H2 China Studies in English

9628 H2 China Studies in English

Subject description

China Studies in English (CSE) focuses on the transformation of China since 1978 and its future. The CSE curriculum itself focuses on studying developments in contemporary China from circa 2000 to the present day through an examination of its economy, politics, society and international relations. It allows students to develop the relevant knowledge and critical thinking skills to pursue a holistic understanding of contemporary China and to be cognisant of larger global trends. In the long run, it seeks to enable students to potentially contribute in their own capacity to further Singapore-China interactions.


Syllabus Guide: https://www.seab.gov.sg/docs/default-source/national-examinations/syllabus/alevel/2024syllabus/9628_y24_sy.pdf


Pre-requisites

There are no pre-requisites for offering H2 China Studies in English but you must like essay writing so choose this subject if you:


Key Issues Studied


Scheme of Assessment

The assessment comprises two papers. Paper 1 (Case Studies) and Paper 2 (Essays) are written examination papers. Both papers are compulsory. More details of the scheme of assessment can be found in the SEAB Syllabus Guide*. 

(*Note: This is the revised H2 CSE Syllabus which omits the Independent Studies Research Paper component from the previous syllabus.)


Paper 1 (Case Studies) - The Case Study will require candidates to interpret, analyse and evaluate the given material, and make postulations on outcomes and developments based on the given information.


Paper 2 (Essays) - Students should demonstrate critical thinking skills such as the ability to interpret and evaluate relevant dimensions that inform the issues and to present thoughtful and analytical arguments.


Overall Weighting of Papers

Paper 1 – Case Study (40%)

Paper 2 – Three Essays (60%)


Enrichment opportunities in YIJC / Unique teaching approach

Students taking CSE in YIJC will be attending talks, seminars and forums held by academic institutions on topics that are relevant to China’s present-day development. 


Skill attainment

Students who take CSE as a subject will become:

 

(a) a person who is ‘China-conversant’, where the student will be knowledgeable of the developments in China and sensitive to the thoughts and behaviour of the people of China; 

(b) a person who practises critical thinking, where the student will exercise sound reasoning through considering different perspectives and the use of evidence; and 

(c) a person who is globally aware, where the student will possess an awareness of global issues and trends through the study of China’s relations with other countries and its growth as a regional and global power.

FAQ

Q1: Is there a fixed text for CSE?

Ans: No. Requires student to be widely read, kept up-to-date with events in China through newspapers, magazines, journals and the Internet.

Q2: Is CSE like History? Is it the study of the history of China?

Ans: No. China Studies focuses on the transformation of China since 1978 and its future. As such, it is the study of current developments and challenges in contemporary China.

Q3: Do I have to know Chinese?

Ans: No. However, you do need a deep interest in China’s developments. 


Q4: How is CSE useful to me? 


Ans: It will allow you to develop the relevant knowledge and critical thinking skills to pursue a holistic understanding of contemporary China and also a greater awareness of larger global trends. In the future, you can also potentially contribute, in your own capacity, to further Singapore-China interactions.


Q5: Can I pursue CSE in university?


Ans: You can pursue modules related to China’s development offered both at NUS / NTU.


Q6: Does the college offer H1 CSE?


Ans: As H1 CSE has been discontinued as of 2023, the subject cannot be offered by the incoming JC1 students. The subject can only be offered at the H2 level.


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