Chinese Studies

Bachelor’s Degree Studies in Chinese Studies gives students a knowledge of Modern Chinese on the level B-1 CEFR and a comprehensive knowledge of Chinese culture, both modern and traditional. Graduates are conversant with all basic areas of Chinese culture and understand the complex inter-connections within this culture. Graduates are also able to see Chinese culture in a global context and comprehend and interpret the social and political events and processes that shape contemporary China and determine its place in the world. Language learning is an important part of the studies. The programme offers an intensive, three-year course in Chinese, covering all basic language skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing). Students on this programme are advised to spend at least one semester in China on a study visit. The programme gives students the language and cultural competencies that enable them to communicate in an informed and effective manner in the Chinese cultural environment.

Upon successful completion of the programme, the graduate is able to:

• demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental events and processes of Chinese history and understand their significance for the formation of Chinese modernity;
• knows the fundamental events and processes of modern Chinese history;
• explain the significance of common Chinese social and cultural realities;
• understands events and processes in the Chinese cultural sphere, is able to interpret them, understands their historical, social, and cultural context;
• communicates fluently in Chinese in common situations, both verbally and in writing (at a level corresponding to B-1 CEFR, HSK level 4);
• is able to apply their knowledge in practice in various communication situations requiring specialized linguistic and cultural competence.

Graduates find employment in positions of co-ordinators of Chinese-Czech projects, foreign trade, diplomacy, translation and interpreting, and as Chinese language teachers.

A standard scope of a Bachelor's thesis is 70 000 characters including footnotes, cover sheet, content, index, list of literature, and annotations. The students work on their research topic with the guidance of their supervisor. They should demonstrate the ability to work critically with primary sources and secondary literature and find relevant answers to the research questions. The students are required to use primary sources and secondary literature in Chinese language. The students should also demonstrate the ability to work on the research topic through a suitable methodological approach. The formal features of a Bachelor's thesis follow the guidelines of Faculty of Arts - http://www.phil.muni.cz/wff/home/studium/informace/predpisy-a-navody/prehled/.

A Bachelor’s Degree graduate may continue with Follow-up Master’s Degree program in Chinese Studies at the Faculty of Arts, or on another programme focused on Chinese studies in the Czech Republic or abroad.