Modern China Studies

The English-language MA programme Modern China Studies is consecutive and places a strong emphasis on academic research. In terms of content, the programme focuses on phenomena and processes shaping China in the 20th and 21st centuries, whilst at the same time taking into account the historical processes leading up to these processes and phenomena. Seminars introduce students to central topics, methods and theories in Modern China Studies. During a one-semester stay abroad, students immerse themselves in a foreign academic culture, extend their language competence and acquire intercultural sensitivity.

Educational organisation

First semester:
Master's seminar on Theories and Methods of China Studies
Master's seminar on Chinese Politics and Economy
Chinese language source reading class accompanying the Master's seminar on Chinese Politics and Economy
Language and Reading exercise 1

Second semester:
Master's seminar on Chinese Culture and Society
Chinese language source reading class accompanying the Master's seminar on Chinese Culture and Society
Language and Reading exercise 2
Colloquium 1: Current Research Topics
Seminar: Research and Teaching Design. This taught class accompanies a practical phase:
EITHER: Teaching an accompanying exercise or tutorial
OR: Participation in a research project
OR: Internship of about four weeks

Third semester
Semester abroad
The choice of university for the semester abroad and of the courses taken there should be based on students' interests and knowledge and has to be agreed upon by the responsible member of staff of the Institute of Chinese Studies at Freiburg University.

Fourth semester
Colloquium 2: Current Research Topics
Master's thesis
Final examination

Study abroad unit(s)

Participants spend the third semester abroad. The choice of university is based on students' interests and previous knowledge. Students who are not native speakers of Chinese are encouraged to participate in an exchange programme with a Chinese university. To date, Freiburg University has exchange programmes with the following Chinese-speaking universities: Nanjing University, Peking University, Tongji University in Shanghai, Chinese University of Hongkong, University of Hongkong, National Taiwan University and National University of Singapore.
Erasmus partnerships are currently being negotiated, e.g. with the Sinological Institute at the University of Lund/Sweden.

Internships

During the second semester, students have the opportunity to complete an internship. Alternatively, they can participate actively in a research project, teach a tutorial or a class. Programme advisers will assist students in identifying possible internship opportunities.

Forms of assessment

Master's Seminars: Seminar papers (Hausarbeiten) (10 ECTS each)
Chinese language source reading classes: written (3 ECTS each)
Language classes: oral and written (6 ECTS each)
Seminar: Research and Teaching Design: written and oral (2 ECTS)
Practical work in second semester: written report (6 ECTS)
Semester abroad: according to university abroad (30 ECTS)
Colloquium: oral (2 ECTS each)
Final examination: oral examination (5 ECTS)

Course objectives

Successful graduates of the programme are qualified for jobs relating to China in academia, foundations, journalism, (further) education and private enterprises.

Language requirements

Applicants must provide proof of English and Chinese skills:
For English: English skills equivalent to C1 (i.e. TOEFL iBT 100 or IELTS band 7.0)
For Chinese: Chinese skills equivalent to B2 (i.e. HSK 4)

Academic requirements

Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in social sciences or humanities with an overall grade of good or better (2.5 in the German system or its respective equivalent)

Enrolment fees

Approx. 150 EUR per semester

Costs of living

Participants must make sure in good time that sufficient funds are available to finance their participation in a course of study. The average cost of living in Freiburg for one month is currently approx. 800-900 EUR. Some details:

• Student accommodation costs approx. 280-450 EUR (monthly).
• Private expenses amount to around 350 EUR (monthly).
• Health insurance is available for approx. 45-90 EUR (monthly).
• Transport: A special student fare for regional transport costs approx. 89 EUR (per semester).

Job opportunities

At the university and the Institute of Chinese Studies, students have a range of opportunities to work as a student/teaching/research assistant in order to earn some extra income.
Business enterprises in the city also offer jobs to students.

Funding opportunities within the university

For the semester abroad, the University of Freiburg offers scholarships for study periods at our partner universities, e.g. 30 places are currently offered at Nanjing University.
http://www.studium.uni-freiburg.de/documents/outgoing/ausschreibungen

Services and support for international students

In addition to services and support offered by each coordinator of a course of study, the International Office organises a special four-day orientation session which generally takes place two weeks before the beginning of the semester. This orientation session includes information about various aspects of everyday life (e.g. accommodation, work opportunities, etc.), presentations and visits to important institutions (e.g. the university library), and opportunities for socialising with other international students. During the semester, the "International Club", coordinated by the Studentenwerk (students' social services), offers a great variety of events, trips, and services for international students in cooperation with the International Office. Furthermore, the UNIKOS team, a group of international students who have been studying at Freiburg University for some time, give practical advice and can be approached for help in several languages.

Accommodation

As Freiburg is an attractive city, finding a suitable place to live can take a little time. Only a small number of students can be offered a room in a student dormitory. The Studentenwerk (students' social services) is in charge of the student dormitories. Applicants must expect a waiting period. In addition to these dormitories, several independent dormitories are listed on the university website. The Studentenwerk also offers a list of available private rooms and the International Office can be contacted for further assistance in finding accommodation (http://www.international.uni-freiburg.de/wohnen-en).