Classical Chinese Literature

GENERAL INFORMATION

Chinese Name: 古典文献学

Master's Program: 3 years

Undergraduate Program: 4 years

Field Group: 05 Literature

Major: 0501 Chinese Language and Literature

Major Code: 050105

English Name: Study of Chinese Classical Text

Classical Textual Studies Major

When mentioning the Classical Textual Studies major, many of you here are probably still quite unfamiliar and vague about this field of study, not knowing what knowledge this major will equip us with, and what job opportunities will be like after graduation. To answer those questions and help us get an overview of the major, today let's join #laizhongguoliuxue in a detailed analysis of this major, including the curriculum, training objectives, job opportunities, development prospects, and the salary we can expect upon graduating from this major!

What is Classical Textual Studies?

– The Classical Textual Studies major is a scientific discipline capable of connecting modern people and society with history and cultural traditions; it helps provide knowledge of history, culture, philology, and basic knowledge of Classical Chinese. Specifically, it involves activities such as: Collecting, translating, researching, exploiting, and teaching Classical Chinese, meeting the needs of research institutes, universities, colleges, state agencies, organizations and associations, companies, and enterprises.

– In this major, we will study subjects such as: Chinese Classical Philology, Edition Studies, Textual Criticism, Paleography, Phonology, Using Reference Books for Research, Introduction to Excavated Texts, Introduction to Ancient Culture, History of Classical Texts, Ancient Chinese History, History of Ancient Chinese Literature, etc.

Training Objectives of the Major

– This major will cultivate in us a systematic knowledge of classical literature, a solid grasp of basic knowledge of history, cultural relics, and archaeology, thereby fostering a creative spirit, research capability, and practical archaeological skills. It aims to develop individuals with good social sciences and humanities qualities, potential advanced learners in classical philology theory; possessing sufficient competence to engage in professional work in ancient book classification, ancient book identification, publishing and printing, cultural education, etc. To delve deeper into the laws governing the formation, distribution, exchange, and use of classical texts, summarizing the patterns and methods for analyzing, organizing, and researching classical texts.

– Studying Classical Textual Studies will provide us with foundational knowledge in the fields of history, culture, philosophy, and philology. Subsequently, it delves into equipping us with basic knowledge such as: Ancient Chinese Characters, Basic Classical Chinese, Classical Chinese Texts, Classical Chinese Paleography. Foundational knowledge of Classical Chinese, including the principles of the Han character writing system, syntactic rules, important function words, and commonly used Chinese characters.

Major Analysis

Previously, the major included contents such as bibliography, editions, textual criticism, annotation, etc. Currently, besides these traditional contents, this major is also related to other fields such as textual research, compilation, translation, and annotation of archaeological materials. This is an important foundation in the teaching and research of classical literature.

Job Opportunities

– After graduation, we can take on some of the following jobs:

+ Specializing in collecting and preserving Classical Chinese texts for organizations, museums, schools, vocational schools...

+ Researching Classical Chinese texts at cultural agencies, information archival organizations.

+ Teaching at universities and colleges specializing in Classical Chinese such as: Hanoi University, University of Languages and International Studies - Vietnam National University, Hanoi.

+ Classical Chinese research specialist at Institutes of Classical Chinese Studies, Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, Institute of Linguistics, Institute of Lexicography...

+ Staff at National Museums, City Museums, cultural preservation agencies across the country.

+ Interpreter at agencies or foreign companies using Chinese.

+ Editor at press agencies, industry magazines, guide for state agencies or private enterprises.

Development Prospects

Many people believe that the Chinese Classical Textual Studies major is a field of study detached from social reality and relatively boring; this is not entirely wrong. If we consider it from a social perspective, the demand for talent in this field is somewhat limited and does not seem to increase with social progress and scientific development. At the same time, this is also a major considered difficult, requiring high determination during the learning process. One must have a solid professional foundation while also needing broad knowledge and open-minded thinking. The Classical Textual Studies major trains archaeological experts with comprehensive knowledge of Chinese ancient book textual criticism and classical philology, who can also engage in practical work of ancient book collation, teaching, and research of classical texts.

So, we have briefly covered the training programs, salary, and job opportunities of the major. We hope that through our article, you will gain some more information about the major, thereby making an accurate choice about the major you want to pursue. If you are someone who loves archaeology and is passionate about exploring history, don't hesitate to sign up quickly!

Undergraduate Program

Master's Program