SJTU's MA and Exchange Program: Modern Chinese Studies

Original 交大HUMANITIES 交大HUMANITIES

INTRODUCTION

This program aims to provide students with a holistic picture for their understanding of modern China’s humanities. The two-year English taught master program at Shanghai Jiao Tong University provides a wide array of interdisciplinary courses on the history and culture of modern China as well as extracurricular activities. While offering an intensive academic training in Chinese literature, history and philosophy, the program also prepares the students for future careers by improving their intercultural competence.

SJTU

campus

UNIQUE STRENGTHS

Internationality

Right now, this program has already recruited four batches of international students coming from the UK, the US, the Netherlands, Canada, France, Romania, Armenia, George, Russia, Austria, Pakistan, Vietnam, South Korea, etc. The program is committed to offer high quality education on Chinese study and create an inspiring environment conductive to fruitful exchanges of views and ideas.

Interdisciplinarity

The structure of this program is naturally interdisciplinary which incorporates modern China’s literature, linguistics, history and philosophy. The students are allowed to choose one specialized pathway and at the same time obtain knowledge of the whole picture of all the aforesaid disciplines. The lecturers are from a variety of trainings, ranging from literature, history, philosophy, linguistics, cultural studies, anthropology, archaeology, religious studies, ethnic studies, etc. Students certainly could find appropriate mentorship for their unique research passion.

Locality

This program provides students with the best opportunity to be immersed into the local culture. They can improve their Chinese language skills by taking the 96-hour free Chinese language courses. In addition, students can have access to internships in the most cosmopolitan city of China and conduct fieldworks throughout China.

Advancement

This program has helped our graduates develop knowledge and skills for the future. It has proven to be a key transitional phase for students to deepen their future plans. Some of our graduates continued to pursue their doctorates at top universities such as NYU, while others started their career paths in various industries which could be benefited from their knowledge of China.

PROGRAM COURSES

Type	Course Name
Compulsory Courses	English for Academic Purposes
	Scientific Writing, Integrity and Ethics
	Introduction to Chinese Culture
	Chinese Language
	Introduction to Chinese Studies
	Introduction to Chinese Philosophy
	A Brief Introduction to the 20th Century Chinese Literature
	Chinese History
	History of Cultural Exchanges between China and the Outside World
	High-end Forum on Modern Chinese Studies (Serial Speeches)
	Master Dissertation
Elective Courses in Modern Chinese Language and Literature	Overseas Chinese Literature and Modern China
	Chinese Language: Its Nature and Development
	Overseas Chinese Life Writings
	World Literature and Modern Chinese Literature
	Landscape of Chinese Languages
Elective Courses in Modern Chinese Philosophy	The History of Modern Chinese Philosophy
	The Classics of Chinese Philosophy
	Chinese Ethics and Political Philosophy
	Introduction to Philosophy of Technology: An Approach to the Digital Revolution in China

A full list of courses can be found here: https://sohmcs.sjtu.edu.cn/

MESSAGE

FROM PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Chihyun Chang

Professor of International Trade History at SJTU, Senior Research Fellow of Bristol University and Project Professor of Tokyo University. He studies empires' trade, diplomacy and finance in east Asia during the 19th and 20th centuries.

“If you’d like to understand China, you have to be in China; if you’d like to study Chinese and the world, you have to choose Shanghai; if you’d like to study China interdisciplinarily, you should choose SJTU.”

WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY

Shawn Michael Odland from Canada

●The Modern Chinese Studies program at SJTU has been an excellent way for me to learn more about China in an academic environment. The interdisciplinary nature of the program was great because it meant that I could go beyond my specialization of history to also learn about Chinese literature and philosophy with professors who are all passionate about their subjects. This has given me a deeper understanding of Chinese culture and has also given me the opportunity to work with students from around the world who may approach China studies from a different perspective. I can't wait to return to China with the new understanding this program has given me!

Ola Rakchevich from Russia

●My name is Ola Rakchevich and I am a Russian-Montenegrin student of Modern Chinese Studies Master program. What I like the most about the program is the content and the way it is organized. Students can feel how much thought and effort was put into it, to create comprehensive content and effective learning. What I find very important and worthy of praise is how every professor nurtures students’ minds through the encouragement of students’ discussions. Courses are designed in a way that evenly distributes studying throughout the semester and therefore continuous work is a must, but due to the balanced obligations, the pleasure of learning is ensured. All professors are exceptional scholars and they are making students become notable academic people. I am proud to be part of this university and remarkable education program which I would recommend anyone who wishes to pursue this major.

Laurence Fusier Daneau from France

● The master degree in Modern Chinese studies provides international student with a comprehensive knowledge of China, across its literature and language, its history and international relations, its philosophy - in itself and applied to modern China technical developments. The schedule has been thought to bring the overall structure of Chinese culture by the end of the first semester: by then I could feel that the verticality of Chinese history had become clear and its transitions well understood. Then the second semester goes deeper into the knowledge and understanding – not by piling up details and elements (one lifetime would not be enough) but by introducing new angles: for instance, through diaries written by witnesses of contemporary Chinese history, or through artistic influences brought into China across eras. At this stage the format of choice is rather seminar than lecture, where under professor’s guidance students present their understanding to the class. These two first semesters are being taught both online and on site, with adequate supporting information system, well trained professors and dedicated administrative support: everything possible is made in order to support the students thus ensuring their focus on their studies. There is a vast range of elective during the first year, allowing to design one’s own academic path. So far, I am more than satisfied with Shanghai Jiao Tong University’s Master Degree in Chinese Studies and I am looking forward to writing my final project in contemporary Chinese History.