Chinese Language and Literature
The major in Chinese Language and Literature is a broad academic field that not only enhances learners’ proficiency in Chinese but also deepens their understanding of China’s rich culture, history, and literary thought. It is an ideal program for those passionate about language, culture, and in-depth academic research.
Major Introduction
The Master’s program in Chinese Language and Literature is taught by experienced faculty members and covers various research directions including linguistics, philology, classical literature, modern literature, and literary theory.
This program aims to cultivate creative and independent professionals capable of undertaking academic research and practical work in related fields, laying a solid foundation for future career development or further studies.
Training Objectives
This program is committed to training high-quality talents with solid academic foundation, comprehensive qualities, and the ability to independently conduct innovative research in literature and linguistics. Graduates should possess the following abilities:
- Conduct independent academic research in literature and linguistics, proficiently apply research methods from humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences to address socio-cultural issues, and have cultural criticism skills;
- Use integrative thinking to analyze and solve academic and social cultural problems related to the discipline;
- Be proficient in Chinese writing and language communication, master at least one foreign language, and be capable of independently translating foreign language materials and engaging in academic exchanges;
- Have lifelong learning ability to adapt to social and personal development needs;
- Possess strong teamwork and communication skills;
- Demonstrate a broad global cultural vision and deep humanistic care, valuing and inheriting excellent cultural heritage.
Who is suitable for this major?
- Those who love Chinese and wish to gain deep knowledge of Chinese language, literature, and culture;
- Individuals with strong logical thinking, analytical skills, and literary appreciation;
- Students aspiring to become researchers, lecturers, or specialists in Chinese language and literature;
- Those aiming to develop careers in Chinese teaching, translation, editing and publishing, media, and international cultural exchange;
- People who are proactive, persistent, eager to learn, and ready to face academic challenges.
Study Mode and Duration
The master’s program generally lasts 2.5 to 3 years, with variations according to specific research directions. Students are required to complete coursework, research training, and thesis writing within the prescribed time frame.
Extensions may be granted for special circumstances, not exceeding one year. Failure to complete within the required period without approval will result in loss of student status.
Curriculum
|
No. |
Course Name |
Credits |
|
1 |
First Foreign Language (French) (Sino-French Class) |
3 |
|
2 |
First Foreign Language (German) |
3 |
|
3 |
First Foreign Language (Japanese) |
3 |
|
4 |
First Foreign Language (Russian) |
3 |
|
5 |
First Foreign Language (French) |
3 |
|
6 |
Academic Reading and Translation in English |
1.5 |
|
7 |
Academic English Writing II |
1.5 |
|
8 |
Introduction to Chinese Culture in English II |
1.5 |
|
9 |
English Listening and Speaking for International Communication II |
1.5 |
|
10 |
First Foreign Language (German) 1 |
1.5 |
|
11 |
First Foreign Language (German) 2 |
1.5 |
|
12 |
First Foreign Language (Chinese) |
3 |
|
13 |
Theory and Practice of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics in the New Era |
2 |
|
14 |
Marxism and Methodology of Social Sciences |
1 |
|
15 |
Overview of China |
3 |
|
16 |
Social Practice and Research |
2 |
|
17 |
Philology |
2 |
|
18 |
Literary Theory and Criticism Methods |
2 |
|
19 |
Chinese Literary Philology |
2 |
|
20 |
Research on the History of Chinese Language |
2 |
|
21 |
Selected Readings of Aesthetic Classics |
2 |
|
22 |
Study of Exegesis |
2 |
|
23 |
Contemporary Chinese Literature and Culture Studies |
2 |
|
24 |
Specialized Topics in Cultural Studies |
2 |
|
25 |
Relations between Chinese and Foreign Literatures |
2 |
|
26 |
Studies on Ancient Chinese Poetry and Prose |
2 |
|
27 |
Studies on Ancient Chinese Narrative Literature |
2 |
|
28 |
Comparative Literature Theory and Methods |
2 |
|
29 |
Academic Frontiers |
2 |
|
30 |
Studies on Important Contemporary Writers |
2 |
|
31 |
China-Europe Cultural Relations |
2 |
|
32 |
Concepts in Overseas Chinese Studies |
2 |
|
33 |
Studies in Chinese Aesthetics |
2 |
|
34 |
Specialized Topics in Chinese Language and Characters |
2 |
|
35 |
Selected Readings of Classic Works in Chinese Language and Characters |
2 |
|
36 |
Guided Reading of Contemporary Western Aesthetic Classics |
2 |
|
37 |
Studies on Overseas Chinese Literature |
2 |
|
38 |
Lu Xun Studies |
2 |
|
39 |
Second Foreign Language (German) |
2 |
|
40 |
