MSc Modern Chinese Studies
Some of the MSc graduates and staff 2009/10
The MSc in Modern Chinese Studies is a three-term, nine-month course designed to provide high quality graduate research training with an emphasis on an appreciation of research methods and on deepening students understanding of modern China.
Students will develop or extend their knowledge and understanding of:
• the key approaches to the social scientific study of modern China
• research methods, strategies and ethics that will be of relevance to the social study of China
• critical analysis of sources and ability to present findings effectively, both verbally and in sustained writing exercises
• framing and executing a workable research topic
• interdisciplinary research and its potential
• Chinese language skills (for those who choose this option)
The degree is designed for students from a wide range of backgrounds. Students may well wish to proceed to this degree from undergraduate courses in such areas as History, Politics and International Relations, Economics, Geography, Anthropology, Sociology, Media or Cultural Studies with some element of coursework on China. However, previous undergraduate coursework on China is not a compulsory requirement for admission. We welcome also applications from students with a background in natural sciences, for instance, who may wish to develop knowledge and skills in History and the Social Sciences - whether in order to broaden their disciplinary range for natural science research, or to begin a switch in discipline. In addition, applications will be considered from those, whether or not they have an academic background on China, who have worked in NGOs, civil service, journalism, private sector, or similar fields and who wish to consolidate and extend their knowledge through sustained academic study. This course can also serve very well as first stage preparation for subsequent doctoral research on China.
The components of the course are as follows:
· Core Course 1: Research Methods for Area Studies
· Core Course 2: The Study of Modern China
· Two Option Courses
· A Dissertation of 10,000 words
The teaching on the MSc programme is built around the two Core Courses. The first core course - Research Methods for Area Studies - introduces students to the strengths and weaknesses of contrasting discipline-based approaches to the study of Asia.
The second Core Course teaches foundational knowledge of modern Chinese history, politics and society needed for further study or research in all disciplines, and introduces the different disciplinary approaches to the study of modern China.
In addition to the two core courses students will choose 2 options papers (see options page for current list)
Finally, all students will complete a research dissertation of 10,000 words on a research topic of their choosing, subject to approval by the Graduate Studies Committee.
All students will attend the weekly Chinese Studies seminar.
Please address your enquiries concerning the MSc in Modern Chinese Studies to:
chinesestudies@area.ox.ac.uk