Paleography

Program Introduction

Paleography is an interdisciplinary field. Since ancient written materials involve multiple disciplines such as linguistics, philology, literature, archaeology, history, philosophy, law, military studies, and medicine, the scope of paleography is exceptionally broad. In addition to the study of ancient scripts themselves (such as character interpretation, the history of script development, and structural rules of characters), the use of ancient written materials to explore various aspects of early Chinese civilization also falls within the broader scope of paleography.

The richness and significance of ancient written records determine the special role of paleography in the study of ancient Chinese civilization. At Sun Yat-sen University, the paleography discipline is housed within the Department of Chinese Language and Literature, which integrates well with Classical Chinese, Classical Philology, Pre-Qin and Han Dynasty Literature, and Literary Criticism.

Training Objectives

The undergraduate program in paleography focuses on establishing a strong foundation in Classical Chinese and historical studies, with a particular emphasis on oracle bone script, bronze inscriptions, and bamboo and silk manuscripts. 

The program aims to cultivate individuals with an international perspective and a deep understanding of national heritage, equipping students with a well-structured knowledge base, high-level academic literacy, and innovative research skills. 

Graduates will be prepared to engage in paleographic research, contributing to the preservation and promotion of traditional Chinese culture.

Graduation Requirements

1. Extensively read excavated documents and transmitted classical texts, gaining an understanding of the main themes, major achievements, core issues, and trends in paleographic research.

2. Master fundamental research methods in paleography, developing skills in critical analysis, interpretation, and evaluation of ancient scripts and scholarly perspectives.

3. Acquire proficiency in at least two languages for reading, communication, and academic writing, while developing a broad academic perspective that integrates Eastern and Western traditions as well as ancient and modern scholarship.

Core Courses

• Paleographic Studies

• Classical Philology

• Classical Chinese Literature: Great Authors and Masterpieces

• Fundamentals of Linguistics

• History of Ancient Chinese Literature I

• History of Ancient Chinese Literature II

• History of Ancient Chinese Literature III

• Bibliography Studies

• Exegetics

• Phonology

• Cataloguing Studies

• Classical Chinese I

• Classical Chinese II

• Studies in Excavated Documents

• Dunhuang Manuscripts and Philology

Research Directions in Paleography

• Origins and Development of Ancient Scripts: Investigating the origins, evolution, and connections between ancient and modern writing systems.

• Studies on Oracle Bone and Bronze Inscriptions: In-depth interpretation of oracle bone script and bronze inscriptions, analyzing their application and significance in ancient society.

• Ancient Scripts and Culture: Exploring the influence of ancient scripts on culture, religion, and politics.

• Research on Ancient Documents and Epigraphy: Examining the content and historical value of ancient manuscripts and inscriptions.

Degree Awarded

Graduates are awarded a Bachelor degree.

Career Prospects

Graduates can pursue careers in various fields, including:

• Universities and research institutions: Teaching and conducting academic research in Chinese philology, paleography, and historical linguistics.

• News and publishing industry: Engaging in editing, publishing, and textual research.

• Government agencies and enterprises: Working in public relations, media management, cultural promotion, and international Chinese language education.

Related Majors

• History

• World History

• Archaeology

• Cultural Relics and Museum Studies

• Techniques of Relics Protection

• Foreign Languages and History

• Cultural Heritage

• History of Science

University Offering Paleography in China

• Jilin University