Marxist Philosophy

The Marxist Philosophy program offers the perfect combination of theoretical philosophy and its practical application in politics and society. The curriculum will help students grasp the philosophical ideas that have had a profound global impact and understand their application in societal development. Let’s explore whether this distinctive field of study is the right fit for you!

Program Overview

The Marxist Philosophy program aims to cultivate high-level professionals with a correct political direction, comprehensive development, a solid foundation in Marxist philosophical theory, and systematic professional knowledge. 

Graduates will have the ability to independently conduct scientific research and solve practical problems, with proficiency in at least one foreign language, becoming high-level professionals in teaching, research, and in party and government departments.

Educational Objectives

The goal of this program is to cultivate professionals who possess a strong foundation in Marxist philosophical theory, comprehensive professional knowledge, and the ability to conduct independent research and solve practical problems. Graduates should be proficient in one foreign language and equipped to engage in teaching, research, and practical work in government and party departments.

Study Mode and Duration

• Supervision Method: The program combines collective guidance from a mentor group and individual guidance from the student's own mentor.
• Student Development: Focus is placed on developing both students' learning and research abilities.
• Teaching Method: A combination of teacher explanations and student discussions is used during the teaching process.

The standard study period is 3 years, with the possibility of completing in as few as 2 years or extending to a maximum of 4 years.

Curriculum

Professional Practice

During their study, students are required to participate in at least 10 hours of classroom teaching practice, earning 2 credits upon meeting the requirements. Students must also participate in academic activities and mentor-led research projects at least 10 times, with at least 4 occasions as the main speaker (1 academic activity and 3 reading reports). 

Upon meeting the requirements, students will earn 1 credit. All courses must undergo assessment, with compulsory courses being assessed by exam and elective courses assessed by review. Grades are evaluated on a percentage scale for exams and a pass/fail basis for review courses.

Research Directions

• Marxist Philosophy Sinicization Research: This direction focuses on the process and laws of the Sinicization of Marxist philosophy, exploring the development trends, theoretical achievements, and popularization paths of Marxist philosophy in China. The research investigates the historical forms of Marxist philosophy and the formation mechanism of the Chinese style, with a focus on the perspective of socialist construction and interpretation theory in China.
• Materialist Conception of History and Social, Cultural Philosophy: This direction combines the study of the materialist conception of history with social and cultural research. It explores the contemporary basis of cultural phenomena and social development trends, examining the ideological mechanisms and characteristics of the materialist conception of history and promoting dialogue with contemporary thought and culture.
• Marxist Philosophy and Modern Ways of Thinking: This direction provides a unified interpretation of Marxist philosophy, dialectics, epistemology, and methodology, linking it to research on cognitive science and thinking laws. The research aims to extend the meaning and space of modern thinking by incorporating useful methods from natural and social sciences.
• Foreign Marxist Philosophy Research: This direction focuses on the origins, forms, intellectual trends, and development of foreign Marxist philosophy. It explores the evolution of foreign Marxist philosophy and expands the dialogue between Marxist philosophy in China and abroad, further developing Marxist philosophy in the context of globalization.

Thesis

1. Research Proposal: Master's students are required to finalize their thesis topic by April 1st of the 4th semester and pass the proposal review. The proposal must be approved by the mentor group. If the proposal is not approved, students must submit a second proposal.
2. Midterm Check: Throughout the writing of the thesis, students must have their progress checked during a midterm review. Mentors will hold bi-monthly meetings with students to ensure proper guidance on their thesis writing.
3. Research Achievements: To qualify for graduation, students must achieve certain research results. Master's students should complete at least 4 course papers, 2 annual papers, and publish at least 1 academic paper as a second author, with the university's name as the first author. Students applying for early defense must meet the school's research achievement requirements. Students must also participate in at least 6 academic activities.

Degree Awarding

The thesis must be completed and bound by April of the graduation year, submitted to the Graduate School and the relevant department for review. The thesis will be assessed by two external experts. If both agree, the student can proceed to the thesis defense. The defense will take place in early June, and if passed, the student will be awarded the Master's degree according to the university's graduation regulations.

Career Development

Academic Research and Education

• University lecturers/researchers: Engaging in teaching and research in Marxist philosophy, political theory, or ideological and political courses.
• Secondary school political teachers: Requires a teaching qualification and the ability to teach ideological and political courses.
• Further study: Pursue a doctoral degree and take up higher academic positions or engage in national social science research projects.

Party and Government Departments and Public Institutions

• Civil servants: Through national or provincial exams, enter government departments such as the propaganda department, party schools, or policy research institutes.
• Public institutions: Engage in theoretical research or policy advocacy in think tanks or cultural organizations.
• Special recruitment: Some provinces have directed recruitment plans for Marxist theory graduates.

Media and Publicity

• Party media editors/reporters: Working in theoretical propaganda or news editing at media outlets like the People's Daily and Xinhua News Agency.
• New media operations: Engaging in ideological publicity or party-building content planning for party-government agencies or businesses.

Enterprises and Social Organizations

• State-owned enterprise party-building positions: Responsible for party and public relations work, ideological and political education.
• Corporate culture and HR: Conducting training or developing corporate culture in line with Marxist theory.
• NGOs/NPOs: Engaging in policy research or social surveys within public interest organizations.

International Organizations and Foreign Affairs

• International exchange institutions: Working in international theory publicity or translation at organizations like China International Radio or Foreign Languages Press.
• Foreign policy research: Participating in cross-cultural communication research for projects like the "Belt and Road Initiative."

Related Majors

• Political Science: Focuses on political theory, political systems, and international relations. Ideal for policy analysis or working in international organizations.
• Ideological and Political Education: Suitable for teaching roles in schools or as university counselors (some positions require specialized qualifications).
• Sociology: Suitable for research in government departments or market research.
• Public Administration/Administrative Management: Offers more positions in government and administrative management roles.
• Law (Philosophical Law): Focuses on legal theory and philosophy, ideal for law firms, legal departments, or judicial positions (requires legal certification).
• Modern Chinese History Research: Focuses on the history of the party and the country, suitable for positions in party schools or archives.

Leading Universities in China for This Field

1. Renmin University of China
2. Peking University
3. Fudan University
4. Wuhan University
5. Nanjing University
6. Sun Yat-sen University
7. Jilin University
8. Beijing Normal University
9. Nankai University
10. Tsinghua University