Second Foreign Language (Japanese) |
2 |
|
41 |
Novel and Film Narratives |
2 |
|
42 |
Specialized Topics in Comparative Poetics |
2 |
|
43 |
Studies on Important Ancient Writers |
2 |
|
44 |
Guided Reading of Classic Works in Ancient Literature |
2 |
|
45 |
Guided Reading of Classic Ancient Literary Theories |
2 |
|
46 |
Research on Chinese Grammar |
2 |
|
47 |
Studies in Language and Culture |
2 |
|
48 |
Research on Ancient Chinese Literary Genres |
2 |
|
49 |
Linguistics and Applied Linguistics Studies |
2 |
|
50 |
Theory and Practice of Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language |
2 |
|
51 |
Research on Internet Culture |
2 |
|
52 |
Feminist Theory |
2 |
|
53 |
History of Contemporary Chinese Literary Criticism |
2 |
|
54 |
Studies on Contemporary Chinese Poetry |
2 |
|
55 |
Studies on Avant-garde Literature |
2 |
|
56 |
Specialized Topics in Cultural History |
2 |
|
57 |
Cultural Theory and Criticism |
2 |
|
58 |
Selected Readings of Modern Western Philosophy Classics |
2 |
|
59 |
Specialized Topics in European and American Literature |
2 |
|
60 |
Phonology Research |
2 |
|
61 |
Specialized Topics in Literature and Modernity |
2 |
|
62 |
Specialized Topics in Foreign Literature |
2 |
|
63 |
Specialized Topics in Chinese Literature |
2 |
|
64 |
Specialized Topics in Contemporary Chinese Literature |
2 |
|
65 |
Studies on Yu Dafu |
2 |
|
66 |
Modern Literature and Film |
2 |
|
67 |
Physical Fitness |
1 |
|
68 |
Thesis Writing and Academic Norms |
2 |
|
69 |
Thesis Topic Selection |
1 |
|
70 |
Advanced Lectures by Tongji University |
2 |
|
71 |
Midterm Assessment |
0 |
Note: Course offerings and credits may be adjusted according to the specific university.
Professional Practice
Professional practice is usually arranged during holidays to encourage active participation. Students are required to complete extensive academic reading (no less than 1 million words) and take notes of at least 100,000 words.
Supervisors will assess the reading performance. Students must publish at least one academic paper related to their major in authoritative journals (with the student as the first or second author), attend at least one academic conference, participate in reading groups, and present academic reports.
Training Mode
- Adopt a tutor-based system combining individual supervision and group guidance;
- Develop personalized training plans according to the curriculum and student conditions, with regular supervision;
- Combine coursework and thesis research using lectures, seminars, and discussions, focusing on independent thinking and research ability;
- Strengthen academic exchanges by inviting experts and organizing participation in academic activities;
- Implement strict examination and evaluation to ensure quality;
- Emphasize ideological, moral, and civic education, encouraging public welfare participation.
Research Directions
- Linguistics and Philology
- Classical Literature
- Modern Literature
- Literary Theory
- Comparative Literature and World Literature
- Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language
- Cultural Studies
Degree Awarding
Upon completion of required credits, passing thesis defense, and meeting university degree requirements, the candidate will be awarded the Master of Arts degree.
Career Development
Graduates can pursue careers in universities, research institutes, cultural institutions, publishing, media, foreign affairs, and enterprises engaging in teaching, research, editing, translation, and cultural promotion, with strong international perspectives and cross-cultural communication skills.
Related Majors
- International Chinese Language Education
- Literary Theory and Criticism
- Comparative Literature
- Linguistics and Applied Linguistics
- Cultural Industry Management
Leading Universities in This Field in China
- Peking University
- Beijing Normal University
- Fudan University
- East China Normal University
- Nanjing University
- Zhejiang University
- Shandong University
- Sichuan University
- Renmin University of China
- Capital Normal University
Evaluation of the Major in Chinese Language and Literature
This major is highly academic, combining theory and practice closely to cultivate students’ research, analytical, and literary criticism skills. Students will acquire comprehensive knowledge in linguistics, classical and modern literature, and develop the ability to apply language skills in teaching, translation, and cultural media.
The major suits academic environments and opens up broad career opportunities in education, culture, publishing, and international exchanges.
The above provides an overview of the Master’s program in Chinese Language and Literature. Visit the “Major Search” section to explore more details about study programs in China!
Connect with the Riba Team today for tailored advice and full support in applying for scholarships and study programs that suit you.
Riba Contact Information:
- Fanpage: China Scholarship Network
- Hotline: +84 - 888 666 350
- Hotline: +84 - 888 666 152
