language	Compare original vs. adaptation, analyze audiovisual vs. written techniques
Literature & Culture	Traditional festivals, myths, and historical cultural symbols	Cultural symbolism in poetry, historical context
Literature & Emotion	Exploration of emotions like love, family, friendship in literature	Thematic analysis, emotional character change
Literature & Society	Social critique and historical reflections in literature (e.g., Cultural Revolution novels)	Analyzing literary works’ historical background and social issues

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DSE Chinese Literature Assessment Methods & Score Distribution

Public Examination (70%)

Paper	Content	Assessment Focus	Time / Weighting
Paper 1	Appreciation of specified works (3 choices, 2 answers)	Text comprehension, argument structure, rhetorical analysis	2 hours / 35%
Paper 2	Appreciation of extra-text excerpts + creative writing prompt	Creativity, use of literary techniques, writing expression	2 hours / 35%

School-Based Assessment (SBA, 30%)

Requirement	Description
Research Report	A 5000-word literary research paper or creative analysis (must include academic citations)
Required Elements	Intertextual analysis, creative reflection, at least 5 sources cited
Example Topics	“The Spirit of Chivalry in Jin Yong’s Novels and Its Dialogue with Modern Values”

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DSE Chinese Literature Study Strategies & Exam Tips 🔍

Three-Step Literary Appreciation Method:

• Surface Understanding: Organize plot, character relationships, and imagery usage
• In-depth Interpretation: Extract themes, metaphors, and symbolic techniques
• Cultural Connection: Link historical background, values, and societal changes

Classical Poetry Appreciation Tips:

• “Scenery → Emotion → Reason”: Build emotion through imagery and connect it to the deeper meaning
• “Focus on Word Choice”: Pay attention to verbs and modal words for nuanced expression

Creative Writing Tips:

Structure Section	Writing Recommendations
Introduction	Introduce with imagery or suspense to engage interest
Body	Focus on detailed descriptions, emotional build-up, character psychology
Conclusion	Conclude with a philosophical reflection or symbolic meaning to elevate the structure

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Essential Learning Resources 📚

Resource Type	Recommended Resources	Purpose
Textbook	DSE Chinese Literature Exam Guide	In-depth analysis of model essays and exam question types
Reference Book	Handbook of Literary Criticism Terms	Literary theory vocabulary, rhetorical explanations
Online Platforms	Chinese Classical Literature Database, CNKI	Poetry recitation, literature searches
Tutoring/Activities	Hong Kong Literature Museum, Writing Workshops	Practical training, writer seminars

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DSE Chinese Literature Common Difficulties & Solutions

Issue Type	Suggested Solutions
Difficulty Understanding Classical Chinese	Read short texts daily and create “ancient vs. modern” word flashcards
Superficial Theme Analysis	Use probing questions like, “What cultural/critiques does the author convey through imagery?”
Lack of Depth in SBA Papers	Incorporate cross-media materials (e.g., films/paintings) or conduct field interviews for a richer perspective

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Grading Criteria & High-Score Examples ✨

📌 Example Question: “Compare the thematic similarities between Spring望 and modern disaster literature.”

High-Score Approach:

• Reference scholars’ perspectives (e.g., Yu Wen Suo An)
• Compare imagery and context between ancient and modern texts
• Comment on how literature responds to historical trauma

Common Pitfalls:

• Vague discussions on rhetorical techniques without cultural analysis
• Lack of concrete text comparisons, off-topic writing

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DSE Chinese Literature Academic & Career Pathways 🧑‍🎓

Academic Pathways:

• Further Studies: Chinese Language & Literature, Comparative Literature, Cultural Studies, Creative Writing
• Educational Sector: Secondary School Chinese Teacher, Writing Tutor
• Publishing & Media: Editor, Cultural Journalist, Content Curator
• Creative Industry: Drama Scriptwriter, Fiction Writer, Cross-media Literary Creator

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Note:

The above information is for reference only. For official updates, please visit the Hong Kong Education Bureau website:
🔗 www.edb.gov.hk

This draft was written and organized with AI assistance. Edited by Professor Chan Kwok Wai. Responsible Editor: Kong Yi Leung.